From Additive Manufacturing to Mind-Controlled Devices

Once again, Stuttgart was the place to be for the European medical device industry. Between 21 and 23 April 2015, over 690 companies from 32 countries showcased their innovations and new products at Medtec Europe, discussed current and future trends and networked with their industry peers. 

The event’s focus on innovations was mirrored in a number of new show features. For the first time, the accompanying free to attend conference took place directly in the exhibition halls. Over 100 industry experts gave presentations on a vast variety of subjects ranging from new trends in Additive Manufacturing to updates on regulatory developments.

As Medtec Europe aims to be the meeting place for the industry, it had a number of new elements to facilitate networking. For example, Medtec Meetings, a programme launched to bring suppliers and industry professionals together. The idea enabled over 250 meetings.

Another highlight was the Medtec Start-Up Academy. Young companies with revolutionary new technologies from all over Europe were encouraged to participate in the contest. The 19 finalists won a free stand at the exhibition and presented their innovative ideas to the visitors. Best-in-class 2015 was the Italian start-up Liquidweb. The company convinced the judging panel with an assistance system for paralyzed patients, a headset that interprets the patterns of electrical currents in the patient’s brain enabling him to communicate again with the outside world.

In the Exhibitor Innovation competition, Medtec Europe’s visitors were asked to vote for the most innovative product or service. Out of the 18 competing companies, they elected the 3-D printing company Formlabs. The company has created an inexpensive, highly-accurate desktop 3D printing solution that is affordable even for smaller companies.  

"Medtec Europe is a very specific and targeted exhibition and we are very happy with the attendance so far,” summarizes Lucie Heidar, Business Development Manager, Henkel. “All the players in the medical device market are here and it is very good for meeting new players too. It is good for closing deals and to reconfirm our activity on the medical market."