binarypublishMicrosoft for Startups is a program that supports new businesses by providing technology services and industry-specific guidance. Sally Ann Frank, worldwide lead for health and life sciences at Microsoft for Startups, explains how the team accelerates the development and growth of startups in various industries, including retail, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and health and life sciences.
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the concept of care outside traditional healthcare models. Telehealth has become ubiquitous in areas that can support the technology. The pandemic has also highlighted healthcare deserts, where vaccines and medications are not readily available. The Microsoft for Startups strategy for healthcare has played a role in driving innovation by providing startups with tools, resources, and mentorship. The program helps healthcare professionals collaborate, improve patient engagement, and accelerate drug discovery.
Generative AI remains popular in administrative use cases in the health and life sciences industry. However, as the industry improves content moderation and ringfencing sources in generative AI, it can move towards more clinical applications. Microsoft remains committed to responsible AI practices, such as fairness, reliability, safety, privacy, and security.
Microsoft’s partner ecosystem adds value to the health and life sciences space by bridging the gap between Microsoft’s tools and platforms and the solutions that customers can use. Startup partners in the health and life sciences industry help improve patient outcomes with clinical support tools and optimize clinical trials. Microsoft supports new entrants in the market through its Founders Hub startup program, which provides tools, resources, mentorship, and go-to-market support.
Some recent successes in the health and life sciences industry include BeekeeperAI, an AI tooling company that enables AI algorithm development within a zero-trust framework for healthcare predictions. BeekeeperAI enhanced its solution by adding Azure Confidential Ledger. Pangaea Data’s product platform helped the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) identify cachexia patients, resulting in cost savings and improved patient outcomes.
In the future, there will likely be more AI solutions in the clinical realm, personalized medical treatments, and increased adoption of virtual and augmented reality in mental health. There will also be changes in care delivery systems as more routine visits move towards telehealth.
