Data is at the heart of healthcare innovation, from medical research to patient treatment. However, data privacy regulations and ethical concerns often create barriers to collaboration, slowing progress in clinical advancements. A recent article explored the challenges of data sharing in healthcare and the need for solutions that allow collaboration without compromising privacy.
Traditionally, ensuring data security involves strong authentication, encryption, and contractual agreements. While effective, these measures can be slow and restrictive, sometimes delaying research by years. This is particularly evident in retrospective studies, where access to existing data remains complex despite the absence of new data collection.
The “Zero Trust” approach: A paradigm shift
The Zero Trust model, which assumes that no entity—internal or external—should be trusted by default, offers a new way forward. Rather than focusing solely on securing access points, this approach ensures that data can be used without being moved or exposed.
One company at the forefront of this transformation is Tune Insight, one of our Innovation Fund portfolio companies. Developed at EPFL, their technology enables hospitals, insurers, and researchers to query and aggregate encrypted data securely, generating insights without compromising privacy. This eliminates the trade-off between data utility and confidentiality, allowing stakeholders to collaborate efficiently.
Beyond Healthcare: AI and financial security
The challenges of data security extend beyond healthcare. In banking, for example, fraud detection requires cooperation between financial institutions, but competition and regulatory constraints limit data sharing. Tune Insight’s technology enables collaborative fraud detection without exposing proprietary data.
Similarly, in artificial intelligence, training large models requires vast datasets, often containing sensitive information. Unlike conventional AI solutions that store and analyze user inputs, Tune Insight enables federated AI training, where data remains private while still contributing to model development. This ensures responsible AI progress without compromising confidentiality.
A path to responsible innovation
Data protection should not be a barrier to innovation. At Debiopharm, we invest in pioneering solutions that address these challenges. Tune Insight’s privacy-preserving technology represents a crucial step toward a future where organizations can share knowledge without the risks of exposure.
🔹 The future of innovation depends on data security. With new technologies like those from Tune Insight, we can build a more collaborative and responsible digital ecosystem.