Category: Innovation

Kapa3 announces collaboration with SimasiaAI for the development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” (Myrto AI Assistant)

The Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center announces its collaboration with SimasiaAI, for the co-development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” (Myrto AI Assistant), an artificial intelligence (AI chatbot) designed to enhance digital cancer support for patients with cancer and their families through immediate, reliable, and personalized information.

This initiative is part of Kapa3’s strategic focus on leveraging innovative digital tools to improve access to information, strengthen guidance, and reduce the digital gap often faced by vulnerable groups in the healthcare sector.

The Health Navigator “Myrto” is not just an information tool, but a new form of social artificial intelligence in cancer care support in Greece. It is designed to transform digital information into a more human, accessible, and meaningful experience, allowing users to interact, receive guidance, and access support tailored to their needs.

Through its dual role as a “Patient Empowerment e-Navigator”, the system will function both as a Patient Advocate—providing guidance on patient rights, benefits, and access to healthcare and social services—and as a Health Navigator, offering reliable information to support better understanding and self-management of health-related issues.

At the same time, the Health Navigator “Myrto” aims to enhance health literacy, support the psychosocial dimension of the disease, and highlight available community resources, contributing to the reduction of inequalities in access to information.

Kapa3, with its long-standing experience in guiding and supporting cancer patients, continues to invest in initiatives that promote equal access to information and digital empowerment, utilizing technology with a strong social and human-centered approach.

The collaboration between Kapa3 and SimasiaAI leads to the development and integration of the Health Navigator “Myrto” into Kapa3’s platform, highlighting the importance of cooperation between social organizations and technology providers in creating innovative digital support tools for cancer patients. Through this initiative, the goal is to meaningfully empower patients, support healthcare professionals, and advance more human-centered digital services.

The development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” marks an important step toward a new model of digital care, where artificial intelligence complements human support, enhancing the quality of life of patients and their families.

The Founding Sponsor of the “Myrto”Health Navigator is the TIMA Foundation.

Our Press Release text here: PRESS RELEASE SIMASIA AI

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Digital Health Technologies in Europe: New European Commission Report Highlights Opportunities and Challenges

Digital health technologies in Europe are a key pillar in transforming care systems, as highlighted in the new European Commission report (published in 2026), titled “Observatory for Digital Health Technologies in Europe”. The report, prepared for the Directorate-General CONNECT (DG CNECT) by Capgemini Invent and IDC, provides a comprehensive overview of the EU27 digital health market, analyzing both the technology ecosystem and its economic impact.

The report is structured in three main sections. The first focuses on the creation of the Digital Health Technologies Observatory, a strategic tool for monitoring adoption, innovation, and investment in the sector. The second part presents the economic analysis of five selected technologies, while the third contains conclusions and policy recommendations.

The analysis draws on extensive data, including pan-European surveys of healthcare providers and technology companies, expert interviews, mapping of hundreds of providers, and analysis of tens of thousands of investment records. The findings depict a rapidly growing yet fragmented digital health market in Europe.

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in this transformation, with 94% of healthcare providers already adopting or planning to integrate it. Technologies such as Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), automated medical imaging analysis, and digital mental health platforms are highlighted as particularly important for improving care quality and enhancing health system efficiency.

The economic benefits are substantial. CDSS are estimated to enable savings of up to €252 billion over a decade, while automated medical imaging analysis could save up to €192 billion. Similarly, digital mental health platforms support early intervention and reduce the burden on healthcare services, providing significant social and economic benefits.

The report also identifies critical challenges, such as market fragmentation, interoperability issues, and dependence on non-EU providers in strategic areas. Additionally, issues related to digital skills, regulatory frameworks, and equitable access continue to affect the widespread adoption of these technologies.

To address these challenges, the report recommends measures such as strengthening interoperability, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting innovation in cutting-edge fields (such as AI and genomics), and integrating principles of sustainability, accessibility, and equity.

The positioning of digital health technologies in Europe as a key pillar for the future of care systems is closely linked with initiatives developed at the national level. In this context, Kapa3 invests in digital tools that enhance information, accessibility, and empowerment of oncology patients, such as the “Myrto” Health Navigator. You can read more about it here.

As Europe seeks to build a more resilient and inclusive health system, leveraging digital technologies emerges as a decisive factor in improving patient quality of life and the effectiveness of healthcare services.

Sources:

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Webinar: “Cancer, Patient Navigation & Health Management: From Prevention to Coordinated Care” in collaboration with the Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, we invite you to join the webinar on cancer and patient navigation, organized in collaboration with René Descartes College and the Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center. This webinar aims to open a meaningful dialogue around cancer, not only as a medical diagnosis but as a complex life journey.

