From strategic planning to Slush 100 success: how OASYS NOW’s preparation paid off

Empowering patients through innovation

For millions of people living with chronic and rare diseases, accessing new treatment options can be a difficult journey. Identifying the right clinical trials is often complicated, with patients forced to navigate fragmented information and endure lengthy waiting periods. As a result, many miss out on potentially life-saving opportunities simply due to a lack of awareness.

Now, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising healthcare, providing innovative ways to analyse medical data, predict patient needs, and streamline processes. OASYS NOW’s first product, GRIP, exemplifies how AI can transform access to treatments. By matching patients with clinical trials specific to their conditions, GRIP accelerates the process of connecting patients with the right therapies. The platform also keeps patients and their healthcare teams informed about new treatment options, breaking down barriers that often delay or prevent access to critical healthcare innovations.

In addition to AI, OASYS NOW leverages Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) such as Federated Learning to strengthen the security and accessibility of healthcare data. PETs safeguards patient privacy while enabling data to be utilised for research and trial matching. The combination of AI and privacy-by-design solutions ensures the seamless flow of anonymised, accurate data between healthcare providers and research institutions, maximising both privacy and operational efficiency.

Nima Salami (CEO and Co-founder): 

"Our long-term mission is about building a platform where people worldwide would be able to contribute and partner up. This is one of those fields where an innovation by itself isn’t enough; it requires collaboration. We want to be that platform that’s neutral ground where people can collaborate together and help the patients."

Launching GRIP at Slush 2023

Slush, one of the world’s leading startup and tech events, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to showcase innovations. In 2023, OASYS NOW launched GRIP at the NL Lounge at Slush. While they didn’t make it to the final stage of the Slush 100 competition that year, their presence at the event was a turning point. The team connected with key investors, other founders, and ecosystem partners. The momentum continued and carried through the year, leading to rapid user growth.

OASYS NOW has since gained significant recognition for its work in data privacy and AI-driven healthcare solutions. They were awarded the Dutch Privacy Award and the European Cybersecurity Award, underscoring their commitment to secure and ethical data practices. 

Introducing ELaiGIBLE 

Building on the success of GRIP, OASYS NOW unveiled its second product, ELaiGIBLE, at Slush 2024. This platform drastically reduces the time required to identify eligible patient cohorts for clinical trials, from months to minutes. Designed for use by hospitals, clinics, and contract research organisations (CROs), ELaiGIBLE streamlines the recruitment process, ensuring that new treatments reach patients faster than ever before.

After a year of strategic growth, meticulous planning, and product development, OASYS NOW entered the Slush 100 competition for 2024. Their preparation was more structured than the previous year, with a strong emphasis on time management, targeted networking, and maximising every opportunity within the Slush 100 program.

Their efforts paid off. Among thousands of startups, OASYS NOW emerged as the winner of Slush 100, securing a €1 million investment from two top-tier venture capital firms specialising in healthcare. Beyond the financial boost, the win has provided immense validation for their mission. Articles about their success have been published in multiple languages, sparking global interest from patients, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders.

Looking ahead

With the momentum of their Slush 100 victory, OASYS NOW is set to scale its impact even further. The investment will allow them to expand their team, enhance product development, and establish new partnerships within the healthcare ecosystem. Their goal remains clear: to create a global platform that empowers patients and accelerates medical breakthroughs.

Reflecting on his journey, Nima Salami offers valuable advice to other startups looking to make an impact:

"Being part of the Dutch delegation and RVO mission is one of the most valuable supports you can receive when attending events like Slush. Make sure to apply on time and follow the guidelines to make the most of your time and resources. Also, remember to take the initiative to research the event and the people you may meet, so you can easily navigate the chaos by the time you arrive! 

Lastly, always ensure you leave enough room and energy to form spontaneous connections with the individuals you encounter, and be generous! Look for every opportunity to help others first, without expecting anything in return. This fosters a wonderful culture and cycle that ultimately rewards you, either right away or down the line."

Want to learn more about the journey that led to OASYS NOW’s success? Read more about Nima Salami’s personal mission behind the creation of OASYS NOW, how OASYS NOW is solving global healthcare challenges, and their initial launch at Slush 2023 in Revolutionising healthcare through patient centric innovation.