Health Tech: How Technology, and Austin, Will Help You Live Longer & Better

Human bodies are amazingly capable and resilient, but there are countless risks and dangers to our health and lifespan. Technology has long been used in the pursuit of health and longevity, from bandages and thermometers to splints and herbal medicines. In the era of advanced computing technologies and sensors, nanotechnology and robotics, and massive data and artificial intelligence, we are discovering new ways to detect and diagnose illnesses and injuries and to treat them medically and surgically. We are learning new ways to rehabilitate bodies and recover from injuries and illnesses, and how to prevent many illnesses and conditions from ever occurring. As we enter 2020, we can credibly picture a not-too-distant future in which precision medicine will end death from disease (if not disease itself), that nanotechnology and robotics will enable precision surgery to yield total recovery in nearly 100% of all cases, and that artificial limbs and organs will replace original ones with equal or greater capabilities and durability. Moreover, we are uncovering the genetic and epigenetic causes of aging, and thus we can foresee extending healthy, high quality lives to well beyond 100 years and to realize our maximum lifespan potential.

As one of the leading cities in the world for computing technologies, academic research, innovation, and startups—and now home to the Dell Medical School—Austin is well positioned to become a leader in the creation of health-related technologies. Join us as two leaders in Austin’s health tech ecosystem—Dr. Jordan Amadio, neurosurgeon and innovator at Ascension and Dell Med, and Scott Collins PhD, biotech entrepreneur and co-founder of BioAustin—share the current state and future possibilities for health technologies and for the Austin opportunities in everything from wearables and diagnostics to robotics and rehabilitation technologies. Then, Dr. Amadio with then discuss into the future of surgery as one example of this technological revolution in healthcare. (Future Austin Forum programming will cover precision medicine, advanced diagnostics, and more.) Join us as we learn how our lives will get better and longer—and how you may be able to contribute!