MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM

Discover the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM

Highlights & forum program

WOMEN IN HEALTH

MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION

HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP

Shaping the Future of Health: Meeting place for innovations and the players of tomorrow

Hall 1

The four-day MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM sets the global agenda for the latest technologies and innovations in the healthcare sector. It not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art but also offers an exciting glimpse into future developments and trends for the coming decade. As a global hub, the forum brings together international visionaries and experts from all areas of healthcare. It features leading companies and key players from technology and pharmaceutical industries to universities, healthcare providers, clinical institutions, and dynamic start-ups and scale-ups. Together, they are driving the latest trends and shaping the future of medicine.

More than 130 renowned speakers take the stage in various formats. With its unique blend of keynotes, pitches, competitions, networking opportunities, and panel discussions, the forum creates a space for visionary ideas and practical best practices. As a catalyst for progress, it has already facilitated numerous groundbreaking innovations, strategic partnerships, and successful start-ups.

The focus topics of the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM in 2026 are: Hospital of the Future, Hospital@Home, Medical wearables, Digital twins, Critical infrastructure security and cybersecurity (resilience), Generative AI, Robotics, Precision medicine, new therapeutic approaches, and many other topics.

Program highlights of MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM

A special highlight is the "Women in Health" networking platform, which was successfully launched in 2024. The program consists of roundtables, networking formats, panel discussions, and activities throughout the year. "Women in Health" raises the visibility of women in healthcare, puts gender gaps on the agenda, and has established itself as one of the leading international networking platforms.

More information on "Women in Health"

The forum provides selected start-ups and scale-ups a stage to present themselves in the pitch final of the 15^th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION and the 18^th HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP®. Selected from several hundred submissions, the "Top Medical Start-ups 2026" and "Top Health Techpreneurs 2026" will present their innovations in a pitch on stage and will be evaluated live by leading experts from industry and research as well as investors.

DIGITAL HEALTH

IT systems & IT solutions
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15th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION and 18th HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP®

Registration deadline: 10 September 2026, 23:59 CET

The 15th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION offers startups an exclusive platform to showcase groundbreaking innovations at MEDICA 2026. Solutions are invited in the fields of AI in medicine, robotics, laboratory diagnostics, resilience (including cybersecurity), as well as other innovative approaches.

Startups with products and solutions developed from 2018 onward and expected to be market-ready by the end of 2027 are eligible to participate. Approval under EU medical device regulations or by the FDA is not required for participation.

All participants benefit from exclusive networking opportunities and complimentary, comprehensive marketing services. The "Top Medical Start-ups 2026" will additionally have the chance to present their innovations in the grand pitch finale on the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM stage and compete for attractive cash prizes. Participation in the competition is free of charge.

The HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP® has been one of the world’s leading innovation competitions for over 18 years and a proven accelerator for HealthTech innovations. In the pitch finale at MEDICA, the "Top Health Techpreneurs" present their solutions. Intelligent healthcare devices such as medical wearables, digital biomarkers, electroceuticals, smart patches, and other groundbreaking technologies are especially invited.

Innovators from around the world are invited to submit their ideas and create success stories with the Innovation World Cup. Winners gain global visibility and the opportunity to connect with companies and investors. Participation in the Healthcare Innovation World Cup is free of charge.

PARTNER AND EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES AT THE MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM

The MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM is the vibrant hotspot for innovations at MEDICA. It is located in hall 13.

Interested companies can apply for branding exposure and a limited number of exhibition opportunities.

The following partnering options are available:

Gold Partner MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM

Partner MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION

Branded Exhibition Counter MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM

Speaking at the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM

Further information can be found in the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM partner application form.

Organization of the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM

Program management:
Dr. Sonja Sulzmaier
Managing Partner Navispace GmbH
Phone +49 8152 99886-23
Email: s.sulzmaier@navispace.de

Partner opportunities and program organization:
Claudia Hendel
Senior Project and Event Manager Navispace GmbH
Phone +49 1735 854 698
Email: c.hendel@navispace.de

Navispace GmbH