From intelligent wearables and AI-supported diagnostics to micro-medical robotics, the diversity of current developments by start-ups is impressive. With formats such as the large MEDICA START-UP PARK joint stand and the final pitches of the MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION and the HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP as highlights of the stage programme at the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM, MEDICA is putting the start-up scene firmly in the spotlight. This promotes networking with established players from research, industry and medical applications.
What makes it special is that participation in the two pitch competitions for start-ups and scale-ups is free of charge – the only decisive factor is the degree of innovation of the solutions presented. And those who come out on top can hope for much more than just fame and glory: for many winning teams, the MEDICA prizes are a door opener to strategic partnerships and investments worth millions, as a look back at MEDICA 2024 and the winning teams of the start-up competitions shows.
Success stories from the MEDICA stage
French medtech start-up Robeauté impressed with a rice grain-sized neurosurgical microrobot and emerged victorious from the MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION 2024. The microrobot can move through the extracellular matrix of the brain and safely access areas that previously seemed almost impossible to reach with neurosurgery. There, it can perform targeted treatments, take samples or even implant sensors with precision. Shortly after the award ceremony in Düsseldorf, this technological breakthrough enabled Robeauté to secure an impressive round of financing worth 27.2 million euros. In addition to well-known venture capitalists, Brainlab, a clinical partner from Germany, also participated.
But the benefits resulting from MEDICA and COMPAMED went far beyond capital acquisition for the start-up: ‘The trade fair was a success for us in many ways. In addition to the attention it generated, it also brought us directly into contact with suitable suppliers – a real bonus given the complexity of our product,’ says Quentin François, Chief Product Officer. The micro-robot consists of a large number of different parts that must be produced and delivered in high quality and in sufficient quantities. That is why Robeauté is currently working with suitable partners to establish a corresponding European supply chain, according to François. Clinical trials are scheduled to start in 2026, when the first patient is also expected to be treated.
Liver diagnostics on a molecular basis
Another highlight at the MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION 2024 was the US start-up AGED Diagnostics, which took second place on the winners’ podium with an innovative blood test for the non-invasive diagnosis of liver disease. Through targeted sequencing of DNA and RNA changes, diseases such as NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) can be detected at an early stage. CEO Rachel Zayas emphasises: ‘The European market is very important to us – MEDICA was the perfect place to engage in direct dialogue with an international audience of experts.’ Following the competition, a clinical trial involving 500 patients at nine locations in the USA was launched. CE marking is planned for the EU market, supported by collaborations such as the Medical Forge Leipzig start-up accelerator programme. Recently completed seed financing of three million euros will enable further development of the prototype.
Neurostimulation instead of painkillers: a new approach to PMS and PMDD
The 17th HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP promises more presentations of groundbreaking developments in 2025, with a focus on innovations in the field of the Internet of Medical Things. Novel solutions for wearable medical devices, digital biomarkers, smart plasters and therapy systems are in demand. Last year’s winner, British start-up Samphire Neuroscience, won with a revolutionary, drug-free neurostimulation device for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The portable device, called ‘Nettle’, is designed to replace the use of painkillers (with undesirable side effects) and is now available throughout the EU and the United Kingdom. CEO Dr Emilė Radytė plans to participate in MEDICA again this year. According to Radytė, start-ups that already have a product or are about to launch one should take advantage of the benefits of participating in the HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP. This is because the trade fair is an ideal platform for finding potential business partners.
Self-testing instead of waiting rooms with a smart eHealth solution
MedicubeX from Finland came in second place behind Samphire Neuroscience. In the final pitches at MEDICA 2024, the start-up was successful with its ‘eHealth Station’, which provides non-invasive CE-certified medical devices in a mobile platform for self-testing. It enables self-monitoring of vital signs, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes risks, as well as the immediate remote booking of doctor’s appointments. This can be used, for example, for risk assessment in emergency medicine or: ‘We participate in public health screening programmes,’ reports Vili Kostamo, CEO and co-founder of MedicubeX. Kostamo sees the ‘HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP’ as ‘one of the most important and highly regarded awards in our sector.’ MedicubeX is now active in several European countries and has also been accepted into the Medical Forge Leipzig accelerator programme. Six million euros in funding has been generated so far, and the next round of financing is already planned.
‘At MEDICA, you get precise feedback on what you’ve done right, but also where there is still room for improvement and course corrections are needed. The award has helped us a lot with our communication,’ concludes Vili Kostamo on a positive note.
MEDICA START-UP PARK: Networking with the start-up scene
Networking is also a top priority at the MEDICA START-UP PARK, which has established itself as an exclusive platform for the creative start-up scene. The record participation of 60 start-ups last year is set to be surpassed again in 2025. DARERL ApS from Copenhagen, HeartHero from Denver and OMMO Technologies from Texas have already registered. DARERL specialises in the development of high-precision digital human anatomy models. These digital twins enable companies in the medical technology and wearables sectors to test and optimise their products virtually and bring them to market faster. DARERL provides models of high-precision, customised human body parts and tailors the device model to the desired specifications.
HeartHero has developed a portable, user-friendly and affordable automated external defibrillator (AED). The device detects the heart rhythm and only delivers a shock when necessary. OMMO Technologies specialises in high-precision 3D tracking systems. They offer an innovative solution for position and motion detection in areas smaller than a millimetre, based on a permanent magnetic field. A wireless sensor makes it possible to track even the slightest patient movements, for example during neurological, orthopaedic or dental operations. The associated micro-sensors can be integrated into any surgical instrument.