A newly launched startup in Thessaloniki aims to address blood shortages by making blood donation a more regular and engaging part of everyday life. LifePulse, founded by a team of young entrepreneurs, has developed a mobile application that connects potential donors directly with hospitals in need while also encouraging a shift towards preventive, routine contributions.
The app, available on Android and iOS, allows users to register their blood type and location. They then receive notifications whenever nearby hospitals need blood donations, aiming to simplify what is often an ad hoc, urgent process. After ten months in operation, LifePulse reports more than 2,000 users and partnerships with three hospitals in northern Greece, with a further collaboration expected soon with a major hospital in Thessaloniki.
The idea originated with two childhood friends, Panagiotis Karadaglis and Thomas Patsanis, who were aware from an early age of the persistent blood shortage in Greece. The concept was first proposed during Karadaglis's postgraduate studies in informatics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, but did not initially gain traction. The pair later developed the idea independently, winning first place at a Social Hackathon in 2023, before formally establishing the startup in 2025 and expanding their team to include another computer technician, a graphic designer, and two additional IT specialists.
Beyond its core function, the platform is also exploring more user-driven features. One planned addition would allow individuals to send alerts themselves when they or someone close to them needs blood, addressing a need that is currently often communicated via social media with limited response. The app is also experimenting with gamification elements, inviting users to document their donation experience and potentially compete with others, to build a more active donor community.
Karadaglis told Voria.gr: "Blood donation can be fun - after all, in 30 minutes you can save three lives and get juice and a snack. What interests us is social contribution with a focus on public health. No medical procedure should be delayed due to a lack of blood or because of where patients live or their standard of living."
LifePulse has also expanded into bone marrow donation, enabling organisations to promote related events and awareness campaigns through the app, though this operates differently from the blood donation model.
by Maria Mathiopoulou - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
