MCH Group and Bits & Pretzels establish a joint venture and launch a new health-tech conference

The MCH Group, together with Bits & Pretzels, launches a new Health-Tech conference in Basel. The goal is to create a leading platform that unites the entire value chain of the healthcare sector – from start-ups and established companies to research, science, politics, and investors.

Basel is at the heart of the profound change currently taking place in the healthcare industry. New technologies are driving this transformation significantly. As a location with a unique concentration of innovative start-ups, global pharmaceutical corporations, and leading research institutions, Basel is ideally positioned.

To further strengthen Basel's role as an international life sciences hub, the MCH Group is taking a 50 percent stake in the existing health.tech events AG (www.health.tech). Together with Bits & Pretzels – Europe's leading founder festival – the internationally oriented health.tech | global summit is being launched.

This new conference goes far beyond a traditional trade fair: it aims to become Europe's leading technology-driven health innovation summit, enabling targeted exchange, accelerated innovations, and concrete collaborations along the entire value chain.

Basel as a Center for Innovation and Growth in the Life Sciences Sector

The life sciences ecosystem of Northwestern Switzerland is impressive: over 1,000 research groups, more than 800 life sciences companies, and around 33,000 professionals make Basel one of the most important locations in Europe. The health.tech events AG creates a platform for dialogue with the new conference to strengthen this unique location advantage – supported by renowned sponsors. Andrea Zappia, interim Group CEO of the MCH Group, explains: “The new health-tech conference in Basel demonstrates how the MCH Group is actively driving innovation and developing new business models aligned with global trends and regional opportunities. The conference will act as a catalyst for established innovation players and emerging start-ups, opening up new business opportunities and growth potentials. Our goal is to provide industry stakeholders with a place for exchange, inspiration, and concrete collaboration – thereby sustainably strengthening the Basel region and the healthcare industry. We are aware that the path to success requires a lot of hard work – we are ready to achieve this together.”

Start-ups as Drivers of Innovation – Bits & Pretzels as a Strong Partner

Start-ups in the digital health sector are considered important drivers of innovation – both through technological developments and new approaches that benefit established companies.

Together with Bits & Pretzels, the organizer of Europe's largest founder festival, the MCH Group brings new energy and entrepreneurial spirit to the Basel region. Bernd Storm van ’s Gravesande, co-founder of Bits & Pretzels, emphasizes: “Health Tech is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sectors. The Basel region offers a dynamic, international ecosystem. We look forward to contributing our experience in building technology communities and jointly creating a platform with international appeal.”

Bits & Pretzels HealthTech was launched in 2022 as the first industry event by Bits & Pretzels. It focuses on the dynamic European health-tech start-up scene and highlights founders who are sustainably transforming healthcare. In 2023, the event hosted over 2,500 participants from more than 60 countries, including 400 investors and 1,500 start-ups.

Focus on Innovation, Exchange, and Global Networking

The first edition of the health.tech | global summit will take place from March 3 to 5, 2026, in Basel and will target an international professional audience. Roman Imgrüth, CEO Exhibitions & Events of the MCH Group, adds: “In addition to exhibitions, panels, and keynotes, we are planning matchmaking formats, start-up pitches, and innovation showcases. With over 5,000 expected participants, a variety of curated formats, and a structured hosted buyer program, we are specifically targeting decision-makers from over 60 countries. A specially designed 'Basel Day' will also bring the conference into the city and make it accessible to the local public.”