HEALTH START-UPS READY FOR FINALS OF TWO “ WORLD CHAMIONSHIPS” AT MEDICA 2021

   The countdown is on for the relaunch of the in-person version MEDICA, the world leading trade fair to be held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from November 15 – 18, 2021. Once again, there will be  many healthcare start-ups among the more than 2,900 exhibitors from 70 nations. MEDICA has developed into an international central meeting point for the healthcare start-up scene, with a multitude of special features in the program and a large joint stand. “We bring innovators and investors together. 40 start-ups will take part in the MEDICA START-UP PARK in Hall 12 – more than ever before”, commented  Michael Degen, Executive Director of Messe Düsseldorf. The scope of innovations on offer will range from a device for non-invasive therapy for nasal pain to an AI-based ultrasound application for fast detection of nerve blocks.

   No less exciting will be the innovations with which the development teams from the young companies will enter this year's finals at the “'13th Healthcare Innovation World Cup” (November 15) and at the “10th MEDICA Start-up COMPETITION” (November 16) as  part of the MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FORUM program. The complete program for the forum (including the award ceremonies) can be experienced in-person on the program stage in Hall 12 or via a livestream at  https://www.medica-tradefair.com with the corresponding ticket.

   The 10th MEDICA Start-up COMPETITION alone received over  250 applications from all over the world. Health start-ups submitted their solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), health apps and robotics, among others. Twelve young companies were selected by the jury as finalists. The start-up Sympatient, for example, has dedicated itself to the digital therapy of anxiety disorders via  a psychotherapy app. According to them, their `Invirto' therapy app is the world's first digital anxiety therapy for patients with agoraphobia, panic disorder or social anxiety disorder. It uses mobile virtual reality technology and app-based therapy courses (including contact with psychotherapists and doctors). `Invirto' has already been approved by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) as a digital health application (DiGA) and can therefore be prescribed by physicians as a service covered by the statutory health insurance in Germany.

The artificial hand that detects the correct situation

   The bionic Esper Hand fits into the robotics segment. This artificial hand recognizes situations, helps to select the correct grip and precisely identifies muscle activity. The Esper Bionics team from the Ukraine will explain this device at the final presentation. The Swiss macu4 team is focused on providing orthopedic solutions with 3D printed products. One of their first applications is a passive functional forearm prosthesis for children and adults that is intended for sports and leisure activities, such as throwing a ball in tennis.

   The final pitch and award ceremony for the 10th MEDICA Start-up COMPETITION will take place on November 16 in Hall 12 (MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FORUM, Stand 12, E35), from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Over 300 applications for the 13th Healthcare Innovation World Cup

   At the 13th Healthcare Innovation World Cup, the focus will be on innovative devices and smart applications for digital networking and process integration in the sense of the “Internet of Medical Things”. Over three hundred start-ups have applied for this competition. The Indian company Ai Health Highway India Private Limited is one of the twelve selected finalists. They will present “AiSteth”, a smart stethoscope for examination, detection of and prognoses for heart and lung conditions using artificial intelligence. Cynteract, from Germany will also compete in the final. Its intelligent glove with sensors is intended to support patients at home. In combination with synchronized software, the glove can be used to rehabilitate finger, hand and arm injuries in rehabilitation centers and at home. A software-supported summary of the training data provides information for further therapy.

   The final presentation and award ceremony for the 13th Healthcare Innovation World Cup will take place on Monday, November 15, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, also on the program stage for the MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FORUM and can be watched online as a live stream with the relevant ticket. For information about the MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FORUM and the start-up competitions with abstracts on all of the finalists: https://www.medica-tradefair.com/mchf2. 

   Entry to MEDICA 2021 will only be permitted to those who comply with the 3G rule (proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test must be shown). Tickets can only be purchased online, not on-site. For information about opening times, prices, event programs as well as exhibitors and products: https://www.medica-tradefair.com.

   For further information on visiting or exhibiting at  MEDICA 20212, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit https://www.medica-tradefair.com and www.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago

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