Matchmaking Event of IVAM and BVMed: Connecting MedTech and Microtechnology

Medical technology progress is based on a close technological partnership between component manufacturers, medical device companies and users. The goal is close cooperation and improved connections between technology and medical expertise, say the managing director of the German Medical Technology Association (BVMed), Dr. Marc-Pierre Möll, and the managing director of the IVAM Microtechnology Network, Dr. Thomas Dietrich, at the first joint conference "MedTech Business Connect - A Matchmaking Event" in Berlin.  

Driving collaboration between component manufacturers and medical device companies

The focus of the event was on driving collaboration between component manufacturers and medical device companies, as well as face-to-face matchmaking. The program of lectures on topics such as supply chain management, funding opportunities, but also on technological topics such as robotics in healthcare or medical wearables provided professional impluse. The expert presentations came, among others, from BVMed Chairman Dr. Meinrad Lugan, VDI technology consultant Dr. Monika Weinhold, robotics expert Prof. Dr. Ralf-Joachim Schulz from St. Marien Hospital in Cologne, and wearables expert Erik Jung from Fraunhofer IZM.

Interconnection of data and care processes also improves care security in the healthcare system

In his introductory presentation, BVMed board chairman Dr. Meinrad Lugan emphasized that, in addition to interconnection with technology partners, interconnection of existing data and care processes must also be improved to ensure care security in the healthcare system. He reported a valuable insight from the beginning of the Corona pandemic: for more than 80 percent of all supply-critical medical devices, there was no shortage, but a distribution problem, which could have been solved by smart digital concepts. For this reason, BVMed developed the concept of a digital inventory platform of supply-critical medical devices as a solution offered to politicians. "This would give policymakers real-time transparency in the event of a crisis," Lugan said.

Robotics and AI are able secure medical care for the aging population

IVAM Advisory Board member Prof. Ralf-Joachim Schulz predicted that the looming glaring shortage of medical professionals can only be solved through the use of innovative technologies, such as robotics or AI, to the point where care for the population is no longer at risk. Through the use of technology, nurses and medical professionals could be supported and relieved in standard processes and documentation. However, Prof. Schulz sees hurdles due to too slow and expensive development processes by MDR as well as acceptance problems and a lack of IT infrastructure in hospitals and care facilities.

The event was rated as very successful by all participants. IVAM and BVMed therefore plan to continue "MedTech Business Connect - A Matchmaking Event" together.