MedTech Unleashed: a dynamic ecosystem built to drive success in healthcare innovation.

Opening Keynote: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Thomale

The event began with a keynote from Prof. Dr. Ulrich Thomale, Head of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, titled "From OR to Innovation and Back." Prof. Dr. Thomale emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to advance patient care and drive medical device innovation. His call to break down silos across fields set an inspiring tone for the day.

“Really appreciated being part of the conference on Tuesday. It was a very strong start! Well done and congratulations… and thanks for having me.”‍— Prof. Dr. Ulrich-W. Thomale, Head of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Key Sessions

1. From Concept to Patient
   Nico from Zign Group guided participants through the full journey of launching a medical device, from strategic planning to market validation in a regulated industry.
2. Navigating International Markets
   Digital Health Works shared essential strategies for breaking into the U.S. market, covering regulatory hurdles, distribution tactics and aligning with market expectations.
3. Human-Centered Medical Device Development
   Daniel from Pilotfish emphasized empathy and user-focused design in product development, offering practical exercises to integrate user insights throughout the process.
4. Managing Software Risks in Medical Devices
   Corscience presented methods to proactively manage software risks, an essential approach as software becomes increasingly integral to MedTech products.

“I thoroughly enjoyed 'MedTech Unleashed,' particularly the interactive breakout sessions 'From Insight to Impact' with Daniel from Pilotfish and 'From Concept to Patient' with Nico from Zign Group. I’m looking forward to a repeat experience!” — Martin Gugel, Founder in Stealth Mode

Industry Insights: Panel Discussion

The day concluded with a panel discussion led by Maeva Schaller, HOO at Pilotfish, featuring Dr. Adrian Maciejewski, Hanna-Sophie Braun, Prof. Dr. Ulrich-W. Thomale, and Thom Rasche. The panelists offered candid perspectives on the challenges and priorities in MedTech:

• Payer Priorities vs. User Needs
  The panel explored how the shift to value-based care shapes product development and the need for stronger digital infrastructure.
• Profitability vs. Health Outcomes
  Panelists discussed the balance between financial goals and patient care, agreeing that a focus on health outcomes can align with business success.
• Rise of Self-Tracking Technologies
  Panelists debated the role of self-tracking tools in personalized healthcare, weighing the potential benefits against the risks of overreliance.

“MedTech Unleashed 2024 was truly a highlight in the world of entrepreneurship, innovation and MedTech! The venue was buzzing with energy, and the ambiance was perfect for sparking creativity and ideas… The panel session was just as engaging, with speakers responding to bold, thought-provoking statements. It made for a lively discussion that left everyone buzzing with new perspectives.”‍— Ira Philip, Purpose-Driven Financial Advisor for Early-Stage Startups

Key Takeaways: A Collaborative Path Forward

1. Collaboration is Essential
   Cross-industry teamwork is vital for advancing MedTech innovation.
2. Comprehensive Support
   Startups and SMEs need full support to navigate the journey from concept to market.
3. Long-Term Health Impact
   The focus should be on sustainable, long-term outcomes.
4. Ongoing Dialogue
   Regular discussions among innovators, clinicians, regulators, and investors are key to building a strong MedTech ecosystem.

“Thanks for the organization of the MedTech innovation meeting in Berlin. I like the format of the meetings and the interactive approach in the workshop sessions.”‍— Thomas Wille, PhD, MBA, Founder of ArgosConsult

What’s next?

• Webinar series on regulations, market strategies and more.
• Live events in 2025 for in-depth networking and collaboration.
• Matchmaking solutions to connect innovators, investors and experts.

Join us

‍We invite startups and established companies to join our community and drive healthcare innovation forward. For more information or request conference materials via our website www.medtech-unleashed.com. Interested to work together on your product innovation? Schedule a discovery call or start with your project by filling in our checklist as a first step!

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