The future of medical technology takes centre stage at the industry dialogue at MedtecLIVE 2026
MedtecLIVE 2026 in Stuttgart reaffirmed its role as the leading platform for medical technology: with over 4,000 trade visitors, strong partner networks and innovative formats, it provided impetus for the future of the industry in Europe and in Germany as a hub for innovation.
- More than 4,000 decision-makers and specialists convened in Stuttgart, alongside 267 exhibitors
- A strong partner network underpinned and enriched the supporting programme
- A showcase for innovation, featuring the Young Innovators area and the Startup Contest
From 5 to 7 May, MedtecLIVE 2026 transformed Stuttgart into the central platform for dialogue in the medical technology sector – in the heart of Europe and in Germany, a hub of innovation. Over 4,000 decision-makers and project managers from manufacturers and distributors in the medical technology sector gathered information from specialist suppliers and service providers, in focused and compact formats. As a result, visitor attendance grew by nine per cent compared to the previous event. 267 suppliers from 25 countries covered the entire value chain, ranging from product development through production and contract manufacturing to consulting and services.
The supporting programme and the wide range of activities offered by participating partners provided in-depth expertise on key future-oriented topics and an opportunity for extensive networking. MedtecLIVE thus successfully combined in-depth discussion and the transfer of expertise at both national and European level, underlining its importance to the industry.
Exhibitor feedback on MedtecLIVE 2026
“MedtecLIVE was once again a resounding success for us this year. We found the high quality of the discussions and the direct exchange with both existing and new partners from the industry particularly valuable. It is precisely this combination of strong networking, exciting contacts and concrete projects that makes the trade fair so relevant to us. We were once again able to forge promising new connections and are already looking forward to the next edition.”
Steffen Metz, Managing Director Sales & PM, Psilkon
“In our day-to-day work, we often lack the time for genuine, in-depth discussions. MedtecLIVE offers the opportunity to engage with customers, partners and industry colleagues and gain fresh insights. With its clear focus on knowledge transfer and current topics, MedtecLIVE was once again the ideal place for us to gather new ideas.”
Christin Coenen, Head of New Business Development & Marketing, BYTEC Medizintechnik
A meeting place for the medical technology sector in the heart of Europe
Once again this year, a joint stand from Switzerland (Swiss Medtech) showcased the expertise of Swiss medical technology suppliers. One new attraction was a joint stand for Italian exhibitors. Companies from the USA, the UK, France and Latvia, among others, took part in the hall. With trade visitors from more than 40 countries, MedtecLIVE 2026 thus demonstrated that the event brings together medical technology expertise across borders in Europe. “The heart of medical technology beat in Stuttgart for three days! MedtecLIVE 2026 brought the German-speaking and international medical technology industry together in the heart of Europe and sent a strong signal about Germany as a hub for innovation,” concluded Silke Ludwig, Deputy Director of MedtecLIVE.
The future of medical technology: key topics in the supporting programme
The supporting programme, focusing on digitalisation, sustainability and contributions on the future of medical technology, was right on the pulse: on two well-attended lecture stages, representatives of exhibitors, medical technology specialists and experts from the association sector presented and discussed the latest products, current technologies and future challenges for medical technology.
Responsibility for the Future: Keynote by Prof. Tobias Gantner
MedtecLIVE 2026 opened with a keynote address by Prof. Dr Tobias D. Gantner (Healthcare Futurists). In his presentation “The Future X‑Ray View – What Medtech Suppliers and Manufacturers Will Need to Master Tomorrow”, he addressed key challenges posed by digitalisation and artificial intelligence, as well as issues of data protection and responsible product design. In the subsequent panel discussion with Dr Meinrad Lugan (Honorary Chairman of the BVMed Board), Prof. Dr Tobias D. Gantner, former Member of the German Bundestag Dietrich Monstadt and Thorsten Reichle (Klinikverbund Südwest), the focus was on regulation, supply chains and potential solutions through automation and AI.
Political stage: Welcome address by Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut
The significance of MedtecLIVE 2026 for the medical technology sector was underscored by a visit from Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism. In her welcoming address, she highlighted the role of regional medical technology firms in driving innovation from Germany across Europe. She then visited the MedicalMountains joint stand to learn about the products on display at the exhibition.
Strong network: Input from industry associations in the supporting programme
The industry associations BME, BVMed, IVAM, MedicalMountains, VDE, VDMA HealthTech, ZVEI and the Alliance for Sustainable Medical Technology helped shape the programme at the medical technology trade fair. They contributed their perspectives on topics such as automation, Manufacturing X, digitalisation and AI, as well as sustainability and the circular economy. In its forum, VDMA HealthTech focused on automation in medical technology production, robotics and the smart hospital; IVAM, the professional association for microtechnology, demonstrated how intelligent smart health and care solutions are developed using microtechnology; and the VDE DGBMT organised its own session on the topic of AI in medical technology. Sessions organised by ZVEI, BVMed, BME, MedicalMountains, Medical Valley and the Alliance for Sustainable Medical Technology addressed topics relating to the circular economy, procurement, industry strategy, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Guided tours focusing on key themes of the exhibition rounded off the programme of events.
Digitalisation, sustainability and the future of medical technology
The Exhibitor Forum featured concise, practical presentations on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, regulatory matters and manufacturing technology. Exhibitors demonstrated how digitalisation and AI are being used, within regulatory frameworks, to automate processes, support quality management and optimise procurement and sales processes. The security aspects of digitalisation were also highlighted, including attack scenarios targeting connected devices and transferable cybersecurity strategies. In the manufacturing sector, exhibitors presented new machining methods, innovative material processes and the growing importance of medical electronics. Laubscher, Foba, Gindele, KKS Ultraschall, Kumavision and Medipack provided a comprehensive overview of the value chain – from raw parts to packaging – in a joint presentation.
Young Innovators and the lucky winners at the MedtecLIVE Startup Contest
With the international ‘Young Innovators’ joint stand and the MedtecLIVE Startup Contest, the event provided an exclusive platform for newcomers to the medical technology sector. In the Startup Contest, addSensors, Pharca, pheal, Rivercyte, SoreAlert, Spectroplast and Vprotect pitched their business ideas to a high-calibre jury and an industry audience. They demonstrated what the medical technology of tomorrow could look like – with new technologies and scalable business models. Rivercyte emerged victorious from the pitch. The Erlangen-based company presented its approach to the physical phenotyping of cells using deformability cytometry, combining microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology, high-speed microscopy and AI-based analysis. Second and third place went to the companies SoreAlert and Vprotect for an app-supported sensor patch for pressure ulcer prevention and a telemedicine service for heart health screening.
Save the Date: MedtecLIVE 2028, 2–4 May 2028 in Stuttgart
Until the next edition of the trade fair, experts can make use of the year-round, digital MedtecLIVE Community. This 365-day platform uses algorithms to match participants’ interests with relevant content from exhibitors. This unique networking and information service, covering the most important topics relating to the manufacture and development of medical technology, brings people together to discuss the issues and questions that matter to them, well before and after the exhibition.
About MedtecLIVE
The next edition of the MedtecLIVE trade fair will take place in Stuttgart from 2 to 4 May 2028. Exhibitors cover the European medical technology supply sector across the entire value chain—from product development and design, materials and components, to production technologies, software, certification, and regulatory affairs, as well as downstream processes. Visitors include European OEMs, distributors, and manufacturers of medical devices and large-scale equipment.
