WHIS Italia: Transforming Health & Wellbeing Through Innovation
The World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS), is committed to enhancing health and wellbeing through innovation across Italia. By collaborating with local leaders, businesses, and healthcare professionals, we deliver impactful programmes that foster community-driven solutions and address health inequalities.
Our initiatives in Bologna, Palermo, Milan, and Rome focus on prevention, social prescribing, and sustainable health solutions that align with Italy’s national and regional health priorities.
Our Programmes & Events
- WHIS Bologna: A hub for digital health and healthcare sustainability, integrating AI and data-driven solutions to improve patient outcomes and support healthcare professionals.
- WHIS Palermo: Championing social prescribing and holistic health approaches to enhance community wellbeing and tackle socio-economic health disparities.
- WHIS Milan: A centre for health innovation, bringing together investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to drive advancements in biotech, medtech, and precision health.
- WHIS Rome: Focused on global health diplomacy and policy innovation, uniting Ministries of Health, international organizations, and industry pioneers to shape the future of healthcare in Italy and beyond.
WHIS Italy provides a platform for collaboration, networking, and actionable solutions that transform healthcare systems and empower individuals.
Bologna - World Health Innovation Summit
Bologna - World Health Innovation Summit – Advancing Health Innovation
& Community Wellbeing
Date: Thursday, May 15th, 2025
Venue: Fondazione Golinelli Organization - Opificio Golinelli, Bologna
Time: 10:00 – 13:00 (Italian Time) - register (Places are limited).
The World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) Italia Launch marks the beginning of a transformative movement to enhance health and wellbeing across Italy. This event will bring together key stakeholders from healthcare, research, public policy, and the private sector to explore innovative, community-driven solutions that align with national and European health priorities.
Through engaging discussions, expert insights, and collaborative dialogue, the agenda will focus on critical areas such as social prescribing, healthcare innovation, mental health, autism support, and the role of MedTech in shaping the future of health ecosystems.
Highlights of the event include:
✅ Opening remarks from WHIS leaders and regional health representatives
✅ WHIS Italia's vision and its alignment with national health and EU strategies
✅ Insights on health research and innovation from leading institutions
✅ The power of social prescribing in improving community health
✅ Addressing children's care with community-led initiatives
✅ A dynamic panel discussion on strengthening partnerships and healthcare sustainability
This launch serves as a catalyst for fostering cross-sector collaboration, empowering communities, and driving forward a holistic health ecosystem in Italy. Join us as we work together to innovate, inspire, and implement sustainable health solutions for the future.
Agenda:
10:00 – 10:30 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Maurizio Morini, WHIS Italia
- Fondazione Golinelli
- Mr. Pierluigi Stefanin, Chairman, Fondazione del Monte
- Alessandro Chiarini, BI-REX
10:30 – 10:40 | The Vision for WHIS Italia
- Gareth Presch, Founder, WHIS
10:40 – 11:00 | Research & Innovation in Health and Wellbeing
- Prof Maddalena Illario, University of Naples
- Cecilia Bartolucci, CNR
11:05 – 11:35 | Social Prescribing & Community Health
- Maurizio Morini, WHIS Italia
- Carla Ferreri, CNR
11:35 – 12:20 | Panel Discussion: Building a Holistic Health Ecosystem (Medtech Innovation Centres)
Moderator: Maurizio Morini, WHIS Italia
Panelists:
- Mr. Pierluigi Stefanini (Fondazione del Monte)
- Fondazione Golinelli Representative
- Alessandro Chiarini, BI-REX
- Cecilia Bartolucci, CNR
- Prof Maddalena Illario, University of Naples
- Ludo Pyis, The AREOPA Group
- Gareth Presch, Founder, WHIS
12:20 – 12:45 | Open Discussion & Q&A
12:45 – 13:00 | Next Steps & Closing Remarks
*Subject to change - Limited availability.
Future events in Rome, Milan, Palermo etc.
Partnership opportunities contact: gareth@whis.world
Who Should Attend?
Who Should Attend?
The WHIS Italia Launch is designed for a diverse audience of stakeholders committed to advancing health innovation, community wellbeing, and sustainable healthcare solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with key leaders, explore partnership opportunities, and contribute to shaping the future of health in Italy.
We invite:
Healthcare Leaders & Policymakers – Government officials, regional health administrators, and policymakers focused on public health, innovation, and sustainability.
Investors & Philanthropic Organizations – Venture capitalists, impact investors, and foundations interested in funding innovative health and wellbeing initiatives, including digital health, MedTech, and community-driven solutions.
Medical & Research Institutions – Universities, research centers, and healthcare professionals looking to collaborate on cutting-edge research and implementation strategies.
Technology & MedTech Innovators – Startups, entrepreneurs, and companies developing breakthrough technologies in digital health, AI-driven healthcare solutions, and precision medicine.
Community & Social Enterprises – NGOs, patient advocacy groups, and organizations working on social prescribing, mental health, and community-led health initiatives.
Corporate & Business Leaders – Companies invested in workplace wellbeing, employee health programs, and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Autism & Special Needs Advocates – Experts, caregivers, and organizations supporting autistic children and families through innovative care models.
WHIS unites investors, Ministries of Health, and industry leaders to support innovative health technologies that deliver health for all.
This event is a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and co-create sustainable health solutions that drive positive impact across Italy and beyond.