The 16th annual MIXiii Biomed international life-science conference and exhibition begins today in Tel Aviv and will run through Thursday, coinciding with National Life Sciences & Technology Week.

Some 6,000 researchers, physicians, hospital executive life-science entrepreneurs, academics, industrialists and investors from 45 countries are expected to attend.

“Among the co-organizers of the conference are the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic, both among the leading medical centers in the US and worldwide. In addition, we are expecting delegations from East Asia and Europe,” said MIXiii Biomed co-chair Ruti Alon.

The Israel Innovation Authority’s startup pavilion will feature 45 companies. In addition, there are informational booths set up throughout the conference by companies and institutions from Israel, Canada, China, Ireland, United States, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania, Holland, Italy and Sweden.

Speakers and panels this year will focus exclusively on biomedical, biotechnological and information technological solutions to the challenges of aging and for extending healthy longevity.

“This is the leading event of Israel’s life-science industry, involving foremost Israeli and international researchers, developers, entrepreneurs, officials and investors – which demonstrates the increasing recognition of the critical need to address the challenges of the aging society by scientific and technological means,” says Ilia Stambler, head of the Israeli Longevity Alliance and outreach coordinator for the International Society on Aging and Disease.

Panels planned include “The Impact of Aging on Population Health and World Economy,” “Robotics Role in Aging,” “Longevity: Genetics and Epigenetics, “Works in Progress in Academia,” “Age-related Diseases (Cardiology, Ophtalmology and Oncology),” “Personal Diagnostics and Personal Medicine,” “Neurodegenerative Diseases,” “Regenerative and Cell Therapies” and “Digital Health for the Elderly.”

Israel has approximately 385 companies active in the field of digital health, according to a report released on March 27 by Start-Up Nation Central.

“Israel has the potential to be a world leader in the [digital-health] industry,” said MIXiii Biomed co-chair Dr. Benny Zeevi, managing general partner of Tel Aviv Venture Partners.