Today, cancer requires holistic health management, proper guidance within the care system, coordination among professionals and services, and a patient-centered approach that considers the individual, their family, and social environment.

The webinar aims to highlight the importance of Patient Navigation and Health Management in cancer care, to illuminate the role of technology and innovation in oncology, and to raise awareness around prevention, quality of life, and continuous patient support.

Target Audience:

  • Patients and individuals at diagnosis, undergoing treatment, or in follow-up

  • Caregivers and family members

  • Health professionals, Health Management staff and students

  • Policy and quality of care professionals

  • Anyone interested in prevention, screening, organization of oncology services, and patient-centered healthcare approaches

Participants Will Gain:

  • Understanding of cancer as a holistic life issue

  • Knowledge of modern patient navigation and care coordination models

  • Insights into the role of technology in oncology

  • Practical information for better management within the healthcare system

  • Inspiration for more humane, coordinated, and high-quality care

Speakers:

  • Maria Gazouli, PhD – Professor of Biology-Genetics-Nanomedicine, Laboratory Geneticist

  • Dr. Christos A. Frantzidis – Assistant Professor, Computer Science / Machine Learning, School of Computer Science, University of Lincoln, UK

  • Dr. Maria Lavdaniti, MSc, PhD – Professor of Clinical Nursing, Director of the University Laboratory of Adult Cancer Patient Care, International Hellenic University (IHU)

  • Evangelia Mpista, PhD, MBA, MSc, BSc – Co-Founder, Kapa3

  • Dr. Vasiliki Kapaki – Postdoctoral Researcher in Health Economics, Professor of Health Economics, René Descartes College

Participation Details:

  • Duration: 2.5 hours (18:30 – 21:00)

  • Date: 06/02/2026

  • Attendance: Online

  • Participation is free

  • Certificate of attendance will be issued by René Descartes College and Kapa3

  • Registration form and participation declaration: Here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 Supports Digital Innovation for Oncology Patients at Morning Health Talks

On Thursday, 4 December 2025, the second Morning Health Talk titled “Health Data for Innovation in Greece: Building a Stronger Digital Health Ecosystem” took place at the National Documentation Centre (EKT) in Athens. The event was held in a hybrid format (in-person and online participation), bringing together health professionals, researchers, policymakers and technology partners from Greece and abroad.

During the event, international and Greek experiences were presented on the management and use of health data, digital transformation, and best practices for leveraging data to strengthen the country’s digital health ecosystem.

Among the speakers were:

  • Dr Athanasios Batagiannis, General Director, 3-psi

  • Georgios Dimitriou, Cluster Manager, Hellenic Digital Health Cluster

  • Dr Ioannis Koumpouros, Director of DigInHealth, University of West Attica

  • Elpida Fotiadou, Head of eHealth, IDIKA

With the contribution of the distinguished speakers, key issues were discussed, including infrastructure interoperability, the need for reliable data, bureaucratic barriers, gaps in digital literacy, the development of focused platforms and processes, faster care pathways and needs assessment, the reduction of information fragmentation, and the development of human-centred digital solutions with practical value and social acceptance.

KAPA3 presented its strategic approach, focusing on standardised procedures, data quality improvement, interdisciplinarity, and the use of digital tools to support people living with cancer, as well as on guidance, interaction, empowerment and patient participation in data utilisation processes. At every step, KAPA3 addresses key challenges such as data fragmentation, stakeholder collaboration and human-centred digital solutions—issues that are also summarised in the Good Practices Guide developed within the eHealth4Cancer project.

In summary, the main points highlighted were:

  • A human-centred approach and the application of good practices to ensure the usability and social acceptance of digital solutions.

  • Strengthening collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers and citizens to develop reliable and functional digital infrastructures.

  • The need for systematic scientific research to address challenges such as skills gaps, limited access and data fragmentation.

The event provided an important opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange, promoting the alignment of digital health infrastructures with citizens’ needs and reinforcing KAPA3’s role as an active contributor to the digital transformation of healthcare in Greece.

Read the full Morning Health Talks 2025 press release here and view photos from the event.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

When Art Meets Science: How CREATE Platform May Strengthen Emotional Regulation in Cancer Care

At Kapa3, we recognize that cancer affects far more than the body, challenging the emotions, sense of self, relationships, and quality of life of those suffering. Despite the high prevalence of co-occuring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, access to mental health services remains limited. This gap between patient needs and healthcare provisions is precisely what motivated us to help develop CREATE, an innovative digital platform designed to support emotional resilience through a powerful combination of art, technology, and emotional engagement (Ladas et al., 2025).

