Building deep tech skills is crucial for healthcare in Europe

A conversation with Urška Bux from WorkInHealth Foundation on their partnership with AWS

The partnership between the WorkInHealth Foundation, created by EIT Health, a cross-KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community) partner of the Deep Tech Talent Initiative and Pledge member, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is significantly contributing to the development of deep tech skills in healthcare.

By addressing the talent gap in healthcare, this partnership focuses on upskilling and reskilling individuals, particularly in essential areas like digital and AI skills, which are often missing from current profiles. Urška highlights in our conversation that: “The combined effort of WorkInHealth Foundation’s expertise and network together with AWS’s upskilling programmes and technological capabilities creates an environment where the healthcare sector can thrive with a future-ready, skilled workforce, ultimately bridging the gap between current and required deep tech competencies.”

AWS are specifically partnering with the WorkInHealth Foundation to train more people in digital skills to help close the digital skills gap, accelerate healthcare innovation and prepare people for careers in healthcare.

The industry is growing fast, but there’s a big gap between the skills available and the skills needed, to keep up with the future. Deep tech skills like AI and digital tools can completely change how healthcare works.

“AI can cut diagnostic errors by up to 50% and reduce treatment costs by 15-30% by making processes more efficient. But for all of these changes, there is a need for people with the right skills, and that’s why we believe initiatives like the Deep Tech Talent Initiative are crucial,” says Urška.

Through these initiatives and the provision of the AWS Educate platform with over 600 free courses on digital skills, including cloud, AI and data management, to all its networks, the partnership ensures access to advanced technical education. AWS also brings practical insights and resources to empower the healthcare workforce and promote digital innovation.

Addressing the gender disparity in tech roles is also essential. Women occupy only 22% of tech positions across European companies, and this underrepresentation is even more pronounced in deep tech sectors. Promoting gender diversity can enhance innovation and problem-solving within the healthcare.

That’s why initiatives such as Girls Go Circular, of which the partnership is a sponsor and WorkInHealth Career Fairs (one coming up January 2025) provide opportunities for young talents, with a focus on women, to gain exposure and access to careers in tech and healthcare. Additionally, initiatives like Future Health HERo, created by EIT Health, a community of ordinary (young) women transforming into extraordinary HERoes for the greater good of the EU Healthcare community, and events like the partnership initiatives between WorkInHealth Foundation and AWS play a vital role in fostering the development of these skills by providing targeted upskilling programs and opportunities for hands-on experience.

‘Unleash your impact’ Challenge

This challenge, run by the WorkInHealth/AWS partnership, offers start-ups and teams in the health sector a chance to win AWS Cloud Credit to scale their health innovations, as well as gain exposure and mentorship from key industry leaders. Selected teams will:

• Receive USD 2000 AWS Cloud Credits to access industry-leading cloud services, helping them build, launch, and scale their project effortlessly.
• Gain access to AWS subject matter experts and industry mentors who will provide tailored guidance and best practices for maximising cloud capabilities.
• Showcase their project within the Work in Health community, connecting with key stakeholders, investors, and collaborators in healthcare innovation.
• Access to 400+ free digital courses to help you accelerate their cloud journey.

How to take part

Record a short 3–5-minute video showcasing your health innovation; providing an explanation of your solution, the impact you’re are making and how the WorkInHealth/AWS partnership can help you grow. Then submit your video by completing the online application form.

Full details are on the website here.