The first session of the Emprèn lecture series allowed students in the health-related faculties to hear the testimony of healthcare sector entrepreneurs Xavier Palomer and Noemí Balà. Both have disruptive projects that use technology to improve current issues related to mental health and cardiovascular disease. 

Palomer founded Amelia Virtual Care, a virtual reality platform for psychologists and mental health professionals who provide therapy. Amelia Virtual Care currently works with hospitals such as Vall d’Hebron, and its healthcare focus is on patients with phobias, anxiety or depression. The founder stressed the importance of being passionate about a project when it comes to entrepreneurship and the need of finding a suitable partner with whom to launch a value proposition.

Balà co-founded Aortyx and was recently named as one of the top 10 disruptive businesses in Catalonia in 2023 by the Generalitat de Catalunya. Aortyx aims to provide a new generation of endovascular devices to treat vascular diseases through a technology focused on the regeneration of tissues that mimic the aorta. Balà insisted on reaching a patient profile since “the go-to-market” is a more laborious process, because in our sector, products must be tested, analysed and defined. We estimate that our company will be on the market in 2026,” Balà said.

This is the first of the three sessions that make up the third edition of the Emprèn lecture series. The next session will take place on 30 November at 6.30 p.m. and will be attended by Silvio Elías, co-founder of Veritas. The session will be moderated by journalist for RTVE journalist and Journalism alumni, class of 2006, Núria Ramírez, and Silvio Eíias will go deeper in the success story of the Veritas group. 

The 2023 Emprèn Lecture Series is an initiative supported by  Santander Universitats.