“For us, MedtecLIVE is one of the most important hubs in the innovation ecosystem.”

As Cluster Manager for Medical Technology and Head of the Healthcare Partner Network at Bayern Innovativ, Julia Ott navigates the intersection of innovation promotion, industry expertise, and strategic networking on a daily basis. For her, trade shows like MedtecLIVE are key venues where the medtech community comes together—with a significant impact on both the regional and national innovation landscape. 

Ms. Ott, how important are trade shows like MedtecLIVE to your work? 

Before we discuss the major trends in the industry, Julia Ott first explains why MedtecLIVE plays such an important role for her as a networker. She sees the trade show primarily as a platform where key players can make themselves visible—and connect with one another.  

“Trade shows like MedtecLIVE are important to us as networkers and innovation promoters in several ways. They provide a platform for networking and exchange, offering opportunities to reconnect with existing contacts as well as to meet new and interesting players. Additionally, accompanying forums and expert presentations deliver condensed industry expertise.” 

In doing so, she demonstrates that innovation requires places where knowledge, people, and ideas come together. 

In your opinion, what trends will shape MedtecLIVE 2026? 

When asked about the key themes for the upcoming trade show, Ott clearly identifies the areas that are currently driving the push for transformation in medical technology.  

“In my view, regulatory requirements, digitalization and AI, as well as sustainability, will have a particularly strong impact on MedtecLIVE 2026. At the same time, digitalization and AI are becoming much more prevalent in operational settings and practical applications: it is no longer just about visions, but about concrete applications in production, diagnostics, and therapy. Finally, sustainability is increasingly becoming a cross-cutting requirement that influences development, procurement, material selection, production, and lifecycle considerations. These developments are not isolated; rather, they influence one another—and it is precisely this complex interplay that will be evident at the trade show.” 

With this precise answer, she demonstrates that the challenges facing companies are no longer merely technological in nature, but cut deeper into their organizational, legal, and strategic foundations. 

Which trends do you consider particularly forward-looking? 

Looking to the future, Ott is broadening his horizons beyond the trade show.  

“Digitalization and AI, cybersecurity, 4P medicine, and sustainability certainly deserve mention here as well. Digitalization and AI will play a decisive role in the coming years—not only in product development, but throughout the entire value chain. They enable more efficient processes, data-driven decisions, and new business models. At the same time, the need for cybersecurity is growing, because connected medical technology can only function reliably and securely if data protection and system integrity are guaranteed. 4P medicine—preventive, predictive, personalized, and participatory—is also changing the role of the patient and requires new interfaces, data flows, and care models. And finally, sustainability is becoming a key decision-making criterion for companies and healthcare facilities, for example regarding materials, energy efficiency, or carbon footprint.” 

Her answer shows that the future begins where technology, regulation, and supply are considered together. 

How do the insights and discussions from MedtecLIVE influence your product strategy? 

Even though Bayern Innovativ does not develop products itself, Ott makes extensive use of the trade show as an early warning system for industry trends.  

“Even though we, as a network organization, do not develop products, the insights and conversations we have at MedtecLIVE are central to our work. They give us a direct sense of where companies stand and what needs are emerging. Many conversations provide insights that we incorporate into our activities, working groups, or collaborative projects. Often, brief encounters give rise to concrete ideas for collaboration between companies, research institutions, or startups. It is precisely these connections that are an essential part of our mission.” 

This illustrates just how closely trade show experiences and strategic networking are intertwined. 

What added value does MedtecLIVE offer you compared to other formats? 

In closing, Ott emphasizes why MedtecLIVE is such a perfect fit for her.  

“MedtecLIVE is distinguished by its deep industry focus. It explicitly concentrates on medical technology—from development and manufacturing to regulatory approval. This specialization ensures depth of content and enables highly targeted discussions. The trade show is large enough to comprehensively cover relevant topics, yet compact enough to facilitate intensive, high-quality networking. This balance is ideal for our networking efforts.” 

Do you want to not only observe the medical technology of tomorrow but actively shape it? Then MedtecLIVE 2026 is the place for you. Visit the Bavarian joint booth (Hall 3, Booth 429), experience innovations firsthand, and make connections that will advance your next development project. 

Secure your ticket for MedtecLIVE 2026 now and become part of the European medtech ecosystem.