Italian start-ups aiming to revolutionise predictive medicine and rehabilitation
Start-ups are developing tools to improve quality of life and independence
Artificial intelligence, new technologies and predictive medicine are collectively driving the development of new organisations focused on longevity. In Italia, one of the emerging organisations in the field of prevention is YOU(th) Health Tech, a start-up that has developed an AI-based app capable of analysing biomarkers via a smartphone (voice, facial images and eye scans), identifying potential signs associated with health risks in just a few minutes. Operating in the same field is D-Heart, an Italian start-up that has developed a portable ECG device connected to a smartphone, designed to enable remote cardiac monitoring and facilitate the early diagnosis of cardiovascular abnormalities.
In the Italian longevity landscape, SoLongevity and The Longevity Suite also stand out. The former began as a research and predictive medicine project with the aim of transforming knowledge on ageing into clinical protocols based on ‘precision longevity’, through biological age assessments and personalised programmes. The Longevity Suite, on the other hand, is Italia’s largest network of centres dedicated to longevity, wellbeing and integrated biohacking (an approach that uses data and technology to optimise health and performance), combining molecular diagnostics and personalised protocols, thanks in part to the support of The Longevity Bio-Lab, which specialises in lipidomics and nutrilipidomics.
Rehabilitation technologies also play a key role. Operating in this field is Movendo Technology, a biomedical company founded through a collaboration with Italian Institute of Technology, which develops robotic systems for assessment and rehabilitation treatment in the orthopaedic, neurological, geriatric and sports fields, including hunova, a robotic platform used as an advanced aid to physiotherapy.
At an international level, the sector focuses primarily on biotech research into the biological mechanisms of ageing. Altos Labs, backed by Jeff Bezos, is studying cell reprogramming with the aim of restoring the functionality of ageing cells. Calico, which emerged from the Google ecosystem, focuses its research on the biology of ageing through genetics and data analysis. Retro Biosciences, also backed by Sam Altman, is working on cellular rejuvenation technologies, with the aim of developing future interventions capable of extending healthy life expectancy.
