European Society of Cardiology to launch pioneering Digital & AI Summit in Berlin
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is set to host its inaugural Digital & AI Summit in Berlin on 21-22 November 2025, marking a significant step in advancing cardiovascular innovation through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies. This two-day event is designed to unite global experts in cardiology, technology, and healthcare to share the latest developments in AI and explore how digital innovation can transform cardiovascular care.
The summit’s comprehensive programme includes 61 sessions, with a particular focus on three key roundtables addressing the trustworthiness and user experience of AI, as well as regulatory, economic, and policy considerations related to its implementation in clinical practice. Associate Professor Nico Bruining of Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, who is co-chairing the summit, highlighted the current landscape of AI in cardiology. He noted that although many AI tools exist at the developmental or validation stage, only a small fraction have progressed to clinical use due to challenges in validation, obtaining regulatory approval, securing financing, and ensuring post-market surveillance and ethical safeguards. "Patient acceptance and clinician education are also critical for successful implementation," he added.
A particularly important aspect of the summit is engaging diverse stakeholders, including patient representatives. Inga Drossart from the ESC Patient Forum in Berlin emphasized that AI should be designed as a supportive tool that enhances rather than replaces the human connection in healthcare, stressing the importance of empathy and communication in medical care. This patient-centred perspective underscores the ethical dimension of AI integration, which the summit seeks to address through informed debate and dialogue.
The roundtable sessions aim to provide a platform for interdisciplinary discussion. For instance, the Trustworthiness of AI panel will include insights from Professor Frank Rademakers of KU Leuven, Belgium, who pointed out that AI tools require rigorous clinical evaluation akin to other medical interventions. However, unlike traditional therapies, AI software can evolve through use, necessitating ongoing post-market evaluation to ensure safety and efficacy in real-world settings. Another critical session, User Experience with AI, features David Duncker, Head of the Hannover Heart Rhythm Center, who highlighted the need for clinician trust supported by continuous education. He cited Holter ECG AI analysis as an example of a successful clinical AI application, contrasting it with AI predictions of atrial fibrillation, which still require further validation before routine clinical use.
The summit also tackles the regulatory and economic aspects of AI adoption. Professor Alan Fraser from the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, pointed out the importance of moving beyond generic references to AI’s potential, advocating for precise evaluation of each application. He stressed the necessity of risk-based, proportionate regulation supported by transparent performance data from independent studies representative of the target populations. This approach aims to ensure patient safety and trust while fostering innovation.
In addition to the sessions, the summit provides opportunities for researchers to showcase their latest scientific work, as the ESC is calling for submissions to be included in the scientific programme. This platform seeks to foster innovation, encourage knowledge exchange, and support the development of transformative AI tools for cardiovascular care.
The event also features an industry exhibition and networking sessions, presenting a venue for healthcare innovators and technology companies to demonstrate cutting-edge solutions, engage with clinical experts, and form partnerships. These collaborations are vital for accelerating the adoption of AI technologies in clinical workflows and patient care.
The ESC’s commitment to the digital transformation of cardiology extends beyond the summit through its Artificial Intelligence Hub, which offers continuing medical education webinars and resources. This includes topics such as natural language processing for cardiology data, mental health assessment integration within cardiovascular care, and regulatory frameworks for AI, ensuring ongoing education and policy development to support safe, effective AI implementation.
Together, the ESC Digital & AI Summit and its associated initiatives represent a concerted effort by the cardiology community to harness AI’s potential responsibly and ethically, improving both clinical outcomes and patient experiences while addressing the complex challenges of innovation adoption in healthcare.