Every now and then, an initiative pops up that feels less like another program and more like a quiet shift in the landscape. That’s exactly how the new Founders Pass from the Future Health Lab struck me when I read the announcement shared by LISA – Life Science Austria.
Austria has no shortage of brilliant minds working on prevention, care delivery, telemedicine, and digital transformation. What we do lack, however, is a space where these innovators can consistently meet the right people, test their ideas against real-world constraints, and feel part of a community that understands the complexity of the healthcare system from the inside.
The Founders Pass seems to be stepping directly into that gap.
What I appreciate most is that this isn’t a “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” accelerator. It’s curated. Intentional. Rooted in the reality that healthcare innovation is slow, relational, and deeply intertwined with public systems.
The monthly Startup Days alone feel like a breath of fresh air. Not a one-off event, not a rushed pitch session, but a recurring rhythm of coworking, mentoring, and genuine exchange with system players. That consistency matters. Innovation doesn’t happen in a single workshop—it happens in the slow burn of repeated conversations, shared frustrations, and unexpected insights.
Then there’s the network. Access to the Future Health Lab community, plus the ecosystems of Impact Hub Vienna, Climate Lab, and Education Lab, creates cross-pollination. Health innovation doesn’t live in a silo, and it’s encouraging to see a program that acknowledges that.
“No startup can change the system alone.”
This line from the announcement stayed with me.
It’s honest. It’s humble, and it’s true.
Healthcare is one of the most interconnected systems we have. Progress doesn’t come from lone geniuses—it comes from communities that share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and support each other through the long, messy process of building solutions that actually work.
The Founders Pass feels like an invitation into such a community.
I’m genuinely excited to see what emerges from this initiative. Not because I expect overnight miracles, but because I believe in the power of well-designed spaces where people can think, collaborate, and grow together.
If you notice any inaccuracies in my writing, please get in touch with me. I will be happy to correct it.
