Healthcare leaders from the Southeast gathered at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta for the 12th annual Health Connect South summit. The event brought together professionals from hospital systems, research institutions, startups, and government agencies to discuss ways to advance healthcare through collaboration.
A key session at the summit was the panel “Innovation and the Changing Face of Healthcare Delivery.” Panelists included Moses Ike, venture principal at Catalyst by Wellstar; Jesse Goodwin, PhD, chief innovation officer at the Medical University of South Carolina; and Chris Lee, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Huxley Medical. The discussion was moderated by Greg Jungles, HealthTech catalyst at Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center.
The panel addressed challenges such as improving the efficiency of care delivery, fostering collaboration between startups and health systems, and the impact of venture capital on the future of healthcare solutions.
“Innovation isn’t just about the latest app or device—it’s about reimagining how we care for people,” said Ike. “It’s about building systems that are smarter, faster and more compassionate.”
Ike, who leads investment strategy at Catalyst by Wellstar, highlighted the organization’s focus on supporting early-stage startups in health technology, healthcare services, and business efficiency. He mentioned companies such as Rheaply, CalmWave, and Gabbi as examples.
“We’re not just investing in companies—we’re investing in the future of care,” Ike added.
Catalyst by Wellstar, an initiative of Wellstar Health System, manages a $100 million venture fund. This fund is one of the largest early-stage, multi-sector healthcare corporate venture funds in the United States. Its goal is to support cross-industry solutions that could change how care is delivered and accessed.
Speakers throughout the panel pointed to the Southeast’s increasing importance as a center for health innovation, citing Atlanta’s startup ecosystem and Charleston’s research community.
“This panel showcased the incredible momentum in our region—from academic institutions to venture-backed startups—all working together to transform healthcare,” said Jungles.
Health Connect South is recognized as the largest healthcare gathering in the Southeast and serves as a platform for forming new partnerships and discussions focused on shaping the future of healthcare.
