Just five years ago, the idea of conducting a hormone test from home, consulting a nutritionist via video call, or monitoring stress levels in real time seemed like science fiction. Today, these technologies not only exist but are thriving.
The intersection of health, technology, and longevity is redefining how we care for our quality of life. While Silicon Valley remains the epicenter of innovation, Latin America — Mexico in particular — is beginning to set its own pace.
According to CB Insights, after an investment frenzy in 2021, the years 2022 and 2023 served as a “cleansing” period for the ecosystem2024, however, marked a stage of consolidation where the focus became clearer: AI, biotechnology, mental health, and user-centered preventive models.
1. AI in Healthcare: From Hype to Clinical Tool
Far from being just a trend, artificial intelligence is already improving real medical processes. Platforms like Abridge, which raised US$150 million, automate clinical documentation to free up doctors’ time. In Brazil, some hospitals have reduced wait times by up to 30% thanks to AI, according to Riot Times Online.
In Latin America, the use of AI in healthtech startups grew from 14% to 20% between 2022 and 2024, according to LatamList, and this trend is expected to continue, particularly in diagnostics, disease prediction, and image analysis.
2. Biotechnology and Longevity: Aging Well Is the New Goal
Longevity has shifted from a futuristic discussion to a strategic investment front. Startups illustrate where global funds are headed:
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BioAge Labs (USA) – Raised US$170 million for anti-aging therapies
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Alzheon – Raised US$100 million for Alzheimer’s treatment
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Freenome – Raised US$200 million for early cancer detection
In Latin America, the focus remains more preventive. For example, Mexican startup Clivi is developing a digital platform for early chronic disease management, offering personalized care and continuous education (Endeavor Insights).
3. Digital Health: Beyond Telemedicine
In 2024, the global digital health market reached US$25.1 billion, growing by 5.5% (PitchBook). In Latin America, growth was even stronger at 37.6%, with Brazil and Mexico leading the way.
Examples include:
These cases show that direct-to-consumer (D2C) models continue to dominate in a region where millions lack private health insurance.
As Sofía Torres, founder of a healthtech startup in Monterrey, puts it: “In Latin America, innovation isn’t just about going digital, it’s about making the impossible accessible.”
4. Mental Health: The Long-Neglected Issue Now Gaining Momentum
In the United States, mental health startups raised US$900 million in 2023, making it one of the most funded healthcare sectors (TechCrunch).
In Mexico and other Latin American countries, cultural stigma and lack of coverage remain barriers. However, startups like Yana (an emotional chatbot) and Vitalk (Brazil) are proving that regional and culturally sensitive innovation is possible.
5. Challenges Slowing Growth (and How to Overcome Them)
While enthusiasm is high, so are the challenges. Here are the main bottlenecks and how they can be addressed:
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Limited early-stage funding – Over 85% of startups are in the seed stage but capture only 25% of available capital.
Solution: Activate regional funds and connect entrepreneurs with global accelerators (for example, IndieBio, StartUp Health).
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Fragmented and slow regulations – Telemedicine laws vary by country, and medical AI lacks clear guidelines.
Solution: Foster partnerships between the private sector, governments, and organizations like HealthTech Hub LatAm to push for modern regulations.
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Low user trust – Many people still distrust digital health services.
Solution: Transparency, clinical evidence, and partnerships with medical institutions build credibility.
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Limited data infrastructure – Hospital systems lack interoperability, and digitalization is uneven.
Solution: Promote open APIs and low-code tools to enable quick integrations with local clinics and hospitals.
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Scalability issues – Many startups gain initial traction but struggle to expand beyond their home countries.
Solution: Develop hybrid models (digital + physical), use WhatsApp/TikTok for education, and build communities.
What’s Next? The Immediate Future of HealthTech in the Region
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AI, biotechnology, and digital health will continue to merge
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Investments will be more selective but won’t slow down
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Regulation will be key to scaling solutions
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Latin America can close the healthcare gap — if we invest in impact-driven innovation
Innovation alone is not enough, it must improve lives. Healthtech is entering a new era where success is not defined by who launches first but by who proves real impact.
In a region with over 600 million people — many still lacking basic healthcare access — the opportunity is not just technological but human.
Mexico has the talent, the need, and the creativity to become a global leader in digital and preventive health. Now is the time to act.
