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Latest developments, projects, and insights around the INSPIRE Platform
Learn more about innovations, events, and news from the Mannheim Living Labs.
NEW: Medical Consultation Hours for Startups
New format at CUBEX ONE: medical consultation hours for startups with chief physicians and senior consultants from the Heidelberg-Mannheim Hospital Network.
Starting October 1, 2026, CUBEX ONE will launch medical consultation hours for startups, featuring chief physicians and senior consultants from the Heidelberg-Mannheim Hospital Network. Officially established in January 2026, the network is one of the largest university hospital groups in Germany and Europe, with over 20,000 employees, around 90 specialist clinics, and nearly 2,800 beds – a leading academic tertiary care provider with international impact in research, teaching, and patient care.
Clinical expertise at decision-maker level. For startups.
The consultation hours are offered by senior medical decision-makers from the network: chief physicians and senior consultants who lead clinical departments and make decisions that directly shape patient care every day.
For you as a startup, this means you won't get generic feedback – you'll get an assessment from the very experts who will later help decide on adoption, procurement, or collaboration. In one-on-one conversations, you'll learn how your solution is perceived from this perspective: Does it convince at the decision-maker level? Where are the blind spots? What does it take to succeed in real hospital operations?
This format is aimed at startups with medical and health-related solutions – from MedTech to Digital Health, and beyond, depending on the specialties of the participating physicians.
The consultations take place as individual sessions of approximately 30 minutes. Spots are limited to ensure each startup gets sufficient time for an expert conversation on equal footing.
01.10.2026
CUBEX ONE, Thinker Space
Interested? Secure your slot now: Register here
CIM² – Clinical Innovation Meeting on October 13, 2026 at CUBEX ONE Mannheim
bringing together selected startups/scaleups and hospital representatives – and, for the first time, corporates as well.
The goal: to bring groundbreaking healthcare innovations into clinical practice.
CIM² takes place at CUBEX – the Business Development Center of the Mannheim Medical Technology (MMT) ecosystem, located at the Mannheim site of the new Heidelberg-Mannheim Hospital Network. CIM² is an established format that has successfully enabled concrete clinical implementations. The Swiss startup QUMEA, for example, was supported and mentored by partners of the MMT ecosystem. CIM² partners from the Mannheim MedTech ecosystem (MMT) include, alongside CUBEX, the University Hospital Mannheim (UMM) and the Life Science Accelerator Baden-Württemberg.
Why your startup should be there!
Direct access
Meet clinical directors, chief physicians, IT decision-makers, and other key decision-makers from leading hospitals, including the Heidelberg-Mannheim Hospital Network.
Focus on real-world relevance
This isn't about ideas – it's about solutions that have already made their way into clinical practice.
Visibility & positioning
Selected startups/scaleups get the opportunity to pitch their solution directly to high-level stakeholders.
International perspective
Initiated by experienced partners from the DACH region, the event brings together an international audience, creating space for diverse perspectives and in-depth exchange.
Concrete outcomes
The exchange opens up new perspectives and shows how innovation can be successfully integrated into clinical workflows.
REGISTER NOW!
Find the participation requirements, agenda, and application form here.
Mannheim MedTech Ecosystem Welcomes Delegation from Korea
On September 3, 2026, the team of the Business Development Center CUBEX, the Mannheim Medical Technology Cluster, the Life Science Accelerator Baden-Württemberg, and the INSPIRE Platform welcomed a delegation from Daegu, South Korea, for an international exchange on innovation ecosystems and the medical technology startup landscape. The visit focused on the support and promotion of students, startups, and innovative companies.
The South Korean delegation presented the Startup Hub Center of Kyungpook National University (KNU) in Daegu, which supports aspiring student entrepreneurs and startups, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and medical technology/biomedicine.
As part of the "Go to Germany" exchange program, participants gained valuable insights into Mannheim's local funding programs, unique infrastructure, and international activities aimed at developing and internationalizing SMEs. Special attention was given to how startups can be effectively supported – from the initial idea through development to successful market entry.
