Innovation knows no borders in the healthcare industry, yet data privacy concerns create boundaries at every turn. 

While these protections are crucial, they've created what seems like an impossible choice: privacy or progress? 

Today, as co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Pontiro, a privacy-enhancing technology startup, Evan Jenkins (HEXie 4.1) is tackling a critical challenge: secure data sharing, beginning with the UK healthcare sector before expanding globally.

His team is revolutionising how healthcare organisations handle sensitive data, proving that privacy and progress can coexist.

From Challenge to Innovation

The journey began with a fundamental observation in the healthcare sector: traditional data anonymisation methods were proving too slow and error-prone, creating a significant bottleneck in healthcare innovation. 

Pontiro emerged as a response to this challenge, developing automated anonymisation and encryption solutions that maintain data privacy while preserving its utility for research and AI-driven innovation.

"We help organisations securely process and share sensitive information while ensuring compliance with regulations," explains the founder. 

What sets Pontiro apart is its unique ability to bridge the gap between data security and usability – a crucial balance in today's data-driven healthcare environment.

The HEX Impact

For Evan, HEX played a pivotal role in transforming his entrepreneurial journey. 

"Taking part in the HEX programme made me discover the world of entrepreneurship and realise it was something I could actually pursue," he reflected. "Before the program, I saw entrepreneurship as something out of reach, but HEX gave me the confidence and skills to take it seriously."

The most valuable skill developed during the program? Networking and opportunity identification. The ability to ask the right questions, validate ideas quickly, and build meaningful connections has proven instrumental in driving Pontiro's growth.

Fundraising and Looking Ahead

The path forward looks promising. Evan and his team have been methodically building relationships with potential investors since last year, engaging with both angel investors and venture capital firms. With fundraising planned for mid to late 2025, the company is carefully evaluating its growth options. Whether through strategic investment, innovation grants, or sustainable organic growth, Pontiro remains focused on choosing the path that best advances their mission.

Looking to the future, Pontiro aims to establish itself as a market leader in secure healthcare data management. Their vision extends beyond healthcare, with plans to expand into finance, insurance, and government data security – sectors facing similar challenges in sensitive data sharing and compliance.

Evan and Pontiro's journey showcases the extraordinary potential of HEX alumni. Their journey from innovative idea to groundbreaking startup exemplifies how our programs empower founders to create meaningful global impact.

With hands-on mentorship, a powerful global network, and practical skills that last a lifetime, HEX gives you the foundation to build something extraordinary.

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Ready to write your own success story? Applications for our Global Internships are now open. Learn more here.

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