WHIS Ireland at the Forefront Scaling Health Innovation from Dublin to Italy
Last week, WHIS Ireland’s Chair, David Kerr, attended the high-level event “Scaling into Europe: Why Italy Matters for Irish Companies,” hosted in Dublin on Thursday, May 14, 2026. This exclusive evening, aimed at linking Ireland’s vibrant business community with one of the world’s most dynamic economies, underscored a powerful truth: international collaboration is the catalyst for next-generation health solutions. David Kerr’s presence highlighted WHIS’s commitment to positioning Ireland’s health innovators on the global stage, using Italy as a strategic entry point into Europe.
WHIS: The International Springboard for Irish Health Innovation
Italy is a global leader in life sciences, boasting a sector valued at over €60 billion. For Irish companies looking to scale their health technologies and preventative models, establishing a presence in Italy offers crucial access to EU funding, a skilled workforce, and a large consumer base.
This is where the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) acts as an indispensable international springboard. Our platform is dedicated to convening global health innovations, connecting policymakers, clinicians, investors, and innovators to co-create solutions that are scalable and sustainable.
WHIS leverages its existing momentum, including the launch of WHIS Italia, to provide Irish companies with:
- Global Visibility Direct exposure for innovative, impact-based preventative models to an audience of international health system leaders and policymakers.
- Credibility & Access A trusted global platform to attract international investment (risk financing) and policy attention.
- Strategic Partnerships Collaboration with entities like the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by showcasing regions as leaders in health innovation. Empowering Communities Around the World
The ultimate goal of scaling innovation is to create healthier, more equitable societies. WHIS’s core mission is to accelerate the shift from reactive “sick-care” to proactive, preventive health systems. This philosophy is grounded in the belief that the most powerful healthcare solutions emerge directly from communities.
WHIS is actively empowering people to take control of their own health and wellbeing locally and globally. We are operational in over 30 countries and are executing a 100-City Expansion Strategy within five years. This global impact is delivered through proven models:
- Social and Economic Return: The WHIS model delivers immense social and economic value, with every £1 invested generating an estimated £36 in social return on investment (SROI).
- Community-Led Initiatives: Our chapters are a global network empowering over 120+ Champions—including students, leaders, and community members to co-create projects that meet local needs.
- Targeted Programmes: WHIS runs specific programmes for all ages, including WHISKids (promoting youth mental health), WHISatWork (enhancing workforce wellbeing), and WHISSeniors (supporting healthy ageing and falls prevention).
By expanding our influence across strategic markets like Italy, WHIS Ireland is ensuring that homegrown health innovation is translated into meaningful, scalable action, creating more resilient communities both in Ireland and globally.
We are grateful to Aster Thackery and the ICE team for the kind invitation.
*World Health Innovation Summit Italy - Maurizio Morini www.whis.world/italy