MedTech Odense boosts healthcare technologies of the future

Earlier this year, MedTech Odense sparked great interest when for the first time it announced a call for ideas and projects with the potential to create breakthroughs in healthcare technology. Close to six million Danish kroner has just been awarded to further boost new concrete solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector. 

- It is evident from the projects we are now supporting that the Region of Southern Denmark has a strong position in health technology. The projects reflect the core and versatility that characterise the MedTech Odense partnership, which exists precisely to create new health technology solutions that can improve treatment for many patients and ensure that Odense is a leader in health innovation, says Bo Libergren, Chair of the Regional Council of the Region of Southern Denmark.

From artificial intelligence to creating networks

The financial support goes to a wide range of ideas and projects, from the use of artificial intelligence to aid in the investigation, diagnosis and prediction of bone fractures, diseases of the uterine cavity, urinary tract disorders and lung diseases to ultrasound robots, wound care and network building for legal specialists to leverage innovation and introduce new technological solutions in healthcare.

All projects share a clear focus on clinical needs, preferably with commercial potential, so that the solutions can eventually be widely used in the healthcare system and improve treatments and workflows for the benefit of patients, healthcare professionals and society.

In addition, applicants must be affiliated with the Region of Southern Denmark and the research environments at the University of Southern Denmark – preferably in collaboration with external actors – in order to mature and develop ideas across the organisation. 

A springboard to applied solutions

Good ideas go a long way, but ideas alone are unlikely to get results. The money from MedTech Odense can therefore be used as a stepping stone: for example, to uncover the real need in a treatment situation, to explore the potential for collaboration with companies, for testing and trialling or to explore the potential for scaling – areas that strengthen the chances of a project taking the next step from idea to clinic to market.

- When good ideas are given the opportunity to grow, we create health technology solutions that can transform the healthcare sector and benefit patients around the world. This is where innovation and collaboration meet: as a springboard for future solutions and growth potential in a stronger, more sustainable society. It is this development we are supporting with MedTech Odense’s grants, explains Jens Ringsmose, Rector of the University of Southern Denmark.