Health Tech Acceleration Foundation
Foundation for the Advancement of the Development and Application of New Technology for Health, Vitality, and Self-sufficiency
Our Vision
We aim to play a meaningful role in advancing technologies that improve healthcare: not only in terms of clinical outcomes, but also accessibility, affordability, and quality of life. We envision a world in which everyone has access to modern and effective health technologies, enabling people to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.
Technology has the potential to significantly influence the management of widespread health challenges such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, while also contributing to more sustainable healthcare systems. We believe in supporting the responsible application of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital health, and next-generation medical innovations - to create real-world impact.
Our vision extends beyond the development of technology alone. We seek to act as a bridge between innovation and implementation, serving as a platform that supports the adoption and integration of meaningful solutions into healthcare systems where they can truly benefit patients and society.
Our Approach
Within our ecosystem, we actively identify and support promising ideas and innovations that align with our mission. We provide guidance, strategic input, and where appropriate, find financial support to help initiatives take their next meaningful steps. As concepts mature and prove their value, we focus on connecting them with the right partners or organisations capable of bringing these solutions to market and into practical use.
As a non-profit, our role is not to replace commercial execution, but to enable it, helping early-stage concepts grow into credible, implementable solutions that can improve healthcare in a sustainable and impactful way.
For Founders, Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Do you have a breakthrough invention that could transform health technology?
Behind every innovation is a passionate inventor like you. Your idea has the power to make a difference. The path from concept to reality is full of challenges, from refining your idea to navigating complex markets.
An inventor's journey is unique and requires more than just financial support. It requires a network of experts and mentors who understand how your idea can flourish. Your vision deserves the right resources and guidance to become a reality.
Think of us as partners on your journey. Together, we have the opportunity to push the boundaries of health technology and make a real impact. We invite you to get in touch and discover how your invention can make the leap to a breakthrough solution.
For Patients, Caregivers, and Users
Do you experience the challenges of a health problem on a daily basis? At Health Tech Acceleration Foundation, we want to hear your voice. Your experiences are the key to breakthrough health technologies that really make a difference.
We don't see you as a patient, but as a partner in innovation. Together with inventors and technology experts, we strive to develop solutions that make your life easier, healthier and happier. We believe that the best ideas come from real life stories, which is why your input is essential.
Become the voice of change in healthcare. Share your story, contribute to our research, and let us shape the future of health technology together. Your insights can be the driving force behind innovations that not only help you, but also many others. Your story is waiting to be heard, and together we can transform the world of healthcare.
HTAF Business Boost: Your Launchpad to Success
At the Health Tech Acceleration Foundation, we understand that the first steps of an innovative project are often the most challenging. Our Business Boost program offers precisely the support you need to take your health technology to the next level.
Business Strategy
Constructive feedback on your business plan, ensuring a solid strategy
Pitch Perfection
Professional guidance in refining your pitch deck for investors and partners
Expert Network
Access to our extensive network of experts and investors with direct connections
Financing Support
Support in securing financing, including advice on terms and strategic introductions
Founder Coaching
Strategic sparring partner for startup founders
Increasing Market Visibility
Driving market visibility and early adoption for your solution.
Ready for the next step? Contact us today and discover how the HTAF Business Boost can accelerate your project.
Our Voucher Programs
At the Health Tech Acceleration Foundation, we work with partners to offer a range of vouchers that give you access to both financial support and expertise from our network. Discover what we have to offer:
€250 Voucher
Online consultation with selected experts from our foundation's board and network
€2,500 Voucher
Direct financial support and expert hours from our network to advance your innovation
€25,000 Voucher
Co-finance your project with both direct finances and specialized hours from our team
Getting you the Audience you need
Beyond financial and expert support, HTAF actively facilitates pitching opportunities for entrepreneurs. We leverage our extensive network to connect innovators with relevant investors and business angels specifically aligned with their health technology field. Our foundation plays a crucial role in creating these vital opportunities, ensuring entrepreneurs can effectively present their groundbreaking innovations to the right audience and secure the partnerships needed for growth.
Are you interested or would you like to know more about the possibilities? Please feel free to contact us and discover how we can accelerate your health technology innovation.
Technology-Driven Healthcare Innovation -
Current Projects
Our focus is on accelerating the use of new technology in health and well-being applications. Some examples of projects with which we want to make a positive contribution to the world:
Exolumen
Creates a device that projects information for an operation onto the patient's body. Important information is immediately visible to everyone in the medical team at the right place. (ongoing; 2025-)
We are proud to announce a partnership with Exolumen, the startup with a bold vision to create a platform centered around Projected Augmented Reality in healthcare.
We supported the startup founder with business development and provided Exolumen with a pitching opportunity at a MedTech event.
FETCH
Helps doctors choose the best cancer treatment for every patient (ongoing; 2024-2025)
Through the HTAF Business Boost, we support FETCH in strengthening their pitch and expanding their network. FETCH focuses on advancing precision therapy in oncology through innovative technologies for detecting circulating tumor cells.
In 2025 FETCH was acquired by Tzu Cancer Therapeutics.
Unlocking A.I. for Health
A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is set to play a game-changing role in healthcare. Using advanced algorithms, datasets, and powerful computers, A.I. can detect diseases earlier, improve diagnoses, and personalize treatments.
It can help identify genetic risk factors and predict individual responses to medications. In addition, AI can sift through vast amounts of medical literature and research data to discover new treatment options.
We help startups and individuals partner with A.I. to advance healthcare and save lives on a scale never before imagined, focusing on longevity, among other things.
Dealing with Diabetes
A growing group of people are dealing with the consequences of diabetes on a daily basis. In practice, we see that it places a considerable burden on patients and their environment.
We encourage the application of new technologies to make dealing with this disease easier to integrate into daily life, whereby we try to reduce the number of actions while increasing safety and reliability. (2023-2024)
The Foundation´s Board and Network
Health Tech Acceleration Foundation (HTAF.nl) is proud of its extensive network in the health technology and startup sector. Our network spans disciplines and regions and includes groundbreaking researchers, leading industry professionals, innovative startups and renowned institutes.
The Board
Driven by personal and professional experiences in healthcare, with diseases and seeing the impact of the lack of easily accessible technology, the board members decided to establish the HTAF Foundation in April 2023.
Elvira Abbink
Elvira Abbink has been a dedicated nurse for over 17 years. Through countless conversations with patients over the years, she has recognised the growing need for advanced technology in home care settings. While hospitals are rapidly adopting new technological solutions, there is an equally important need to bring these innovations into patients’ homes, enabling them to live longer, healthier, and safer lives. Being part of this transformative journey is something that truly excites and inspires her.
Robert-Jan Brouwer
Robert-Jan Brouwer is a seasoned startup founder and entrepreneur with a deep passion for technological innovation. With nearly three decades of experience, he has successfully brought advanced technologies to market in electric energy systems, smart grids, and online media. He consistently thinks in terms of future possibilities, while keeping solutions pragmatic, grounded, and human-centred. On a personal level, he is deeply interested in longevity and quantified self, driven by the ambition to reach at least 150 years of age with the vitality of a 35-year-old.
Judith Inberg
Judith Inberg is a business professional with over 20 years of experience in technology, product development, engineering, and manufacturing. This background enables her to bring a balanced and pragmatic perspective to the ideas and projects under discussion, advising on clear and realistic pathways forward. In her personal life, she sees both older individuals and many people who have experienced illness, impacting their ability to move freely, perform daily tasks, and maintain their health. She firmly believes that the right technology can play a vital role in improving wellbeing, supporting daily activities, and enabling people to live more independently.
Naomi Tielen
Naomi Tielen has built extensive knowledge and broad experience in the development, marketing, and implementation of medical devices, e-health solutions, and pharmaceutical products, both within corporate organisations and start-ups. She has successfully brought new technologies and innovations to market, while enabling clinical teams to work effectively with these advanced products. Naomi is deeply passionate about significantly improving the lives of patients, helping them regain or maintain their autonomy, self-management, and overall vitality through the thoughtful application of the right technology.
Events
Meet our Foundation at Past and Future Events
DES 2026 (Málaga, Spain), 9-11 June 2026 (Keynote)

