Rotterdam Square Event explores accelerating MedTech innovation in practice

On Thursday, June 2, Rotterdam Square brought together key players from the MedTech ecosystem for the event ‘Bridging the Gap – From Innovation to Implementation in MedTech’, hosted at Erasmus MC. The afternoon focused on one of the most pressing challenges in MedTech today: how to successfully translate innovative technologies into clinical practice. By bringing together perspectives from government, academia, and industry, the event sparked critical conversations about the path from idea to implementation.

Key highlights

Lonneke Baas and Yaella Essed (InnovationQuarter) opened the event with insights into the Dutch National Technology Strategy, which highlights ‘health and wellbeing’ and MedTech as a key priority. They emphasized the importance of a proactive government role in supporting high-risk ventures and the need for funding instruments that help MedTech innovations reach the market.

Prof. dr. Gijs van Soest (Erasmus MC) and dr. ir. Marcel Tichem (TU Delft) presented the MIMIC program by Medical Delta, aimed at improving the MedTech innovation process by building on existing ecosystem strengths. Van Soest also gave an in-depth look at Kaminari Medical, a spin-off from Erasmus MC that is developing advanced intravascular imaging technology. The technology, which combines ultrasound and photoacoustics, aims to improve precision in cardiovascular interventions.

Martijn Chatrou (Microsure) shared the story behind Microsure’s unique microsurgical robot and its development journey, including a pivotal restart in 2021. His talk offered valuable lessons about the long road to commercial viability in MedTech – underscoring the need for long-term vision, resilience, and the willingness to navigate complex processes.

Looking ahead

The event concluded with networking and open discussion, allowing participants to connect and reflect on the topics addressed. The lively conversations that followed the presentations are a testament to the strength and engagement of our ecosystem.

At Rotterdam Square, we are committed to facilitating these cross-sector connections and supporting MedTech innovations on their path to real-world impact. By working together, we can close the gap between breakthrough ideas and better care.

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