The healthcare technology landscape is rapidly evolving, and startups that want to stay ahead of the curve need to pay close attention to the trends shaping the industry. In a recent interview, Duncan Greenberg, a partner at the prominent venture capital firm Oak HC/FT, shared his insights on the four key health tech trends that startups simply can't afford to ignore.
Trend 1: The Rise of AI-Powered Healthcare
According to Greenberg, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is no longer a distant dream - it's a reality that is transforming the way care is delivered. "We're seeing AI evolve from a promising experiment to a critical layer in how care is documented, reimbursed, and ultimately provided," he explained. Startups that can harness the power of AI to streamline operations, enhance clinical decision-making, and improve patient outcomes will be well-positioned to thrive in this new era.
Trend 2: The Shift Towards Interoperability
The healthcare industry has long been plagued by siloed data and incompatible systems, but Greenberg believes that this is about to change. "The foundations of SaaS and data infrastructure that powered the first generation of digital health innovation are now being reimagined for an era defined by interoperability," he said. Startups that can build solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing systems and enable the free flow of data will have a significant advantage.
Trend 3: The Importance of Risk Pool Management
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the management of risk pools has become increasingly crucial. "2025 was a year of reckoning for managers of risk," Greenberg noted, "and 2026 is poised to look a bit better now that payors have re-priced in ACA and Medicare Advantage." Startups that can help healthcare organizations navigate this complex landscape and optimize their risk management strategies will be highly sought after.
Trend 4: The Promise of Molecular Predictions
Greenberg is particularly excited about the potential of in silico drug design, which he believes will go from proof of concept to reality in 2026. "We believe that 2026 is the year that in silico drug design goes from proof of concept to reality as newer models yield a growing number of candidates whose designs are not only bindable but developable," he said. Startups that can leverage this technology to accelerate drug discovery and development will be at the forefront of a healthcare revolution.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, startups that can adapt and capitalize on these four key trends will be well-positioned for success. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing the latest innovations, these nimble companies can help shape the future of healthcare technology.