The visit gave both sides the opportunity to explore key topics within their respective innovation ecosystems and identify potential for future international cooperation. All participants regarded the discussions as a valuable impulse for continued exchange between the innovation hubs of Daegu and Mannheim.
INSPIRE Platform at the Maimarkt: Spotlight on the Hospital of the Future
On April 29, the INSPIRE Platform presented itself at the City of Mannheim's joint booth at the Maimarkt under the motto “WELL CARED FOR IN MANNHEIM² – TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE!” The day's focus was on the “Hospital of the Future,” highlighting innovative approaches to tomorrow's healthcare.
A morning highlight was the mayors' tour, joined by around 50 mayors from the Rhine-Neckar region who had accepted an invitation from Mannheim's Lord Mayor Christian Specht. Together, they learned about current developments and projects in healthcare in Mannheim and the surrounding region. Alongside numerous municipal representatives, leaders from University Medicine Mannheim were also present, including Chief Financial Officer Sandra Henek, Medical Director Prof. Dr. Maurice Stephan Michel, Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology Prof. Dr. Frank Giordano, and Director of Nursing Rayk Oemus-Diehl.
Visitors took the opportunity to learn about the many possibilities offered by the Mannheim Living Labs. These labs make it possible to test innovations and new care concepts directly under real-world conditions, helping bring them into everyday medical practice more quickly. The interactive “Hospital of the Future” board also drew strong interest, where visitors could share their ideas, wishes, and concerns and actively help shape the future of healthcare. Key topics included digital solutions, human-centered care, accessibility, and reachability.
Mannheim Living Labs Open Their Doors at the 6th NextGen Healthcare Rhein-Neckar
On April 28, 2026, the Mannheim Medical Technology Campus at CUBEX ONE became a meeting point for innovation, networking, and fresh ideas in healthcare: the 6th NextGen Healthcare Rhein-Neckar meeting brought together more than 80 participants from business, academia, local government, and healthcare.
The evening focused on current developments and innovative approaches to tomorrow's healthcare. A special highlight was the open-door access to the Mannheim Living Labs: through six exclusive group tours, guests gained fascinating insights into the INSPIRE Living Lab, the M²AXI Usability Lab, the Hybrid OR, and TEDIAS, as well as the INSPIRE platform and the M²OLIE Research Campus.
Two expert talks provided additional inspiration: Anna Windisch from QUMEA GmbH impressively demonstrated how mobility monitoring can contribute to patient safety. Dr. Hannah Krause also offered insights into the work and capabilities of the INSPIRE Living Lab.
Beyond the wide-ranging insights into the innovative strength of the site, the event offered plenty of opportunities for personal exchange and networking. In-depth conversations sparked new ideas, opened up fresh perspectives, and laid concrete groundwork for future collaborations.
INSPIRE Platform Welcomes Brazilian Delegation
April 15, 2026
On April 15, 2026, the M²OLIE Research Campus and the INSPIRE Platform welcomed a high-level delegation from the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo at University Hospital Mannheim. The trip was organized by the German-Brazilian Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Rio de Janeiro and included representatives from the research funding organization FAPES as well as the Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SECTI).
The visit focused on professional exchange around future topics in healthcare, including digital health, biotechnology, and AI-driven medicine. Through a series of presentations, guests gained insights into the M²OLIE Research Campus, the INSPIRE platform, and innovative living labs such as the INSPIRE Living Lab and the Fraunhofer Hybrid OR. Particular attention was given to practical applications such as remote surgery, data-driven diagnostics, and patient-centered care. The delegation also presented its innovation strategy through 2035, which is specifically aimed at expanding research and international collaboration.
The subsequent discussion identified potential starting points for future cooperation through research projects and mobility programs for young scientists. All participants described the exchange as highly enriching, laying a promising foundation for future joint initiatives.
STMM Innovation Day 2026
January 29, 2026
The Innovation Day hosted by the School of Translational Medicine at the Mannheim Medical Faculty (STMM) on January 29, 2026, gave numerous young scientists exciting insights into various roles in entrepreneurship as well as the key requirements for a successful startup.
