Start-up vibes in Düsseldorf: at MEDICA 2025, from November 17 to 20, the exhibition grounds will once again transform into a central meeting point particularly for the international healthcare start-up scene. Whether from Germany, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Spain, or the USA – hundreds of start-ups from all over the world will present their ideas and products as part of the world’s leading trade fair for the healthcare economy and medical technology industry, many of them showcased together in record numbers in the MEDICA START-UP PARK in Hall 12.
Two special highlights will be the pitch finals of this year’s “HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP” (11/17) and the 14th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION (11/18). From more than 480 applications, the best teams have reached the finals and will now compete on the stage of the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM (in Hall 12) for victory and the unofficial title “Winner among winners.” A high-caliber jury from business, science, and the investment sector will evaluate the most innovative start-ups, for example at the MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION in the categories robotics, health apps, laboratory diagnostics, AI, and “other innovations.”
“Start-ups bring the necessary dynamism and creativity to the healthcare industry. MEDICA offers them the perfect global stage for this,” says Carmen Berger, Director MEDICA at Messe Düsseldorf, looking forward with anticipation to the final pitches and start-up innovations.
AI detects sepsis and identifies burnout through voice
Among the finalists is Aisthesis Medical from the United Kingdom. The start-up has recently raised 1.2 million US dollars in a financing round to advance its development of the “VIOSync Sepsis Prediction Index” and thereby save lives. The platform uses hospital data and explainable AI (“XAI”) to detect the onset of sepsis up to 48 hours in advance, giving treating physicians valuable time.
Equally impressive is Prometheus MedTech.AI from Poland, which aims to detect congenital heart defects while babies are still in the womb. Using cloud-based AI systems, the start-up analyzes ultrasound videos from pregnancy and identifies abnormalities at an early stage – a potential game changer in prenatal diagnostics.
And Virtuosis AI from France is literally providing a new topic of conversation: its technology analyzes more than 400 vocal parameters to detect signs of burnout or stress. It focuses not on what is said, but how it is said. The system can be integrated as a plug-in into Microsoft Teams and has already been presented to French President Emmanuel Macron at a reception for France’s top AI talents at the Élysée Palace.
Rapid access to bone marrow for emergency medicine
In the category “Other Innovations,” SVAN (Safe Vascular Access Needle) from Austria is entering the competition with a special injection device that can save lives. Within just 90 seconds, it provides medical personnel with access to the bone marrow, for example in newborn care or veterinary medicine. Also taking part in the final pitch: Aghetto from Italy with a one-hand-operated syringe and GO-Pen ApS from Denmark with a reusable insulin pen.
Turning medical tubes into an intelligent network
At the “HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP,” twelve international teams are competing after being selected from more than 250 applications. One of them is Connected Consumables from Germany: the start-up is making medical tubing intelligent by integrating data lines, creating a networked infusion system that automatically identifies medications, patients, and sensors.
Aimed more at the consumer market is Watchibia from Switzerland, which transforms classic watches into health gadgets with its smart wristband that measures pulse, sleep, and stress levels.
Neurobit Technologies (Taiwan) is relying on AI support for diagnosing dizziness and balance disorders using eye-tracking technology. Rheo from Sweden is developing wearable sensors that continuously record vital data – potentially lifesaving for high-risk patients.
MEDICA START-UP PARK with record participation
Located directly next to the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM with its numerous start-up presentations on stage, the MEDICA START-UP PARK (also in Hall 12) will be more comprehensive than ever this year, featuring 80 international founding teams.
Highlights include the Swiss start-up Bottneuro, which is exploring new approaches in Alzheimer’s therapy with a custom-made 3D neurostimulation helmet. Also noteworthy: Power Orthotics from Germany with a robot-assisted orthosis designed to help patients regain their ability to grasp after hand paralysis.
MEDICA thus becomes, across all four days, the premier destination for anyone looking to connect with creative newcomers from the future health-tech scene and experience their groundbreaking innovations live.
