SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 13, 2025 - MEDICA 2025 is gearing up to become a defining stage for the convergence of artificial intelligence, robotics, genomics, and digital health. From November 17-20, the world's leading healthcare trade fair in Düsseldorf will transform Hall 12 into a "Future Tech Hotspot," where international experts, start-ups, and industry leaders will shape the next chapter of medical innovation through the redesigned MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM.
From AI to Digital Twins: Technologies Reshaping Clinical Practice
This year's MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM merges the former MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM with an expanded agenda that includes wearables, genomics, AI-driven diagnostics, and digital twin modeling. The program opens with Dr. Saskia Biskup of CeGaT exploring how next-generation sequencing is driving precision medicine from cancer diagnostics to preventive care. Start-ups such as Day Zero Diagnostics and Akita will demonstrate how genome sequencing, organ-on-chip technologies, and machine learning are revolutionizing infection management and predictive modeling.
By integrating mixed reality and digital body models, companies like DARERL and BreathAssist are showcasing new ways to support personalized ventilation therapies and device development, bridging the gap between computational modeling and real-world care.
AI and the Human Factor: Integrating Intelligence in Healthcare Workflows
On November 18, the discussion will shift toward artificial intelligence and its integration into clinical practice. Prof. Paul Lukowicz from the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence will lead a panel alongside Microsoft's Dr. Markus Vogel and Klinikum Saarbrücken's Dr. Gregor A. Stavrou, exploring how AI can amplify-not replace-medical expertise.
Industry participants including Amazon Web Services and Semvox will present real-world examples of AI companions that improve patient engagement, automate administrative workflows, and enhance accessibility in healthcare environments.
Empowering Women Leaders and Start-ups in Health Innovation
The MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM is also a major networking platform for female executives, investors, and founders. The "Women Leaders in Healthcare" session will feature Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha (Women's Brain Foundation) and Audrey Sherman (Solventum) addressing persistent gender gaps in healthcare innovation.
At the 14th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION, twelve finalists will pitch new concepts across AI, robotics, and diagnostics to an expert jury that includes digital health thought leader Inga Bergen. The accompanying MEDICA Start-up Night will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation advocates in a high-energy networking setting.
Robotics, Connected Medicine, and the Hospital of 2030
Day three will highlight robotics and connected care under the moderation of Prof. Claudio Castellini of FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg. Industry speakers including Harpal J.S. Mandaher of Sarcomere Dynamics will illustrate how embodied AI and robotic prosthetics are improving patient interaction and therapy outcomes.
A follow-up session on "Connected Medical Things" will examine how connected devices, blockchain-enabled studies, and automated labs are shaping next-generation healthcare systems. From vocal biomarkers to robot-assisted surgeries, the "Hospital of 2030" discussion will demonstrate how automation and AI can enhance efficiency while maintaining a human-centered care model.
Start-ups Driving Global Market Access and Certification
The final day will spotlight over 70 start-ups at the MEDICA START-UP PARK, presenting innovations in mobile diagnostics, real-time monitoring, and digital therapy. Companies such as UL Solutions, Emergo, and S3 Connected Health will offer insights into global certification, regulatory navigation, and digital product design for the medtech sector.
"MEDICA is a must-attend event every year for anyone who wants to know where we stand in terms of healthcare innovations and where the journey is heading," said Dr. Sonja Sulzmaier, Managing Partner of Navispace GmbH and co-organizer of the forum. "This year, we are looking forward to international thought leaders and more than 100 hand-picked start-ups in the programme who will show us exactly that."
Strategic Outlook: Where Future Health Meets Market Readiness
For manufacturers, hospitals, and digital health investors, MEDICA 2025 will offer a comprehensive overview of emerging trends driving value in healthcare-spanning precision diagnostics, workflow automation, and sustainable operations. As digital health accelerates toward large-scale implementation, the event reinforces MEDICA's role as both a marketplace and a think tank for global medtech innovation.
Learn more about the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM and register for networking events at medica-tradefair.com.