In the morning sessions, Olga Belousova, Professor of Innovation Management and Strategy at the University of Groningen, along with keynote speaker, coach, and entrepreneur Georg Fischer, offered inspiring insights into entrepreneurship and innovation processes. Participants also received practical tips on how to pitch their own ideas convincingly.
During the networking lunch, participants exchanged ideas with speakers and representatives from regional networks, including hei_INNOVATION at Heidelberg University, ScienceValue Heidelberg GmbH, and partners from Mannheim's innovation hubs – including, of course, the INSPIRE platform, the Mannheim Medical Technology Cluster, NEXT Mannheim's CUBEX startup centers, and the Life Science Accelerator Baden-Württemberg.
In the afternoon, fireside chats focused on personal entrepreneurial experiences, with experts sharing practical insights into how ideas can be successfully turned into market-ready solutions.
More information about the event is available here
GERMAN MEDICAL AWARD 2025 – Gold for the INSPIRE Living Lab
October 22, 2025
Our INSPIRE Living Lab has won Gold at the GERMAN MEDICAL AWARD 2025 in the Health Care Woman category. Congratulations to Dr. Hannah Krause, Project Manager of the INSPIRE Living Lab, and her team – we're delighted about this recognition.
At the INSPIRE Living Lab, digital health products can be tested together with nurses, physicians, and patients on a real hospital ward. This living lab ward gives startups, small businesses, and mid-sized companies easy access to everyday clinical care for testing, further developing, and certifying their applications.
Health Innovation Instead of Crisis: On the Ground in a Living Lab in Mannheim
ARD-Audiothek. Publication date: October 8, 2025
“There's one industry in Baden-Württemberg that has kept growing even through recent economically difficult times: healthcare. The state government and economists see this as an opportunity to shape the structural change already underway in a positive direction. Living labs play an interesting role here. In living labs, innovative startups can test their ideas for the future of medicine in everyday clinical settings. Reporter Astrid Meisoll visited the ‘INSPIRE Living Lab,’ based at Mannheim's municipal University Hospital, to see how technology is already helping save 10 kilometers of walking per month on hospital wards.”
Job Cuts at Bosch, Trumpf, and ZF: Baden-Württemberg — From Car Country to Healthcare Giant?
SWR. Publication date: October 8, 2025
As a living lab at University Hospital Mannheim, the INSPIRE Living Lab enables startups and companies to test their ideas directly in everyday clinical settings – from digital tools like tablet-based communication at the patient's bedside to innovative solutions such as fall sensors that improve patient safety.
The article shows that Baden-Württemberg is actively shaping structural change, with the INSPIRE Living Lab forming part of this movement toward a strong, future-oriented healthcare hub.
Now Available: Whitepaper on the Mannheim Living Labs
The Mannheim Living Labs represent a pioneering model for innovation and collaboration in medical technology. As part of a dynamic ecosystem, they connect clinical practice, industry, and academia to support startups and companies in overcoming medical and regulatory challenges. The INSPIRE platform serves as the first central point of contact.
The whitepaper introduces the Mannheim Model for Living Labs – a forward-looking structure that creates a unique innovation landscape through participatory processes and pooled expertise. With its flagship role in the German-speaking region, the model sets new standards for the development and testing of innovative medical technology.
Download the whitepaper now and learn more about the potential of the Mannheim Living Labs!
INSPIRE at the “Prävention BWusst machen” Health Promotion Conference in December 2024
Information on INSPIRE and tours of the Living Labs
Under the motto “Prävention BWusst machen. Wir forschen für (mehr) Gesundheit!“ ("Raising Awareness for Prevention. We research for [more] health!"), the conference of the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg (MWK-BW) took place on December 5 at the Alte Brauerei in Mannheim. Organized together with the Competence Network for Preventive Medicine Baden-Württemberg (KNPM-BW), the event showcased innovative approaches to prevention and health promotion. Researchers from all five medical faculties in the state presented their forward-looking projects to Minister Petra Olschowski – ranging from digital applications in primary care prevention to the evaluation of municipal heat action plans.
