Vara and Mitera Hospital launch AI breast cancer screening tech in Greece

German deeptech startup Vara has announced a partnership with Mitera Hospital in Athens, a member of Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG).

Vara’s artificial intelligence (AI) powered software will be used to support and complement the work of radiologists at Mitera’s screening centres to improve efficiency and increase screening rates.

Dr Alexandra Athanasiou, head of breast imaging department, Mitera, said: “Mitera has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive care to women for more than 40 years and our partnership with Vara will allow us to build on this experience by bringing cutting-edge diagnostic tools to the assistance of our teams of radiologists.”

HelloBetter scores €10 million in Series A round

Berlin-based, digital therapeutics firm HelloBetter has announced a €4 million extension of its €6 million Series A funding round, bringing the total investment round to €10 million.

MassMutual Ventures (MMV) led, joined by existing investors HealthCap, Expon Capital and Sparrow Ventures.

The funds will be used to push the commercialisation of HelloBetter’s products in the German market and advance its expansion beyond the DACH region.

Hannes Klöpper, cofounder and CEO, HelloBetter, said: “We are excited to receive backing from yet another strong partner, as our category leadership in the field of digital therapeutics for mental health is becoming increasingly more visible.”

AWS announces 12 startups participating in UK healthcare accelerator

A panel from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and government-focused tech firm PUBLIC has chosen 12 startups to join the UK’s first AWS healthcare accelerator.

The four-week programme aims to support startups that achieve the quadruple aim of improved patient experience, improved clinician experience, better health outcomes, and lower cost of care.

Among the participants is Dignio, which connects patients and healthcare professionals through a digital platform.

Ewa Truchanowicz, managing director, Dignio said: “The breadth and variety of expertise made available via the programme is superb, and we look forward to increased growth in the UK and globally.”

Homecare platform Cera expands to Germany

UK-based healthtech firm Cera has announced its technology will be used to deliver care and nursing services in people’s homes across Berlin and Potsdam.

The firm’s AI-powered app monitors service users’ vital signs, activity levels, sleeping patterns and nutrition, and advises their professional carer or nurse on the best course of medical action.

Dr Ben Maruthappu, CEO and cofounder, Cera, said: “As a result of COVID-19, we’ve seen a significant acceleration in the demand for healthcare services to be delivered at home, rather than in hospitals, and we’re uniquely placed to use our technology to address this need.”

New book explores how the NHS used healthtech during COVID

Digital health influencer Victoria Betton has announced the publication of her book Towards a Digital Health Ecology: NHS Technology Adoption through the COVID-19 Looking Glass.

The book is aimed at people working in the digital health sector and anyone curious about how the NHS used technology during the first wave of the pandemic.

Betton is cofounder of digital health startup, LOOP and has more than 20 years of experience in local government, third sector, digital health startups and the NHS.

A free launch event is taking place on 14 March, 2022 in London. To find out more see here.