Shaping pathways into the MedTech industry:
Enable MedTech Bavaria strengthens cross-sector innovation
Innovation as the result of strong networks
Representatives from major industry, SMEs, venture capital, and the university ecosystem came together to discuss the burning questions of the sector: How does the transfer from research to market succeed? What role do young talents play? And how does one become a successful MedTech player in a highly regulated environment?
The focus was not just on strategies—but above all on concrete experiences, challenges, and practical solutions.
At TranslaTUM, it quickly became clear: Medical technology is facing a phase of great momentum—technologically, economically, and structurally.
Insights from Industry, Consulting, and Entrepreneurship
The thematic framework was set by Prof. Dr. Oliver Hayden (TU Munich), who, as host, highlighted the central role of technology transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration. He particularly emphasized that medical innovations only create real value for patients when academic excellence is linked early on with entrepreneurial know-how and regulatory foresight.
Marco Bühren (Roland Berger) expanded the thematic scope significantly. As co-author of current industry studies, he pointed out that the focus of the MedTech industry is increasingly shifting: away from purely incremental improvements toward radical efficiency, sustainable business models, and the integration of digital technologies.
Dr. Wolfgang Sening (Senetics/NeZuMed) illustrated that becoming a successful "player" in this industry is no coincidence. With his profound experience at the intersection of entrepreneurship and healthcare, he identified the critical success factors: from early consideration of regulatory requirements to the development of a resilient market access strategy.
The entrepreneur Dr. Florian Ilchmann (Ambright) described what this transfer can look like in concrete terms. His report on transitioning complex medical electronics from university research into real-world products offered participants valuable first-hand "lessons learned."
Today more than ever, innovation is a driver of growth. We are experiencing enormous momentum in the market that requires all of us to think faster and in a more networked way. Only then can we truly bring new technologies to the patient.
Focus on Talent, Transfer, and Cooperation
A highlight was the panel on Education, Talents & Transfer, moderated by Prof. Dr. Dominik Pförringer. Together with Prof. Dr. Oliver Hayden (TU Munich), Michael Klenk (Werfen), Simon Schießl (bbs automation), and Dirk Keßler (VDI Süd), they discussed how cooperation between industry and universities can succeed—and the role that talent, education, and networks play in the process. It became clear: technology alone is not enough—people, skills, and functioning ecosystems are decisive.
A true interplay of all stakeholders is more important than ever in times like these. We don’t just need patents; we need a functioning ecosystem that nurtures talent and makes exchange between the lecture hall and industry the norm.
Exchange as an Engine for New Ideas
The afternoon thrived on open, collaborative exchange. In interactive formats such as thematic roundtables and the World Café, topics like IP strategies, clinical trials, and reimbursement models were discussed in depth in small groups. This resulted not only in new perspectives but also in concrete starting points for future cooperation.
Innovation from the Next Generation
A special highlight was the Startup Pitches:
- BugSense Diagnostics – with innovative approaches in the field of diagnostics.
- CertHub – solutions regarding regulatory processes and certification.
- navel robotics GmbH – new approaches in the field of robotic applications.
They impressively demonstrated the immense innovation potential already present in young companies today—and how vital the connection to industry and research remains.
A Strong Network for the Future
Special thanks go to Kristen Kozielski for her outstanding commitment to presenting and further developing the new TUM Master’s Program in Biomedical Engineering. Her dedication is a crucial contribution to strengthening the younger generation and significantly drives innovation at the interface of engineering and medicine. To align this degree program optimally with the requirements of industry and research, we invite you to actively support the project.
Enable MedTech Bavaria impressively shows how cross-sector cooperation and interdisciplinary exchange contribute to actively shaping the future of medical technology. By connecting industry, startups, and science, the event makes a significant contribution to building a resilient, innovative, and internationally competitive MedTech ecosystem in Bavaria.
Special thanks to:
- Our speakers Marco Bühren, Dr. Wolfgang Sening, and Dr. Florian Ilchmann.
- Our panelists Prof. Dr. Oliver Hayden (TUM), Michael Klenk (Werfen), Simon Schießl (bbs automation), Dirk Keßler (VDI Süd), and moderator Prof. Dr. Dominik Pförringer.
- The participating startups BugSense Diagnostics, CertHub, and navel robotics GmbH.
- Our co-organizers VDI and VDE.
- Our sponsors Dassault Systèmes and Evoleen Access.
- All participants for their openness, energy, and intensive exchange.
We also thank all the supporters behind the scenes who made this event possible.
The resulting network is a strong foundation. We look forward to continuing the conversations initiated—and to bringing this network together again for the next edition of Enable MedTech Bavaria.
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A thanks to our partners and sponsors:
