Digital Health Forum Agenda
09:00–10:00: Registration and Networking Breakfast
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10:00–10:15: Opening Address
• Una Fitzpatrick, Director, Technology Ireland
• Kieran Daly, General Manager & Co-Founder, HealthBeacon; Chair of Ibec's Digital Health Working Group
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10:15–11:15: Panel 1, Digital Health Success in the Context of the National Life Sciences Strategy and EU Presidency
This discussion will explore the Irish Government's evolving digital health strategy in the context of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, alongside the development and anticipated launch of the National Life Sciences Strategy (NLSS) later this year. Panellists will examine how these initiatives intersect with key European regulatory developments and what they mean for Ireland's position as a leader in digital health. The conversation will also address the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its implications for policy, innovation and patient care across the sector.
Moderator: Ciara Finlay, Senior Executive, Irish Medtech
Speakers:
• Emma-Jane Morgan, Head of Policy Unit for Life Sciences & Space Enterprise, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE)
• Barry Ward TD, Fine Gael, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs
• Chantelle Kiernan, Head of Innovation and R&D, IDA Ireland
• Kieran Daly, General Manager & Co-Founder, HealthBeacon; Chair of Ibec's Digital Health Working Group
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11:15–12:15: Panel 2, Ensuring Successful EHDS Implementation in Ireland
This panel will focus on the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) in Ireland, bringing together key stakeholders from HIQA, Department of Health and industry experts at the forefront of health data innovation. The discussion will explore Ireland's readiness to meet EHDS requirements, the opportunities and challenges associated with establishing secure, interoperable health data systems, and the role of public-private collaboration in delivering meaningful outcomes. Panellists will also consider how EHDS can enable improved patient care, support research and innovation, and position Ireland as a leader in the European digital health landscape.
Moderator: Toma Pervan, Executive, Irish Medtech
Speakers:
• Rachel Flynn, Director of Health Information and Standards, HIQA
• Muiris O'Connor, Assistant Secretary, Head of R&D and Health Analytics, Department of Health
• Prof. Neil O'Hare, Chief Information Officer and Professor of Health Informatics (UCD), Digital Health Department, Children's Health Ireland (CHI)
• Elaine Murray, Healthcare Advisory Manager, PwC
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12:15–13:15: Panel 3, Business Case Studies: An Industry Perspective on Digital Health
This part of the event will give member companies the opportunity to share practical digital health case studies and insights from their work. Featuring speakers from medtech, pharmaceutical and technology organisations, it will highlight how areas such as AI, business strategy and skills development are helping to drive innovation and improve healthcare delivery.
Moderator: Ella Kearns, Executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland
Case Study 1 – Deciphex
- Donal O'Shea, CEO and Founder, Deciphex
Case Study 2 – Medtronic
- Paul Mearns, Senior Software Engineering Director, Medtronic
Case Study 3 – IBM
- Seamus McGrath, Public Sector Consulting Leader, IBM
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13:15–14:00: Networking Lunch
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14:00–15:00: Panel 4, Opportunities and Challenges in the Changing European Landscape
This panel will explore the evolving digital health landscape across Europe, the UK and Ireland, with a focus on business strategy, investment, innovation and the changing regulatory environment. Featuring perspectives from ABHI, the HSE and industry representatives, the discussion will examine how organisations are adapting to new opportunities and challenges, and what this means for the future of digital health across these regions.
Moderator: Nina Goddard, Senior QARA Manager, Intuitive
Speakers:
• Andrew Davies, Executive Director, Digital Health, ABHI
• Damien McCallion, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer and Deputy CEO, HSE
• Robert Grohmann, Senior Legal Director, Healthcare & Life Sciences EMEA, Oracle
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15:00–15:15: Closing Remarks
• Toma Pervan, Executive, Irish Medtech
• Lorcan Walsh, Head of the Digital Endpoint Capability Centre, Global Drug Development, Novartis; Vice-Chair of Ibec's Digital Health Working Group
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Following the Digital Health Forum on 28 July, Irish Medtech and BioInnovate will co-host Medtech Brew, an informal networking event that will continue the day's conversations on digital health, innovation and patient-centred care. Taking place from 18.00 to 20.00 at O'Neill's Merrion Row, Dublin (formerly Foley's), the event will bring together medtech innovators, founders and healthcare professionals for networking and discussion.