BioRegio STERN Management GmbH

© BioRegioSTERN

Biotech meets medtech

Medical technology and biotechnology – at first glance, there appears to be a clear dividing line between these two industries. Biotechnology is based on life sciences and dealing with live organisms and biomolecules while medical technology is a sector based in large parts on engineering and the development of new devices. But in actuality the two sectors are inseparable in many instances - and the boundaries between the two are rapidly dissolving. More and more biotech companies discover the sector of medical technology as suitable new market for themselves, and medtech companies are looking for innovational inspiration within biotechnological approaches.

Discovering and realising synergies

Sensors coupled with biomolecules, vascular prostheses that release medications, or cell-coated implant surfaces – the collaboration between regenerative medicine and medical engineering holds enormous potential for new approaches and innovative concepts. That is why BioRegio STERN Management GmbH supports communication and cooperation between the two industries since 2005 - both at national and international level. In order to promote international cooperation, BioRegio STERN Management GmbH regularly offers various funding programs at the EU level which include international matchmakings, travel vouchers or delegation trips.

The objective is to release synergies and open up new markets for both sides.

The STERN-Region’s potential for such collaborations is particularly high, as it counts about 120 medtech companies, including global players, innovative medium-sized enterprises and numerous suppliers, and almost 100 highly innovative biotech companies. Supporting and promoting the collaboration between these companies is the stated aim of the “Medtech & Biotech” Cluster. Not only for purposes of developing and marketing new biomedical products or therapies, but also as a “door-opener” for new convergent technologies.