One highlight was the information booth on INSPIRE, which gave visitors a clear picture of how the platform provides practical support, particularly for young companies seeking access to clinical settings. In addition, Dr. Laura Winter from the INSPIRE Management Office and Preetha Moorthy from the M²AXI Usability Lab led tours through the living labs on the campus of University Medicine Mannheim. Both the Usability Lab and the INSPIRE Living Lab drew strong interest among visitors. A science market rounded out the conference, where the KNPM-BW, together with partners such as University Medicine Mannheim, the City of Mannheim, and AOK Rhein-Neckar-Odenwald, informed the public.
Further insights are available here.
MMT Cluster Meeting 2024 & 41st MedTech Dialogue – September 26, 2024
Annual Cluster Meeting on September 26, 2024, at CUBEX ONE
Get to know the key players of Mannheim's medical technology scene in an informal setting – whether through inspiring talks, joint workshops, or our interactive networking offerings. Find your future partner!
Starting at 12:00 PM, the familiar business lunch format returns with the 41st MedTech Dialogue, featuring exciting keynote talks under this year's theme “Made in MMT.” Take advantage of the business lunch to connect with MedTech experts and an interdisciplinary network.
Immediately following the MedTech Dialogue, an engaging and varied afternoon program awaits. From 2:00 PM, workshops will address various challenges in product development, and from 4:00 PM, guided tours of the Mannheim Living Labs will be offered.
The Mannheim Living Labs Visit the “Pop-Up Living Lab for Wearable Technologies” in Heidelberg
July 12, 2024
As part of the Pop-Up Living Lab in Heidelberg, the Mannheim Living Labs were presented among other initiatives, with a focus on medical technology. The goal of the Mannheim Living Labs is to accelerate the development of medical devices through practical, hands-on testing directly within the hospital setting. In particular, startups and SMEs have the opportunity to test innovations under real clinical conditions, receive valuable feedback from healthcare professionals, and gain access to health data – helping them reach market readiness faster.
The Pop-Up Living Lab in Heidelberg aims to offer visitors an up-close, interactive experience of the latest innovations in the health and life sciences sector. The project runs until September 21, 2024, at Kurfürsten-Anlage 2, 69115 Heidelberg.
Further information is available here:
www.heidelberg.de/HD/Arbeiten+in+Heidelberg/living+lab+fuer+wearable+technologies.html
June 27, 2024
MedtecLIVE 2024 took place in Stuttgart from June 18 to 20, a major event for the European medical technology industry. Here, concentrated expertise came together to present and discuss the latest developments and trends. More...
From Research to Patient Care
December 11, 2023
In this short video on translational medicine, Dr. Hannah Schlott, among others, presents the benefits of the INSPIRE Living Lab at University Hospital Mannheim. Watch the video...
© Video credit: Forum Gesundheitsstandort Baden-Württemberg
Webinar: Living Labs in Mannheim
October 30, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Want to test your product or idea in a clinical environment? Now's your chance to get to know three living labs in Mannheim!
Especially in today's world of constantly evolving technologies and innovations, it's crucial for companies to test their products or ideas in real-world settings before bringing them to market. Living labs offer the perfect solution to this challenge, providing a suitable environment for experimentation, validation, and testing.
That’s why the Mannheim Medical Technology Cluster, together with the 5-HT Digital Hub Chemistry & Health, is hosting a webinar in which the INSPIRE Living Lab, the INSPIRE platform, and the Usability Lab in Mannheim will be presented by their respective experts and contacts. Afterward, there will also be an opportunity to ask individual questions or get in touch with the respective living lab.
The INSPIRE Platform at IMPACT DAY
May 12, 2023
On May 11, the INSPIRE Management Office, represented by Simone Eichner and Patrick Maier, was on-site with a booth at the IMPACT FAIR. This "marketplace of opportunities" took place as part of Heidelberg University's first IMPACT DAY at the Chemistry Lecture Hall Center. The event aimed not only to showcase the university's diverse range of knowledge and technology transfer activities, but also to create a meeting place for students – for inspiration, new connections, and the exchange of ideas. Together with the newly established Usability Lab at University Medicine Mannheim, the INSPIRE office ran a booth presenting its work as a development and testing platform for digital health and medical devices.