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Düsseldorf, 17–20 November 2025 — The start-up spirit is set to take over Düsseldorf once again as MEDICA 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for the healthcare and medical technology industries, becomes a global hub for innovation. From Germany, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Spain, and the USA to many more countries, hundreds of pioneering start-ups will showcase their ideas and technologies — with a record-breaking turnout expected at the MEDICA START-UP PARK in Hall 12.
AI Against Sepsis, Heart Defects, and Burnout
Among the standouts this year is Aisthesis Medical from the United Kingdom. Fresh from raising USD 1.2 million in funding, the company is advancing its VIOSync Sepsis Prediction Index — an AI-powered hospital data platform that predicts sepsis up to 48 hours in advance using explainable AI (XAI). This breakthrough could give physicians crucial extra time to save lives.
Equally impressive, Prometheus MedTech.AI from Poland is redefining prenatal diagnostics with an AI-driven cloud platform that analyzes pregnancy ultrasound videos to detect congenital heart defects early — potentially transforming prenatal care.
Meanwhile, Virtuosis AI from France is making headlines by “listening” to stress. Its technology analyzes more than 400 vocal parameters to detect signs of burnout or stress, regardless of the spoken words. Integrated as a Microsoft Teams plug-in, it has even caught the attention of President Emmanuel Macron, who recently hosted the team at the Elysée Palace.
Rapid Emergency Access to Bone Marrow
In the “Further Innovations” category, Austria’s SVAN (Safe Vascular Access Needle) has developed a life-saving device that provides medical staff with access to bone marrow within just 90 seconds — a critical advantage in emergency or neonatal care. Joining them on the final pitch stage are Italy’s Aghetto, introducing a one-handed syringe, and Denmark’s GO-Pen ApS, with its reusable insulin pen aimed at sustainable diabetes care.
From Smart Tubes to Health-Tracking Watches
Twelve international teams will compete in the HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP, chosen from over 250 global applications.
Among them is Germany’s Connected Consumables, which integrates data lines into medical tubing to create a smart infusion network that automatically identifies medications, patients, and sensors.
Swiss start-up Watchibia targets the consumer wellness market by transforming traditional watches into smart health trackers that monitor pulse, sleep, and stress.
Neurobit Technologies from Taiwan harnesses AI and eye-tracking to diagnose dizziness and balance disorders, while Sweden’s Rheo develops wearable sensors that continuously record vital data — offering potentially life-saving insights for high-risk patients.
Record Participation at the MEDICA START-UP PARK
This year’s MEDICA START-UP PARK — located next to the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM in Hall 12 — will host a record 80 international start-up teams.
Among the highlights is Switzerland’s Bottneuro, pioneering a personalized 3D neurostimulation helmet for Alzheimer’s therapy, and Germany’s Power Orthotics, presenting a robot-assisted orthosis that helps restore hand dexterity in cases of paralysis.
Over four inspiring days, MEDICA will be the ultimate meeting point for anyone seeking to connect with the next generation of health tech innovators and experience their transformative ideas live.
Two highlights to watch for: the HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP finals (17 November) and the 14th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION (18 November). From over 480 submissions, the top contenders will compete live on stage at the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM for recognition as the industry’s “Winner among winners.”
A distinguished jury from business, science, and investment sectors will evaluate the finalists in categories such as robotics, health apps, laboratory diagnostics, artificial intelligence, and other breakthrough innovations.
“Start-ups bring the energy, creativity, and agility that drive the healthcare industry forward. MEDICA offers them the ideal global platform to showcase their innovations,”
says Carmen Berger, Director of MEDICA at Messe Düsseldorf, as she looks ahead to an exciting week of cutting-edge ideas and visionary pitches.