DES-SHOW

Welcome to DES, the leading international B2B event on AI and exponential technologies, where top experts and leading companies come together to drive innovation and business growth.

DES is a global expo and congress, with over 400 exhibiting companies and more than 500 of the world’s top speakers and experts at the Digital Business World Congress.

Health Tech Global Summit (Basel, Switzerland), 3-5 March 2026

health.tech

health.tech｜global summit • 3–5 March 2026 • Basel

Join health.tech. Europe’s leading platform for top-tier content, sales and networking in the HealthTech ecosystem.

Web Summit 2025 (Lisbon, Portugal), 10-13 November 2025

Web Summit

Web Summit - Join the best tech conference in Europe | November 10-13, 2025

Your ticket to Web Summit 2025 grants you access to 20 content tracks, talks, masterclasses, and exclusive perks. Join our tech industry network.

MedTech 2025 Marbella-Malaga (Spain), 24 November 2025

MalagaStartups - Where global meets local startup ecosyst

[Startup Oasis] MedTech – Launching event

Where key players in MedTech

Radboudumc Investor Day 2025, Nijmegen (Netherlands), 8 October 2025

Radboudumc

Radboudumc Investment Day 2025: A celebration of innovation and collaboration

9 October 2025

DES 2025, Málaga (Spain), 11 June 2025

DES-SHOW

AI to accelerate health and biotech solutions: Case studies and trends - DES-SHOW

What if AI could catch illness before symptoms appear—or tailor treatments in real time to your unique biology? In this keynote, Robert-Jan Brouwer dives into the rapidly evolving world where artificial intelligence meets healthcare, biotech, and the quantified self. Through vivid case studies and global trends, he reveals how AI is accelerating breakthroughs in diagnostics, … Continued

Support Us and Get in Touch
Contact Details
The Netherlands
  • Visits by appointment only.
Piet Heinstraat 12
7511 JE Enschede
Phone: +31 850 - 301 6040
E-mail: info@htaf.nl
Chamber of Commerce: 90226526
Spain
  • Las visitas son solo con cita previa.
Innovation Campus - Malaga Palace
Calle Álamos 7
29012 Málaga
Spain
Support Our Mission
What if you don't have time to spare but do have some euros to accelerate smart innovations? You can get started from €3 per month!
  • Business and Innovation Ecosystem Partners: Get in touch to discuss
Because we are ANBI recognized, your personal contribution is tax-free and tax deductible in the Netherlands.
Our IBAN bank account: NL27 TRIO 0320 6971 69
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Google Docs

Trends (4!) Accelerating Health and MedTech

At the MedTech 2025 Marbella-Málaga event Robert-Jan Brouwer, founder of the Health Tech Acceleration Foundation, gave a Keynote on the transition from curing disease to improving health. Through this form you can receive the paper explaining the details of the trends mentioned in the keynote.

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Innovatie draagt bij aan vroege detectie van breinrisico's

ter gelegenheid van de collecteweek van de hersenstichting vraagt de Health Tech Acceleration Foundation aandacht voor de gezondheid van het brein - met tips wat je zelf kan doen.

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