Desafío DKV
Driving Innovation in Digital Health
DKV Innolab is a team focused on identifying and overcoming challenges in the insurance sector by engaging with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, embracing open innovation, and implementing disruptive technologies within DKV's business. At DKV, we aim to make innovation a core part of our brand and products. Through inspiration and training, we work to make an impact on the business, the ecosystem, and key stakeholders. All of this is driven by two main pillars: Digital Health and Insurtech.
DKV Challenge in Digital Health
The DKV Challenges is DKV Innolab's open innovation program, designed to identify and attract innovative ideas and solutions from the market that address major health-related challenges and add value to the DKV ecosystem.
1
Annual challenge identification
2
Innovation call launch
3
Scouting, certification and winner selection
4
Collaboration for adoption at DKV
The challenge: Disruptive Digital Screening
Anticipating is key
Many diseases can be prevented if detected early. However, in practice, many people either do not access screening tests or do so too late, when the disease has already progressed.
Early detection not only improves clinical prognosis but also enables intervention before the disease affects quality of life. Early detection means saving time, lowering healthcare costs, and, most importantly, improving health outcomes.
Awareness is not enough
Although society is increasingly aware of the importance of self-care and prevention, this awareness doesn't always translate into action.
The lack of accessible and personalized tools limits the ability to truly anticipate risks.
Technology to expand access to health
The widespread adoption of devices such as smartphones, wearables, and sensors presents a unique opportunity: developing digital solutions that can detect risks and pathologies in a simple, rapid, and scalable way.
Technology is the key to democratizing access to preventive care, making it available to everyone, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.
DKV's vision to address the challenge
At DKV, we are committed to supporting our customers in achieving the best possible health for as long as possible. To that end, we are committed to incorporating innovative technologies through strategic alliances with providers in the digital health ecosystem.
What we are looking for
We are seeking disruptive digital solutions that enable early identification of risks and pathologies within our insured population, with the goal of delivering preventative and personalized interventions.
These solutions must be 100% digital and integrate into DKV’s digital health ecosystem. Below, we outline the priority medical areas and provide some examples for each (not exclusive).
Ophthalmology
Early detection of pathologies such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. |
Respiratory system
Early identification of the risk of developing respiratory diseases. |
Traumatology
Early detection of fracture risk or other musculoskeletal conditions. |
Finalists
Out of the 253 identified solutions, the 4 most aligned with this year’s challenge have been selected. These proposals combine technology and health to promote prevention and early detection in the population. All of them are clinically validated apps.
App to analyse sleep parameters and detect sleep apnoea after just one night of use with a mobile and a chest band.
App that detects early signs of atrial fibrillation by placing the phone on the chest for 1 minute.
App that facilitates the detection and monitoring of respiratory diseases through AI-based cough analysis.
App that analyzes gait and risk factors using AI and computer vision, generating a personalized fall risk index and prevention plans.
Jury
The winner of Desafío DKV 2025 will be selected during Health4Good based on the evaluation of the jury.
Antonio Muíña
Deputy Director of Healthcare Management
María de Cabo
Director of Product Development
Paco Martínez
Marketing Director
Anna Bueno
Director of DKV Servicios & Director of Strategy & Health Business Intelligence
Elena Torrente
Director of Strategic Development and Digital Health
Silvia Vinyes
Head of Innovation
Bessem Ayari
Global Head of Innovation Strategy & Scouting. ERGO Group
Final event
5th edition Health4Good
Health4Good is a space for healthcare innovation driven by digital health solutions and cutting-edge technologies. A transformative event bringing together industry leaders and pioneering projects. Plus, we will reveal the winning project of Desafío DKV.
Call timeline
Jun 17
Launch of the programm
Jun 30
Webinar
Sep 12
Call clousure
Sep 29
Finalists announcement
Oct 13 – Nov 10
Mentoring programme
Nov 26
Health4Good event, pitches, and winner selection
Dic - Jan
DKV agreement & Kick-off
Mentoring programme
This program will provide a detailed view of the Spanish private insurance industry and an understanding of the DKV digital ecosystem in order to integrate and reach end customers.
The four finalist startups will participate in a tailored mentorship program designed to accelerate their readiness for collaboration with DKV.
Presentation of the Catalan Health System innovation Access Program (PASS)
Open innovation in pharma: how GSK works with startups
Tailored Recommendations for Health Technology Assessment in Europe by Prof. Dr. med. Jochen Klucken
Private health insurance market in Spain · Digital Health Strategy at DKV · DKV’s digital health ecosystem to integrate the solution and reach end customers · How DKV collaborates with startups in digital health? · Individual Mentoring for the preparation of the pitch and the business proposal
Prize & additional benefits
The prize
DKV Adoption + 10.000 €
The winning solution will enter the process for adoption eligibility as an additional service within one of DKV’s private insurance products. In addition, the winner will be rewarded with 10.000 €.
Prior to adoption and depending on the maturity of the solution, adaptations or prior testing may be required.
Additionally, the winner will have the opportunity to pitch to ERGO health executives, as well as access to tickets for 2026 Health Revolution Congress, a ticket for 4YFN’26, and to have the opportunity to give an elevator pitch at the 4YFN’26 summit.
Previous editions
Cardiovascular health
Healthy aging
Mental health
FAQs & Webinar
What kind of solutions is DKV looking for in this call?
We are seeking disruptive digital solutions focused on screening and early detection of diseases, especially in ophthalmology, respiratory system, and traumatology. However, applications targeting early detection in other medical fields are also welcome. Solutions must be 100% digital and able to be integrated into DKV’s digital health ecosystem.
What requirements must a solution meet to be eligible?
It must be a digital solution, user-centered (focused on the patient), focused on early screening, compliant with MDR regulations or have a certification plan within 6 months, and be ready for adoption.
What types of solutions are not eligible?
Solutions will not be accepted if they:
Require a hospital setting.
Are exclusively for healthcare professionals.
Are medical devices for clinics or hospitals.
Are focused solely on treatment or follow-up.
What benefits does the winning startup receive?
Entry into the process for adoption eligibility as an additional service within one of DKV’s private insurance products.
A cash prize of €10,000.
Visibility, networking, and training.
Access to the Spanish insurance ecosystem.
The opportunity to pitch to ERGO health executives.
Access to a Barcelona Health Hub membership or tickets for the 2026 Health Revolution Congress.
Can foreign startups participate?
Yes, but they must present a plan to adapt their solution to the Spanish market and comply with European and Spanish legal and regulatory requirements.
What level of maturity must the solution have?
A technological maturity level (CIMIT) above 6 is required. The solution must be ready for testing or adoption with possible adaptations. A CIMIT level 7 implies:
Regulatory: Application for MDR certification.
Business: Purchase attempts by key users / Second round of institutional investment.
Clinical: Clinical efficacy studies conducted (e.g., phases 2 and 3), and/or extended clinical safety studies.
Technological: Initiation of GMP validation process. You can check the CIMIT here
How are the solutions evaluated?
Criteria include: impact on the insurance business, technological differentiation, user experience, accessibility, and potential for integration into DKV.
DKV Innolab has its own methodology for evaluating digital health solutions. More information is available on the DKV Innolab website
How can I apply for the challenge?
Through the registration form. It is recommended to review all eligibility criteria on the Challenge website before submitting your application.
