Diary: Health Innovation Connect gathers healthcare disruptors in Riyadh

Health innovators were brought together last night in the Saudi capital on the sidelines of Global Health Exhibition at a networking event organised by AI-driven diagnostics startup AmplifAI health, diabetes healthtech startup Ithnain, and venture studio and consulting company Lamarka. The evening was hosted at the cafe hub Century Corner in buzzing Olaya, Riyadh’s commercial centre.

Saudi Arabia, of course, is making significant strides in digital health as part of its ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil. The framework seeks to enhance healthcare through initiatives like telemedicine and AI, among other innovative approaches.

The crowd included a mix of international visitors, with attendees from the United States, Europe, and the GCC region, and attendees from Saudi Arabia, including several representatives from the Ministry of Health.

The atmosphere was highly positive and optimistic as various stakeholders—venture studio representatives, startup founders, and government officials—mingled, while international attendees showed curiosity and excitement about the Kingdom.

I met a few new faces and recognised others who seem to be everywhere—too many to name here. Beyond the networking and nibbles, the event featured live music and a hugely talented Saudi female artist who created beautiful hand-drawn portraits of the attendees.

I was also surprised to see a familiar barista from the other side of town supporting as an Arabic calligrapher, proving that his handwriting skills are as good as his coffee-making abilities (perhaps the two are connected?).

Kudos to the organisers, a big thank you to Dr. Meshari, CEO of amplifAI Health, and I hope we don’t have to wait 12 months until the next gathering!