Pioneers in Healthcare Award ceremony 2025 Innovations that shape the healthcare of tomorrow

The PIHC vouchers recognise not only innovation but also the power of collaboration between healthcare providers, scientists, knowledge institutions, and technological experts. This combined effort enables the development of new technologies and their implementation in healthcare practice, where they have the greatest impact: with the patient.

From the many submitted research proposals, 10 projects were selected. These projects include the use of a smart chatbot to promote a healthy lifestyle, an advanced system for measuring cream dosage based on skin surface area, and a guidance system to motivate patients to exercise for faster recovery.

Two ongoing PIHC projects gave attendees a glimpse into their current research. Dr Ewout Kouwenhoven, surgical oncologist at ZGT, explained how he uses smart data to predict potential complications after esophageal surgery. Dr Anique Bellos-Grob, a technical physician at ZGT and assistant professor at the University of Twente, demonstrated the results of her research on a special tilting MRI scanner. This scanner can be used to better determine which type of mesh is suitable for patients with rectal prolapse.

Hilde Dijstelbloem, Chair of the ZGT Executive Board: “These studies not only generate knowledge, but also practical applications that transform healthcare. The PIHC vouchers are crucial because they provide researchers and healthcare professionals with the means to actually implement innovations. This is how we create the healthcare of the future: by collaborating, thinking ahead, and, above all, by continuing to pioneer.”

Summaries of the awarded project are published on the PIHC website.

The Pioneers in Health Care (PIHC) Innovation Fund is a collaboration between the University of Twente (TechMed Centre), Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and the hospitals MST, ZGT, and Deventer hospital. Each year, the Fund provides €600,000 for 10 innovative projects that make smart use of technology for the healthcare of tomorrow.

PIHC brings doctors and researchers together to develop new technology for better patient care or to use existing technology for new medical applications.

Recently, an article was published in the magazine ICT & Health about the valuable contribution of the Pioneers in HealthCare innovation fund.