Events Connecting to Mental Health as a Research Topic

In 2024, the Science and Innovation Office of the Embassy has placed a strong emphasis on mental health, a critical issue in the context of the ongoing conflict. After more than a year of war, mental health has become a significant public health concern that impacts everyone in Israel. It has also emerged as a key area of research and development, with leading experts in healthcare, science, and technology dedicated to finding new solutions to address these invisible wounds.

In October 2024, a select group of leaders in the field was invited to a brunch at the Swiss Ambassador’s residence. Among the guests were the Chief Executive Officer at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, the Chair of Psychiatry at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), and prominent members of 8400—the Health Network. During this gathering, they shared their experiences from the past year, discussed valuable insights, and highlighted challenges that could benefit from international collaboration.

This important meeting was followed by the 5th cohort of the Swiss-Israel Lean Launchpad programme in November-December, powered by Innosuisse for Swiss startups. The focus of this edition was mental health, providing seven Swiss startups with the opportunity to connect with Israeli counterparts. The hybrid program began with an in-person seminar in Zurich, where the startups were able to learn about Israeli business culture, refine their storytelling, and engage with potential clients and partners, as well as the Lean Launchpad Alumni Network. The programme then continued online, offering tailored connections for each startup to relevant Israeli contacts. This collaborative approach fostered meaningful exchanges and laid the foundation for future partnerships in the mental health innovation ecosystem.