The CREATE (Creative and Resilience through Arts, Technology, and Emotions) platform uses computerised cognitive training (CCT) designed to enhance emotional regulation by integrating working memory training, engagement with famous artwork, and creative emotional expression. Unlike other platforms, it only targets one cognitive function: working memory. Evidence suggests that focusing on a single cognitive function is more effective than targeting multiple ones. Working memory in particular has been found to influence emotional regulation, a skillset with established benefits for anxiety and depression.

CREATE therefore introduces a unified framework that addresses cognitive function, emotional expression, and biological influences such as sleep quality and dopamine activity. Such digital health solutions are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives to standard psychotherapy, offering greater accessibility and affordability while still capable of reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Findings from the pilot study on CREATE were very promising; the participants found the platform easy to use and enjoyable, and showed increased emotional and creative engagement. Although this early research focused on feasibility and validity rather than therapeutic effectiveness, initial findings indicate improvements in emotional regulation. Importantly, the study demonstrated positive relationships between working memory, emotional regulation, and expression of emotion, while also suggesting that sleep and dopamine may mediate these effects.

These insights highlight the importance of lifestyle and biological data in developing personalized digital mental health tools. It is well established in neuroscience that working memory plays a central role in emotional regulation. A stronger working memory allows individuals to better cope with distressing thoughts, shift their attention, and respond more calmly to challenges. For people living with cancer, supporting these cognitive and emotional capacities makes daily life more manageable. Improved thinking skills can facilitate treatment adherence, informed decision-making, and a more effective management of the emotional turbulence that often accompanies illness.

The study relied on a convenience sample made up mostly of cancer-related healthcare professionals, and only one cancer survivor participated. To address this limitation, the next phase of research will focus entirely on cancer patients and survivors. Their unique challenges, including cancer-related fatigue and treatment-related cognitive changes, will be central to refining the platform and ensuring that CREATE is tailored to the needs of those it aims to benefit the most. This creates not only a more impactful intervention but also empowers patients to have a voice in shaping the future of supportive cancer care.

As we look ahead, CREATE offers a hopeful vision for digital mental-health support. It is scalable, affordable, and adaptable, making it especially valuable for people who lack access to mental health care. Intervening early and supporting emotional well-being throughout treatment and survivorship may reduce the long-term strain on healthcare services associated with mental health conditions.  As cancer treatment continues to evolve, we must make sure that psychological care develops along with it. And CREATE does just that.

Read the full study

References

Ladas, A. I., Katsoridou, C., Gravalas, T., Klados, M. A., Stravoravdi, A. S., Tsompanidou, N., Fragkedaki, A., Bista, E., Chorafa, T., Petrovic, K., Vlotinou, P., Tsiakiri, A., Papazisis, G., & Frantzidis, C. A. (2025). Creativity and REsilience Through Arts, Technology and Emotions: A Pilot Study on the Feasibility and Validity of the CREATE Platform. Brain Sciences, 15(11), 1171.

‌Article by Despina Chrysostomidou, Psychologist, for Kapa3 Research Insights

Kapa3 honored with Gold Award at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2025 NGO of the Year – Health and Social Welfare

A major distinction was awarded to the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3, which received the Gold Award in the category “NGO of the Year – Health and Social Welfare” at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2025.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the awards recognize organizations and initiatives that promote sustainable entrepreneurship and social impact. The ceremony took place on October 14th at the Anais Club, under the auspices of the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, SEV-VIAN, and SETE.

This award highlights Kapa3’s consistent commitment to holistic cancer care, offering free psychosocial guidance, empowerment programs, educational activities, social reintegration initiatives, and innovative digital tools.

Evangelia Bista, President and Founder of Kapa3, stated:

“More than a success, this distinction is a reminder of our values — collaboration, quality, dedication, empathy, and innovation. I am deeply grateful for this exceptional team whose integrity, tireless effort, and shared vision make a difference for our patients. This award belongs to them.”

Since its establishment, Kapa3 has supported more than 10,000 patients and families, while over 1,000 new users visit its website daily for reliable information and guidance. Through scientific evidence, digital innovation, and strong partnerships with public and European stakeholders, Kapa3 promotes a new model of cancer care based on equality, dignity, and inclusion.

As Ms. Bista noted:

“One swallow can make a spring — if you believe in it. And at Kapa3, we’ve been believing it for years, against all odds. We believe.”

“This recognition gives us renewed energy to pursue our mission with dedication, to remain on the frontlines for patients and their families, and to commit every day to improving the support we provide.”