Far more than a mere conference, Med-Tech World is an ecosystem bridging global MedTech and HealthTech sectors. With Dylan’s steady hands at the helm, its mission is clear: to unite global MedTech and HealthTech, to empower startups with investors, and to spotlight Malta’s burgeoning role in the industry.
In tandem with the Maltese government and Malta Enterprise, Dr. Dylan champions groundbreaking partnerships with leading movements like Lifeblood Capital + Talent, propelling innovation forward. As the Summit marks its fourth year, Dr. Dylan anticipates not only an expanded flagship event in Malta but also a distinguished array of participants gracing premium roadshow venues worldwide, sharing invaluable expertise and insights.
What motivated you to transition from working in surgery to becoming a Med Tech entrepreneur and leading the Med-Tech World? Did one career influence the other?
Transitioning from the operating room, where I felt confined to tending one patient at a time, to entrepreneurship has been transformative. While I miss the surgical adrenaline, the global impact of healthcare innovation drew me in.
Combining my passion for events and entrepreneurship, I saw an opportunity to bridge medicine and innovation. In both fields, meticulousness matters: from gathering clinical history to dissecting business challenges. Surgical experiences taught me resilience and focus, valuable in both surgery and business. It’s about channeling composure and prioritization from the operating room into every decision, ensuring clarity and efficacy in our approach.
Can you share any significant challenges you encountered during your career change, and how did you overcome them?
Transitioning from medicine to entrepreneurship posed its challenges especially considering the commitment to years of medical study. As the first doctor in my family, this wasn’t just a personal decision; I had to also reshape familial expectations. Explaining my shift away from medicine, especially to my parents, was not easy. Their anticipation of my success added pressure to navigate this uncharted territory. Confronting the fear of failure head-on was crucial, driven by a determination to validate my chosen journey.
What are the primary objectives of Med-Tech World, and how do they contribute to the advancement of healthcare globally? Can you share some of your upcoming plans?
Our mission is to foster global connections, linking startups with investors and facilitating collaboration among service providers. Simultaneously, we are dedicated to unearthing undiscovered gems, those startups that stand apart and have yet to be championed. Our pursuit spans every corner of the world, from the most developed nations to the least, guided by the belief that every startup merits the opportunity for discovery, and potentially funding and growth.
As for our upcoming plans, we’re thrilled about our roadshow events! Starting in Dubai this February, we’re then off to Berlin, Barcelona, Singapore, and London. These events are our way of welcoming top players from different global ecosystems. However, unlike some other conferences where you need a secret invite, we focus on openness and inclusivity. We want to give everyone the opportunity to shine at our Malta event – whether you’re from Europe, North Africa, the UK, the Middle East, or beyond.
How do you envision the future of the local Med Tech industry?
We are on a mission to make Malta the next big Med Tech hub through the Med Tech World Summit. Our goal is to attract startups to test and develop their solutions. This would help gain EU approval and foster a thriving local industry in collaboration with the Maltese government and Malta Enterprise.
Speaking of Malta, it’s a gem of a location. One of our greatest achievements was booking the Mediterranean Conference Centre as our venue last October. It’s steeped in medical history, making it the perfect backdrop for our event.
Last year, we had heavyweight investors join us, like Mayo Clinic Ventures, Truffle Capital, Rex Health Ventures, and Cleveland Clinic Innovations. This speaks volumes about the buzz we’re generating. It’s got us pumped for the future of our roadshows and summits, and I’m thrilled to see where we go from here!
Could you elaborate on the significance of launching a dedicated fund to support Med Tech innovation?
We’re launching a separate fund, which complements our conference. It is designed to provide early-stage startups with the support they need to grow and succeed. Our goal is to offer more than just financial investment; we want these startups to be integral parts of our events, giving them exposure to potential partners and investors.
Essentially, this fund is an opportunity for these startups to thrive and expand their networks.
Reflecting on your journey, what valuable lessons have you learned as an entrepreneur, and what advice would you offer to individuals considering a career change similar to yours?
Transitioning from being a surgeon to a CEO has shifted my perspective. While I anticipated fun, it has mostly been about responsibility. Balancing employee needs, market demands, and client expectations has been the toughest lesson.
Beyond embracing responsibility, I made this shift in career fully believing in the potential of startups. At our conference, we operate under the mantra that every startup deserves a chance to be heard under the spotlight, to test their ideas, and to prove themselves right or wrong.
To entrepreneurs seeking a successful change in career… perseverance and belief are vital; without them, today’s innovations might not exist. Change is daunting, but necessary for growth. Do your homework, research, and study the trends. Calculate your risks, yes! But be bold, take that risk at the end of the day, and seize every opportunity that presents itself for a truly fulfilling journey.
https://med-tech.world/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylattard/
BY Egli HAXHIRAJ, Anamaria MESHKURTI, Jonida GJUZI and Noor ALI
© All Rights Reserved Moneys Media Ltd Geneva, Switzerland.
