Women at the Forefront of Healthcare Technology

At today’s MedTech World Malta event, held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, an inspiring panel showcased pioneering women who are leading advances in healthcare technology. Moderated by Dr Alice McGee, Senior Medical Advisor at Flo Health, the session titled “Women at the Forefront of Healthcare Technology” offered insights from Marja Huiskamp, Julia Zarb, and Jayla Sadikova. Each speaker highlighted their innovative projects and discussed the unique challenges women face in the tech industry.

Connecting Innovators for Health Impact

Marja Huiskamp, Chief Communication Officer at Barcelona Health Hub, described the crucial role of visibility and networking in healthcare innovation. Through Barcelona Health Hub, she connects over 500 companies worldwide, fostering collaborations that bridge gaps between startups and established healthcare organisations. “Without communication, innovation is invisible,” Marja stated, emphasising that even the most advanced solutions need effective communication to reach their audience. Her work highlights the importance of visibility in a competitive space where impactful ideas can thrive only through strong networks and strategic partnerships.

Transforming Male Fertility Diagnostics with AI

Jayla Sadikova, Co-Founder and CSO of Illumicell AI, shared her company’s groundbreaking work in male fertility diagnostics. Illumicell’s AI-driven cell visualisation technology offers faster, more cost-effective diagnostics, addressing a significant gap in the fertility landscape. With male factors accounting for nearly half of infertility cases, Jayla’s approach is shifting some of the responsibility in fertility care to men, challenging the traditional female-focused approach. “Our goal is to shift the fertility burden from women to men,” Jayla explained, underlining the potential for AI to bring about more balanced, insightful approaches to reproductive health.

Making Data Work for Healthcare Leaders

Julia Zarb, founder and CEO of Blue x Blue, detailed her company’s mission to turn complex health data into actionable insights for healthcare leaders. Through Blue x Blue’s AI-driven data translation engine, executives gain access to clear, context-driven information that supports informed decision-making. Drawing from her experience in policy and technology, Julia described the power of relevant data in creating meaningful impact: “Healthcare leaders are overwhelmed by data. Our goal is to give them access to clear, context-driven information.” Julia’s approach bridges the gap between data and decision-making, empowering leaders to implement patient-centred care effectively.

The panel also tackled the complexities of AI in healthcare, where adoption faces hurdles because of integration and operational concerns. Julia Zarb highlighted a “fear of missing out” (FOMO) effect around AI, where leaders feel pressured to implement it quickly without fully understanding its applications or implications. Jayla Sadikova added that cultural differences in investor expectations pose unique challenges, especially as US and Japanese investors have contrasting approaches to AI rigour and ethical standards. This conversation underscored the need for education and support at every level, with AI adoption requiring balanced, well-informed implementation for lasting impact.

Visibility and Collaboration as Key Challenges

Throughout the discussion, the panellists addressed ongoing challenges in healthcare technology, particularly the need for increased visibility and recognition of women’s contributions. Marja pointed out, “Women are doing incredible work, but we’re not seeing enough of it.” Each speaker emphasised that strategic communication and supportive networks are crucial for advancing women’s roles in the industry.

Julia also shared her reflections on working in male-dominated tech spaces, highlighting the value of embracing one’s identity. “I used to think it didn’t matter,” she shared, “but it does, and our voices are essential.” The panellists stressed that women’s unique perspectives bring strength to the industry and that building an inclusive environment requires making those voices heard.

To close, each panellist shared what excites them most about the future. Jayla expressed optimism for AI’s role in creating more personalised care, while Julia highlighted building trust and transparency in healthcare. Marja reinforced the need for global collaboration, noting, “The problems we face are global, and our solutions must be collaborative.”

The panel concluded with a thought-provoking question for Jayla about the educational gap around male fertility, both for clinicians and the public. Jayla highlighted the common misconception that fertility is primarily a female issue, explaining that male factors contribute significantly but are often overlooked. “We need to shift this narrative,” she responded, emphasising the need for greater awareness and diagnostic accessibility for men. By leveraging direct-to-consumer solutions and media coverage, Illumicell aims to break down these barriers. “Awareness is growing, but there’s much more work to be done,” she added, reinforcing the emphasis on education in reshaping fertility care.

This session showed the value of connection, innovation, and resilience in healthcare technology. As women in tech continue to break barriers, their shared vision offers hope for a more inclusive and dynamic future where collaboration and determination drive meaningful change.

Grab the Spotlight: Pre-Register for MedTech Malta 2025!

Got a game-changing MedTech innovation? Want to grab the attention of investors and showcase your tech at one of the top MedTech conferences? Don’t wait—register for MedTech Malta 2025 now and get ready to connect with industry leaders from across the globe!