Participants in 100-day MedTech Startup School 2016 present their ideas for founding new businesses
(Stuttgart/Tübingen) – The University of Tübingen“s Technology Transfer Office joined forces with the University Hospital of Tübingen, Medical Innovations Incubator GmbH and the Medical Innovations Foundation to organise the second MedTech Startup School. The 100-day programme culminated in the Demo Day implemented in cooperation with BioRegio STERN Management GmbH. It took place in Tübingen and offered the nine interdisciplinary teams of students, young doctors and researchers a platform to present their ideas for founding new medtech and healthcare businesses to investors, business experts and healthcare specialists.
In July 2016, the teams embarked on a 100-day innovation training programme at the MedTech Startup School. Experienced lawyers, business experts, scientists and doctors explained to the young researchers from a wide range of sectors what makes a good business model and how a startup company works. Dr. Eberhart Zrenner, Professor of Ophthalmology and founder of the Medical Innovations Foundation, stressed in his welcoming address that interdisciplinary teams are vital for successful innovations.
The information scientists, physiotherapists, biochemists and health professionals thus made an excellent impression on the 100 or so investors, business specialists and healthcare experts.
„The young people presented their project ideas with great professionalism and commitment,“ enthused Dr. Manfred Kauer from BioRegio STERN Management GmbH. „They proved that startups don“t succeed by magic but above all thanks to good preparation,“ he added. Rolf Hecker from the University of Tübingen“s Technology Transfer Office is also excited about the concept. „The unusual format of the MedTech Startup School, culminating in the Demo Day, is unique in Germany and brings together doctors, scientists, founders, mentors, investors and industry to breathe life into ideas for innovative medtech products,“ he said.
One example is the „Rehality“ project developed jointly by computer experts, physicists, sports scientists and psychologists. Virtual reality glasses and special training software help stroke patients follow a continuous rehabilitation programme that optimally stimulates the affected parts of the brain and plays a role in getting them working again as quickly as possible. Ideas such as this and the „Peppermind“ project – a workshop programme intended to help deal with psychological disorders effectively at an early stage – met with an enthusiastic response from investors, who welcomed the opportunity to talk with the founders. „It will be interesting to see what comes out of this. In any case, the participants in last year“s Demo Days are all still going strong,“ said Dr. Kauer. As this year“s event drew to a close, everyone agreed that this wasn“t the end but just the start.
The project is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Housing, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and IFEX, an initiative for founding new businesses and company succession.
About BioRegio STERN Management GmbH:
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH is a skill-sharing network, providing a help and ad-vice centre for founders of new businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers in the life sciences sector in the cities of Stuttgart, Tübingen, Esslingen and Reutlingen and the Stuttgart and Neckar-Alb regions. BioRegio STERN Management GmbH represents the interests of these market players in dealings with political circles, the media and associations and provides advice on grant applications and corporate financing. Key focal points include regenerative medicine, medical technology and the automation of biotechnology. Managing Director Dr. Klaus Eichenberg is a molecular and cell biologist and investment analyst.
Firmenkontakt
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH
Klaus Eichenberg
Friedrichstrasse 10
70174 Stuttgart
+49 (0)711-870354-23
info@bioregio-stern.de
http://www.bioregio-stern.de/en
Pressekontakt
Zeeb Kommunikation GmbH
Anja Pätzold
Hohenheimer Straße 58a
70174 Stuttgart
+49 (0)711-6070719
info@zeeb.info
http://www.zeeb.info
