Start-up spirit for the medicine of the future: MEDICA 2025 attracts young companies from all over the world

Start-up vibes in Düsseldorf: From 17 to 20 November, MEDICA 2025 will once again transform the exhibition grounds into a central meeting place, especially for the international healthcare start-up scene. Whether from Germany, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Spain or the USA – hundreds of start-ups from all over the world will present their ideas and products at the world's leading trade fair for the healthcare and medical technology industry, many of them bundled together in a record-breaking turnout at the MEDICA START-UP PARK in Hall 12.

Two special highlights mark the pitch finals of this year's ‘HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP’ (17 November) and the 14th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION (18 November). From more than 480 applications, the best teams have made it to the finals and will now compete on the stage of the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM (in Hall 12) for victory and the unofficial title of ‘Winner among winners’. A high-calibre jury from the worlds of business, science and investment will evaluate the most innovative start-ups, for example in the MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION in the categories of robotics, health apps, laboratory diagnostics, AI and ‘further innovations’.

‘Start-ups bring the necessary dynamism and creativity to the healthcare industry. MEDICA offers them the perfect global stage for this,’ says Carmen Berger, Director MEDICA at Messe Düsseldorf, eagerly awaiting the pitch finals and start-up innovations.

AI detects sepsis and recognises burnout by voice

One of the finalists is Aisthesis Medical from the United Kingdom. The start-up has raised $1.2 million in a recent funding round to advance its ‘VIOSync Sepsis Prediction Index’ development and save lives. The platform uses hospital data to detect the onset of sepsis up to 48 hours in advance with the help of explainable AI (‘XAI’). This saves valuable time for the treating physicians.

Equally impressive: Prometheus MedTech.AI from Poland wants to detect congenital heart defects in the womb. Using cloud-based AI systems, the start-up analyses ultrasound videos from pregnancy and detects abnormalities at an early stage – a potential game changer in prenatal diagnostics.

And Virtuosis AI from France is literally the talk of the town: the technology analyses over 400 vocal parameters to detect signs of burnout or stress. So it's not what is said that counts, but how. The system can be integrated as a plug-in in Microsoft Teams and has already been presented to French President Emmanuel Macron at a reception for France's greatest AI talents at the Elysée Palace.

Quick access to bone marrow for emergency medicine

In the ‘Further Innovations’ category, SVAN (Safe Vascular Access Needle) from Austria is entering the fray with a special injection device that can save lives. Within just 90 seconds, it gives medical staff access to bone marrow, e.g. in newborns or in veterinary medicine. Also participating in the final pitch: Aghetto from Italy with a one-handed syringe and GO-Pen ApS from Denmark with a reusable insulin pen.

How medical tubes become an intelligent network

Twelve international teams are competing in the HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP. They were selected from over 250 applications. One of them is Connected Consumables from Germany: the start-up makes medical tubes intelligent by integrating data lines. This creates a networked infusion system that automatically recognises medications, patients and sensors.

Watchibia from Switzerland is targeting the consumer market: the company transforms classic watches into health gadgets that measure pulse, sleep and stress levels with its smart wristband.

Neurobit Technologies (Taiwan) relies on AI support, specifically for the diagnosis of dizziness and balance disorders via eye tracking. And Rheo from Sweden develops wearable sensors that continuously record vital data – a potential lifesaver for high-risk patients.

MEDICA START-UP PARK with record participation

In the immediate vicinity of the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM with its many start-up presentations in the stage programme, the MEDICA START-UP PARK (also in Hall 12) will be more comprehensive than ever before this year with 80 international start-up teams.

Among the highlights here is the Swiss start-up Bottneuro, which is breaking new ground in Alzheimer's therapy with a custom-made 3D neurostimulation helmet. Also noteworthy: Power Orthotics from Germany with a robot-assisted orthosis for regaining dexterity in cases of hand paralysis.

MEDICA will thus be the premier destination on all four days for anyone who wants to network with creative newcomers to the future health tech scene and experience their groundbreaking innovations live.

Direct link with information about the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM (including start-up competitions): https://www.medica-tradefair.com/mif2.

Direct link with information about the MEDICA START-UP PARK: https://www.medica-tradefair.com/musp2.

All information about MEDICA 2025 is available online at: https://www.medica-tradefair.com.