Introduction
Eight Latin American health innovators are currently exploring Boston, home to the world’s most robust health innovation ecosystem. This opportunity is made possible by the Latin America Health Champions (LHC) initiative, led by FIFARMA and INNOS. Out of 178 regional initiatives, these eight standouts have been selected for their exceptional potential.
The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach
According to Carlos Felipe Escobar, director of INNOS and HubiEX at the Universidad del Bosque, “If there’s a good idea, you protect and nurture it; resources will always be available to help it grow, develop, and expand.” This mindset has driven these Latin American startups to explore Boston’s thriving health innovation ecosystem.
Key Players and Their Impact
Boston’s health innovation ecosystem is bolstered by institutions like the Massachusetts General Brigham, an integrated health ecosystem involving various health institutions and academia powerhouses such as Harvard and MIT. Additionally, these innovators have engaged with efficient business incubators that leverage the concentrated ecosystem.
Escobar emphasizes that similar hubs are emerging in various Latin American cities, though not yet on the same scale and complexity as Boston. His goal at the Universidad del Bosque is to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, companies, insurers, and patients to construct innovative health solutions.
The Role of Educational Institutions
Escobar encourages educational institutions to take a more active role in supporting health entrepreneurs. He notes that, unlike major hubs in Boston, Latin American teams are often small—only three or four people. However, he stresses the need to develop an ecosystem that provides access to laboratories and technological resources for nurturing projects.
Boston’s Paradigm Shift
The modern general anesthesia was created at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in 1846, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to both patient care and technological development. The eight innovators had the chance to discuss this paradigm with parts of the hospital’s team and understand its significance.
Historically, hospitals were places where people went to die. However, a shift in paradigm occurred when the hospital’s founder declared that hospitals should treat those who could be saved, leading to a parallel mission of research and development for patient prevention and care. This resulted in groundbreaking discoveries like general anesthesia, which revolutionized surgical areas.
The Contrast with Latin America
Rodrigo Molina, founder and CEO of hikeOn, shares his insights with El Economista: “We’ve observed that everything here is very systematized, and they invest in various fields while valuing scientific developments as a change driver in health. Being here opens up perspectives, and my goal is to return to Mexico and help build an ecosystem.”
Molina points out that Mexico lacks systematization and sharing, with limited access to information and decision-makers. Moreover, there’s no culture of investing in medical devices, as investors seek quick returns within three years—a significant limitation for device-based projects.
Meet the Latin America Health Champions 2025
- Zamenis/Mabis (Peru): MABIS is a radar micro-wave technology-based portable and intelligent device designed for early detection of breast anomalies without radiation or invasive procedures.
- LifeFactors (Colombia): Transforms access to hemoderivative medications in Colombia through an integrated approach focusing on early diagnosis, specialized treatment, and four strategic pillars.
- Innmetec-PEEK (Colombia): Offers an innovative material that mimics human bone, enabling natural integration, radiolucent tracking, and antibiotic absorption for in situ treatments.
- OncoSphere (Argentina): A cancer vaccine platform based on XSpheres, AI-optimized nanoparticles derived from cells that target tumor antigens to immune cells.
- MicroFIV (Argentina): Optimizes healthy human embryo production through a 3D-printed device, enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of assisted reproduction treatments.
- HikeOn (Mexico): A wearable bracelet designed to reduce Parkinson’s disease-related falls.
- ARI-TEST (Chile): A self-collected vaginal test for HPV detection, promoting early detection and women’s engagement in gynecological health.
- Thummi (Brazil): A digital platform transforming oncological patient care by offering real-time symptom monitoring and personalized recommendations during treatments like chemotherapy.
