Driving Innovation in Digital Health

DKV Innolab is a team focused on identifying and overcoming challenges in the insurance sector by engaging with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, embracing open innovation, and implementing disruptive technologies within DKV’s business. At DKV, we aim to make innovation a core part of our brand and products. Through inspiration and training, we work to make an impact on the business, the ecosystem, and key stakeholders. All of this is driven by two main pillars: Digital Health and Insurtech.

DKV Challenge in Digital Health

The DKV Challenges is DKV Innolab’s open innovation program, designed to identify and attract innovative ideas and solutions from the market that address major health-related challenges and add value to the DKV ecosystem.

1 Annual challenge identification

2 Innovation call launch

3 Scouting, certification and winner selection

4 Collaboration for adoption at DKV

The challenge: Disruptive Digital Screening

Anticipating is key

Many diseases can be prevented if detected early. However, in practice, many people either do not access screening tests or do so too late, when the disease has already progressed.

Early detection not only improves clinical prognosis but also enables intervention before the disease affects quality of life. Early detection means saving time, lowering healthcare costs, and, most importantly, improving health outcomes.

Awareness is not enough

Although society is increasingly aware of the importance of self-care and prevention, this awareness doesn’t always translate into action.

The lack of accessible and personalized tools limits the ability to truly anticipate risks.

Technology to expand access to health

The widespread adoption of devices such as smartphones, wearables, and sensors presents a unique opportunity: developing digital solutions that can detect risks and pathologies in a simple, rapid, and scalable way.

Technology is the key to democratizing access to preventive care, making it available to everyone, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.

DKV’s vision to address the challenge

At DKV, we are committed to supporting our customers in achieving the best possible health for as long as possible. To that end, we are committed to incorporating innovative technologies through strategic alliances with providers in the digital health ecosystem.

What we are looking for

We are seeking disruptive digital solutions that enable early identification of risks and pathologies within our insured population, with the goal of delivering preventative and personalized interventions.

These solutions must be 100% digital and integrate into DKV’s digital health ecosystem. Below, we outline the priority medical areas and provide some examples for each (not exclusive).

Ophthalmology

oculista

Early detection of pathologies such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.

Respiratory system

aparato respiratorio

Early identification of the risk of developing respiratory diseases.

Traumatology

Early detection of fracture risk or other musculoskeletal conditions.

Apply now

Programme launch

Jun 17

Launch of the programme

Jun 30

Informative webinar

Sep 5

Call closure and candidates evaluation

Sep 29

Finalists announcement

Oct 13 – Nov 10

Mentoring Programme

Nov 26

Health4Good event, pitches and winner selection

Dic – Jan

DKV agreement & Kick-off

Mentoring programme

This program will provide a detailed view of the Spanish private insurance industry and an understanding of the DKV digital ecosystem in order to integrate and reach end customers.

The four finalist startups will participate in a tailored mentorship program designed to accelerate their readiness for collaboration with DKV.

Private health insurance market in Spain · Digital Health Strategy at DKV · DKV’s digital health ecosystem to integrate the solution and reach end customers · How DKV collaborates with startups in digital health? · Individual Mentoring for the preparation of the pitch and the business proposal.

Presentation of the Catalan Health System innovation Access Program (PASS)

Open innovation in pharma: how GSK works with startups

Tailored Recommendations for Health Technology Assessment in Europe by Prof. Dr. med. Jochen Klucken

Prize & additional benefits

The prize

DKV Adoption + 10.000 €

The winning solution will enter the process for adoption eligibility as an additional service within one of DKV’s private insurance products. In addition, the winner will be rewarded with 10.000 €.

Prior to adoption and depending on the maturity of the solution, adaptations or prior testing may be required.

Additionally, the winner will have the opportunity to pitch to ERGO health executives, as well as access to tickets for 2026 Health Revolution Congress, a ticket for 4YFN’26, and to have the opportunity to give an elevator pitch at the 4YFN’26 summit.

Additional benefits

Visibility and networking

Knowledge of insurance market

Training and acceleration support

Eligibility criteria

Final user solution: The customer should be the final user of the solution. Healthcare professionals can be involved, but should not be the main target.
Software-based solutions: Fully software-based solutions are a priority. Mainstream consumer devices or other hardware devices will only be considered as components of a main digital solution.
Volume: Solutions targeting most common pathologies or symptoms will be prioritized.
Focus on screening and early-detection: Treatment or monitoring-only solutions will not be eligible.
Diferentiation: The call seeks innovative and differentiated solutions in the market, with a strong focus on disruptive technologies.
Friendly and accessible UX: The solution’s design and usability must consider the needs of the target segment, offer a user-friendly experience, and comply with the European Accessibility Act.
Ready to be adopted: A CIMIT higher than 6 will be required. Please check the CIMIT Innovation Cycle here.
Plan for Spanish adaptation: If the company is not Spanish, candidatures must include a plan for adapting the solution to the Spanish population.
MDR compliance: Solutions must comply with the Medical Device Regulation, or have a solid plan for certification in 6 months. Wellbeing solutions won’t be considered.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance: The entity must ensure legal and regulatory compliance to operate at European and Spanish level.
Entity involvement: Entities must ensure that the required resources are available to participate in the various programme activities.
Value proposition: The call looks for solutions that have a clear impact on the insurance business

News

Desafío DKV 2025: Disruptive Digital Screening Innovation Call