In a surprising turn of events for a small town nestled in the heart of Castilla-La Mancha, Alcolea de Calatrava has unexpectedly positioned itself as a global epicenter of healthcare innovation. Thanks to the strong support of its Town Council and the European FiveCLM program, launched by the Government of Castilla-La Mancha, the pioneering Doctor TwinH project by the Spanish company Fyself is transforming rural healthcare, actively engaging its residents, healthcare professionals, and technology experts in a proof of concept (PoC) that is already setting a new global standard.
Fyself and Doctor TwinH: The vision that takes root in rural areas
Fyself, one of the 50 startups selected in the second ‘Open Call’ of the FiveCLM project, launched by the Government of Castilla-La Mancha to promote technological innovation projects in rural areas, is the driving force behind this revolution. Selected from over a hundred European applicants, Fyself’s Doctor TwinH project introduces a cutting-edge approach that merges digital twin technology, community-generated data, and collaborative tools to optimize health outcomes in rural environments.
Fyself’s journey began in April with its selection, followed by an intensive training program at EAE Business School Barcelona from May to July. September brought personalized mentoring sessions, refining the value proposition and preparing for its regional rollout. “At Fyself, our goal is to democratize access to advanced digital health. The reception in Alcolea has exceeded our expectations and motivates us to move forward, making Doctor TwinH a model that can be exported to other rural communities,” says Manuel Benítez, CEO of the company.
The Community at the Center: The PoC of Alcolea de Calatrava
The most crucial phase has been the launch of the Proof of Concept (PoC) in Alcolea de Calatrava. The local council’s decision to sponsor the pilot has been fundamental, enabling direct and meaningful engagement with the town’s residents. Through open discussions, the project has meticulously gathered firsthand concerns and fostered dialogue about the unique challenges of rural healthcare.
This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions developed are deeply rooted in the community’s real needs, rather than being mere theoretical constructs.
A Global Precedent for Digital Health
What truly sets this initiative apart is its global novelty: a digital health project, powered by cutting-edge digital twin technology, born and developed in a small rural town. The role of Alcolea de Calatrava as its starting point unequivocally demonstrates that profound innovation can flourish in territories with fewer traditional resources. This unique model establishes an unprecedented standard for the deployment of advanced healthcare technologies, challenging the notion that high-tech solutions are exclusive to urban centers.
Inspiring a healthier future beyond borders
Doctor TwinH stands as an inspiring testament to how local talent, engaged citizens, and supporting institutions can collectively forge new paths in healthcare transformation. What began as a local pilot project is now projecting its impact far beyond municipal borders, positioning Castilla-La Mancha as an emerging leader in digital health, a paradigm built on active participation, data, and smart technologies.
To further engage the community and other stakeholders, Fyself has launched an interactive story map developed with ESRI technology. This visual and accessible tool explains the history, objectives, and operation of the Doctor TwinH project, including contextual information about Fyself’s selection for FiveCLM and the benefits of digital twins in managing personal and community health. The story map also details community activities, such as the recent meeting in Alcolea de Calatrava where residents and experts discussed the pilot’s progress, reinforcing Fyself’s commitment to outreach and citizen participation.
This pilot in Alcolea de Calatrava is not just a project; it is a model for a healthier and digitally empowered rural future, ready to inspire similar initiatives across Europe and the rest of the world.
