Tech2Heal Project Launches in Letterkenny to Lead Digital Health Innovation in Rural Communities

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal welcomed European healthcare experts, researchers, and technology innovators to Letterkenny on 2-3 April 2025 for the official launch of Tech2Heal, a transformative project aimed at advancing digital healthcare solutions for rural and island communities.

Funded through the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Programme 2021–2027, the €1.4 million initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team of partners from across Europe to co-develop and test digital health technologies tailored to the needs of underserved populations.

The two-day event at ATU Donegal featured keynote addresses, interactive technology demonstrations, and site visits to key innovation centres across the region. Delegates explored cutting-edge developments in wearable health monitoring, virtual reality therapies, and remote care models—each focused on expanding access to healthcare in geographically isolated areas.

The launch commenced with a keynote presentation by Rosanna Loftus, Medlink Cluster Manager at ATU, who highlighted the vital role of collaboration in advancing digital health. She shared how Medlink is fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and technology developers to drive responsive and impactful innovation.

This was followed by Dr. Louise McBride, Head of the Department of Nursing at ATU Donegal, who explored how digital tools are reshaping nursing education and practice. She demonstrated how simulation and virtual learning platforms are enhancing both clinical training and patient care delivery.

Further presentations included:

• Dr. Salvatore Tedesco (Tyndall National Institute), who shared research on wearable health monitoring systems, including tools designed to assist individuals with Parkinson’s disease through motion analysis and early symptom detection.
• Dr. William Farrelly (ATU Donegal), who introduced immersive virtual reality experiences aimed at improving emotional well-being in elderly care homes, helping combat loneliness and isolation through digital engagement.
• Claire McRory (HSE Donegal), who presented the CARE Virtual Ward initiative for COPD patients, showcasing how remote monitoring is enabling acute care at home and transforming chronic disease management in community settings.

Attendees also visited regional innovation sites, including Philips Medisize, a global leader in medical device manufacturing, and the WiSAR Lab, where researchers are developing smart health monitoring tools tailored for remote deployment.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Karla Munoz Esquivel, Principal Investigator at WiSAR, outlined the project’s long-term impact:

“Rural communities often experience delayed access to care, which can significantly affect quality of life and workforce participation. Tech2Heal is creating digital pathways to help people live and work in better health for longer.”

Dr. Nick Timmons, WiSAR Director, added:

“By combining applied research, policy engagement, and real-world pilots, Tech2Heal is helping to close healthcare gaps across Europe—from Ireland to the Arctic. We’re focused on making digital tools both accessible and meaningful for remote populations.”

The event marked a significant step forward in digital health collaboration, highlighting the shared commitment among European partners to promote innovation, inclusion, and well-being in rural regions.