5G-SHEAL Brings Innovative Services to Aretaeio Hospital
A consortium of leading technology companies and academic institutions has received €1.77 million in funding from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for the deployment of advanced 5G infrastructure and services at the University Hospital “Aretaeio” of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Athens.
The 36-month project, entitled “Design of Surgical Procedures with Holograms and Educational Flow through 5G for Aretaeio Hospital NKUA” (SHEAL), aims to provide high-quality connectivity, VR, and 3D hologram capabilities from various imaging methods such as MRI and CT. This will enable the implementation of state-of-the-art health and education services as part of the European strategy for the Gigabit Society, providing a powerful digital platform for surgical preparation and medical education.
Development of internal infrastructure for a mobile private network (MPN) at the University Hospital “Aretaeio” to support real-time tools for optimal medical education.
Application of wi.CARE+, a smart digital healthcare platform, including electronic patient records, live medical imaging, and remote patient monitoring.
Upgrading care in remote areas of Greece through telemedicine capabilities powered by the system and platform.
WINGS ICT Solutions (Greece) – Project coordinator and provider of AI solutions for personalized healthcare via telemedicine.
COSMOTE (Greece) – Responsible for network design and infrastructure implementation.
apoQlar GmbH (Germany) – Developer of healthcare XR applications.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) – Provider of education and clinical service use cases.
“This project is an example of digital transformation using high-speed connectivity and AI in vital sectors like health. By delivering reliable service to Aretaeio Hospital, we aim to improve patient care, boost operational efficiency, and bring innovative education to medical students. We thank our investor, the Phaistos Investment Fund, for helping make this high-level joint venture possible,” said Mr. Panagiotis Demestichas, Co-founder and Chairman of WINGS ICT Solutions.
The impact of this project is expected to be far-reaching, setting a benchmark for the future of smart healthcare systems in Europe. By combining fast digital infrastructure with immersive XR tools such as holograms and VR, professionals and students alike benefit from a more interactive, insightful approach to learning and planning.
One of the most promising aspects of SHEAL is its ability to extend quality education and healthcare services to remote regions. Thanks to real-time connectivity and the integrated wi.CARE+ platform, doctors in rural settings can consult more efficiently with specialists in urban centers. This minimizes patient travel, supports faster diagnoses, and enhances equity in access to care.
Furthermore, combining advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans with holographic visualization enables deeper understanding of complex anatomy. This leads to improved surgical planning and more accurate treatment strategies. For learners, interacting with these models offers a hands-on educational experience that enhances comprehension.
The inclusion of AI through WINGS’s healthcare platform adds another dimension of innovation — offering predictive analytics, personalized treatment suggestions, and more proactive medical responses.
This collaboration between public and private institutions highlights the value of unified efforts in digital healthcare transformation. Each partner brings distinct strengths — from AI and network systems to education and clinical validation — building a flexible, scalable digital health ecosystem.
As Europe advances toward its Gigabit Society goals, the SHEAL initiative shows the real-world benefits of investing in modern digital infrastructure. More than just a tech upgrade, it represents a step forward in delivering inclusive, efficient, and patient-focused care.
With this initiative, Aretaeio Hospital of NKUA is poised to become a model for hospitals across Europe seeking to enhance their training and healthcare delivery through immersive, connected technologies.
For more information, please contact info@apoqlar.com
Article: Το 5G-SHEAL φέρνει καινοτόμες υπηρεσίες στο νοσοκομείο «Αρεταίειο»
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