Iftest held the very first MedTech Networking Event in collaboration with Technopark Zurich and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM). The event, which took place on 26^th April, was a success with more than 70 participants from research, education and business backgrounds attending. We were delighted to meet influential representatives from start-ups, SMEs, engineering companies, pharmaceutical companies, the medical technology field as well as representatives from hospitals using new digital technologies, including University Hospital Zurich and the Schulthess Clinic. The variety and quality of the attendees made for lively, insightful presentations providing real food-for-thought.

Digitalization of the healthcare system

The event focused on the development of new, innovative solutions as a result of the growing digitalization of healthcare systems. Representatives from Novartis Pharma, Swisscom Health, the CSEM, Iftest and the start-ups AVA Women, Sequana Medical, Piavita and Pathmate Technologies gave a broad overview of current trends in the industry from their perspectives, focusing especially on improving patient experience. Improved patient experience was also the key topic during a presentation by Swisscom Health on their new electronic patient records, while Novartis Pharma’s presentation was on the growing interest from pharmaceutical companies in connected medical devices alongside drugs.

AVA Women’s presentation was one of the highlights of the event. This start-up focuses on improving women’s control over and understanding of their own fertility, replacing manual fertility tracking such as daily temperature and symptom measurements with a wrist-worn wearable device capable of tracking estradiol and progesterone changes. The Zurich based company outlined the rigorous clinical testing behind its medical device which has been FDA registered and was launched in the US and Europe last year. The wearable device is based on sensor technology developed by CSEM – whose patented technologies form the basis of several highly successful wearable and medical technology products.

Sequana Medical, Piavita and Pathmate technologies, all companies based in the Technopark Zurich, also introduced their most recent promising product concepts with attendees looking forward to the next step in the development of these products. Iftest is one of the go-to partners for CSEM for the industrialization and manufacturing in large quantities of wearable device electronics.

Responsibility for the patient and their personal data

These discussions introduced another key point: the protection and ownership of sensitive patient data. The responsible use of these data is seen as a big challenge requiring authorities to protect user’s privacy whilst also enabling new innovations. Obtaining enough data to treat patients whilst ensuring that it remains secure and their privacy is protected, will remain a challenge for the future, especially considering that nowadays data generates profit for companies. In relation to launching new ISO 13485 compliant products, Iftest continues to be a valuable industrialization partner for companies that aspire to introduce new connected medical devices seamlessly into the healthcare market. Our experience and knowledge of medical technology and medical devices will continue to allow us to navigate the regulatory landscape with ease and confidence together with our partners.

Until next time

The event closed on with drinks and provided a great opportunity for innovators and decision-makers to network. We look forward to the next one!

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