To most people, “the robot doctor” sounds like the title of a terrible sci-fi movie. But it’s an integral part of the future of health care

2. Future of Health Care
To most people, “the robot doctor” sounds like the title of a terrible sci-fi movie. But it’s an integral part
of the future of health care.The data revolution is already transforming the health care landscape, and if
you want to help shape its future (and make a profit in the process), be prepared to capitalize on these
five exciting trends:
1. Preventive medicine will soar
As information from electronic medical records becomes available in the cloud, health care tasks are
moving online. And the digitalization of diagnoses has implications for predictive and preventive
medicine.By registering slight increases in temperature or detecting the early symptoms of a virus,
sensors will make it easy for people to take care of themselves before they get sick.This technology is in
the early stages, however, and it needs entrepreneurs to develop its full potential. You can help shape
this future by keeping up with trends and innovations.Connect with your local university to see what you
can learn or join a program such as StartUp Health Academy, a global coaching program for
entrepreneurs who want to make waves in the health care space.
2. Robots will be optimized for health tasks
With the development of predictive data solutions will come the creation of devices and robots that can
complete health care tasks on their own.Some prototypes already are functioning in hospitals. For
example, Eveis a robot built by Aethon that’s programmed to deliver vital samples and supplies at the
University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.Getting your startup involved in this robotics trend
can start with educating and training yourself on the basics. Places such as Codecademy and Coursera
offer personalized training courses and programs – often for free. Couple education with up-to-date
knowledge on trends, and you’ll set yourself up for success.
3. Health care will go from general to personal
The “Internet of Things” will connect devices that can support predictive medicine and products that link
a patient’s wellness to her lifestyle will go from luxury to necessity.As data becomes more accessible and
devices smarter, entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to connect this new technology to the patient
experience.So focus on building a good base of knowledge around data, analytics and tech. Invest in
data to get ahead of the curve.
4. Collaboration will destroy silos
Entrepreneurs who can collaborate with researchers, health care organizations and other industry
players will be able to innovate successfully and find gaps in technology.Becoming familiar with
networks of health care professionals and entrepreneurs can provide you with this collaborative power.

3. Incubators, such as Chicago’s Matter, are doing an amazing job at connecting innovators with big
companies, research institutions and investors to create new life-science startups. Get involved in
energetic environments such as this as much as possible.
5. Doctors will have access to more data
Physicians are already using computers and other high-tech devices and the use of these devices is
improving health care. As data becomes more readily available, extensive and personalized, it will
revolutionize the way doctors diagnose disease and treat patients.
The X Prize Foundation, an innovation organization led by Dr. Peter Diamandis, is offering a $10 million
award to the first team to deliver a working “tricorder,"” the handheld diagnostic device used by
medical officers in Star Trek to detect diseases. Diamandis has predicted a team will succeed in the next
five years. Entrepreneurs who are able to adapt and innovate technology that connects doctors with
diagnostic tools will be poised to take advantage of the data revolution.
You might have noticed that all these trends have one thing in common: data. By building a strong
backbone of data in your company, you will reinforce your ability to innovate in line with the health care
industry. And by seizing the opportunities provided by technological advancement, you can become this
era’s innovator. "The robot doctor” doesn’t sound so improbable now, does it?