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As medical knowledge doubles every 73 days, healthcare providers face a daunting challenge: making life-saving decisions quickly and precisely in a sea of data. Estonian company Synbase has become a lifeline, helping clinicians cut through the noise to deliver safer, data-driven care right at the point of need.
In healthcare, time isn’t just money; it’s often the difference between life and death. With medical data growing exponentially and the pressure to improve patient outcomes ever-present, Synbase steps in. “Our team saw the critical need to consolidate this vast pool of clinical information,” says Synbase founder and CEO Siim Nahkur. Synbase integrates with electronic health records and pharmacy information systems, centralising multiple data points into a streamlined platform while offering healthcare providers instant, patient-specific recommendations.
A significant step forward came in 2020, when Synbase, in partnership with the Estonian Health Insurance Fund and Duodecim, launched the first nationwide comprehensive clinical decision support (CDS), a milestone for both Synbase and Estonia’s healthcare landscape. In 2021, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications named this service Estonia’s #1 public digital service, proof of its impact.
Synbase’s success is deeply rooted in Estonia’s pioneering digital ecosystem. With an innovative National Health Information System as far back as 2008, Estonia established a strong foundation for digital health, a model that Synbase continues to build upon. “Estonia’s environment allowed us to build a system within an established infrastructure,” Siim notes. Support from initiatives like the Enterprise Estonia program for applied research, funded by the EU European Regional Development Fund, has also been essential in driving Synbase’s growth locally and internationally.
By clinicians, with clinicians, for clinicians
Synbase’s user-centric approach has been instrumental in setting it apart from other CDS platforms. Designed in collaboration with clinicians—including Synbase’s team with over twenty years of healthcare experience—its tools are practical and intuitive. “One of our most popular features is the drug interaction service, which alerts doctors of potential medication conflicts,” says Siim. Synbase medication review function saves an estimated nine minutes per clinician daily, a crucial time-saving in high-pressure medical environments.
Siim reflects on feedback from clinicians, recounting how one doctor praised Synbase’s ability to provide actionable insights rather than merely requiring endless data input. “Most tools turn doctors into data-entry machines. So, for many, clinical decision support is the first tool they’ve used that gives something valuable back,” Nahkur explains. Synbase’s platform turns data into value, offering recommendations that make a tangible difference in patient care and clinician efficiency. This user-centred approach has earned Synbase a reputation for usability and reliability.
Making global healthcare data speak the same language
With operations spanning multiple countries, Synbase faces the challenge of interoperability, a common hurdle in global healthcare technology. Each country has unique standards and local modifications, making it challenging to create a universal solution. “But by aligning our platform with international and regional standards, we provide consistency and flexibility,” says Siim. Tackling the diversity in health data classifications has been essential to the company’s international success.
Operating within the EU also requires meeting stringent regulatory standards, including the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the EU AI Act, which came into effect on 1 August 2024. Achieving ISO 13485 certification is another significant milestone, affirming Synbase’s commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. “Compliance demands far more resources than we initially anticipated,” Siim shares, “but it establishes a trusted framework for companies like ours to thrive.”
Growing with purpose
With a compound annual growth rate of 42% over the last five years, Synbase has ambitious plans to expand five-fold by 2030. Siim attributes this momentum to the maturing digital health market, noting, “Though AI grabs a lot of attention, there’s still a real need for practical digital health solutions that deliver results today.” The company’s growth strategy focuses on meeting immediate clinical needs rather than following trends, making it an invaluable tool for providers.
Regulatory changes are also shaping Synbase’s market opportunities. As older, non-compliant medical devices are being phased out, new openings are emerging for Synbase and other health tech companies. This shift creates a favourable environment for patient-centred, compliance-focused platforms, further supporting the company’s growth trajectory.
Beyond commercial achievements, Synbase is also preparing to offer its services to Ukrainian healthcare providers, providing critical clinical decision support during an incredibly challenging time. The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) supports the project. This effort is part of the company’s commitment to accessible, impactful healthcare solutions that make a difference where needed most.
