Welcome Health Ventures: Closing the Gap Between MedTech Innovation and Implementation

For decades, the process of scaling medical innovations has been painstakingly slow. From the first successful clinical trials to widespread adoption, life-saving advancements often take 15-20 years to become the standard. This lag isn’t just inefficient—it raises ethical concerns. How can a world brimming with proven healthcare solutions allow so many to remain underutilized? For Steve Moore, Founder and CEO of Welcome Health Ventures (WHV), this realization was a turning point. Having spent over a decade in the Middle East, he frequently fielded questions from global healthcare leaders seeking to enter the region. He realized that human relationships, trust, and authenticity were at the core of bridging this gap. WHV was born from the conviction that healthcare innovations shouldn’t take decades to reach those in need. 

Evolving Vision: From Importing Solutions to Building Ecosystems 

Initially, WHV set out to introduce successful healthcare innovations to Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. However, Moore’s vision expanded beyond mere market entry strategies. Today, WHV fosters a global ecosystem that supports startups, partners with established players, and drives thought leadership in healthcare innovation. Rather than operating as a conventional accelerator, WHV provides end-to-end support—including funding, mentorship, regulatory alignment, and even assistance with relocation and cultural adaptation. The goal is to serve as a comprehensive innovation hub that enables sustainable growth rather than a temporary launchpad.

What Sets WHV Apart 

Unlike many facilitators that focus exclusively on early-stage startups or large corporations, WHV takes a holistic, full-cycle approach. Its team collectively possesses over 85 years of experience in both regional healthcare markets and global innovation networks. This dual perspective ensures that solutions are not only culturally adapted but also aligned with international best practices. Additionally, WHV fosters long-term partnerships, linking governments, healthcare providers, payers, and technology innovators to create a truly collaborative ecosystem. 

Addressing Key Healthcare Challenges in the GCC 

The healthcare landscape in the GCC presents both opportunities and challenges. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity continue to place pressure on healthcare systems. WHV actively seeks data-driven and preventive solutions to address these concerns at a systemic level. Additionally, with rapid urbanization, many rural and remote areas struggle with limited healthcare access. Telehealth and mobile health technologies present promising solutions, and WHV is committed to supporting their deployment. 

Beyond patient care, the region is also heavily investing in medical infrastructure. WHV plays a key role in integrating next-generation technologies, such as AI-powered diagnostics and robotic-assisted procedures, to enhance healthcare capacity and efficiency. Navigating regulatory processes in the GCC can also be a challenge, and WHV provides companies with a structured soft-landing package to ease market entry. This includes regulatory guidance, investor matchmaking, and operational support to help innovators thrive in the region. 

WHV at MedTech World Dubai: Partnerships, Insights, and Growth 

As WHV continues to expand its influence, MedTech World Dubai 2025 served as a critical platform for forging partnerships and gathering insights. The event provided an opportunity to identify groundbreaking healthcare solutions ready for scaling in the Middle East. Moore and his team were particularly keen on meeting investors as they continued to develop WHV’s investor program. Equally important was engaging with policymakers and regulators to ensure that healthcare innovations align with regional requirements. WHV’s presence at MedTech World Dubai was not only about showcasing its capabilities but also about listening—understanding the challenges companies face when entering, scaling, and investing in the region. 

WHV maintains an open-minded approach when evaluating healthcare innovations. Rather than confining itself to predefined categories, the team is interested in any solution that demonstrates a tangible impact on human health and well-being. While AI, virtual reality, and personalized medicine are widely discussed trends, Moore highlights blockchain as an area with untapped potential in healthcare. From securing patient data to streamlining supply chains, blockchain technology could play a pivotal role in future healthcare ecosystems. 

To foster a thriving MedTech ecosystem, regulatory frameworks in the GCC must become more harmonized. Moore envisions a future where approvals from one regulatory body are automatically recognized across the region, expediting the entry of innovative healthcare solutions. Establishing a unified GCC-wide regulatory standard that competes with the US FDA and CE marking systems would not only attract international companies but also position the region as a leader in exporting medical innovations. 

Opportunities for Startups in AI and Digital Transformation 

The rapid advancement of AI and digital transformation presents immense opportunities for startups in the GCC. Preventative healthcare, home-based care, and community healthcare remain underserved areas in the region. Moore also emphasizes the importance of mental health, neurodiversity, patient engagement, and value-based healthcare models. As these fields gain traction, WHV aims to support innovative startups that address these pressing needs. 

Moore envisions a future where hundreds of new companies operate in the region, creating thousands of high-value careers while improving and saving millions of lives. Saudi Arabia, as a central hub in the Islamic world, has the potential to serve as a bridge between global healthcare innovations and regional implementation. By fostering collaboration and sharing technology, WHV aims to build a sustainable pipeline of healthcare solutions that benefit both the Middle East and the broader international community. 

Upcoming Expansion and Global Reach 

WHV’s impact is not limited to the GCC. The company is gearing up to launch a brand-new office in Australia, further expanding its global footprint. This expansion underscores WHV’s commitment to connecting international healthcare markets and facilitating cross-border innovation. 

Looking ahead, Moore is confident that the region will lead the world in drug discovery, new medical interventions, and the development of digital twins—allowing for a deeper understanding of human health. WHV’s mission is not just about accelerating individual innovations but about building an entire ecosystem that sustains long-term advancements in healthcare. 

Moore emphasizes that transforming healthcare is not a solo endeavor; it requires collective effort from governments, private enterprises, innovators, and end-users. WHV thrives on collaboration and invites all stakeholders—whether policymakers, healthcare professionals, or aspiring entrepreneurs—to join forces in shaping the future of healthcare in the GCC. By fostering a culture of trust, innovation, and shared values, WHV aims to create a lasting impact, improving healthcare access and outcomes for generations to come.