First Ulm MedTech Day 2026
THU brings the ‘fascination of medical technology’ to life
Hands-on medical technology
The day centred on career-oriented, hands-on workshops. Together with eight medical technology companies from the greater Ulm area, school pupils and university students were able to experience modern medical technology first-hand and try it out for themselves – from implant technology and prosthetics to AI applications and rehabilitation technology. Interest was high: the workshops for school pupils were fully booked, with 170 participants from nine schools. A further 90 students from twelve universities took part in the afternoon workshops.
The participating companies were Beurer, bredent group, Häussler Technische Orthopädie, Hentrich Patent- und Rechtsanwälte, HKK Bionics, SpineServ, THERA-Trainer and ulrich medical. Together with the University of Ulm (THU), they demonstrated how closely research, teaching and industrial practice are linked in Ulm. The Innovation Region Ulm was a cooperation partner for the Ulm MedTech Day.
Medical technology and elite sport at the Stadthaus Ulm
The highlight of the day was the public ‘Ulm MedTech Evening’ at the Stadthaus Ulm. Numerous visitors from the fields of medicine, technology, sport and the general public took the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in medical technology. The lecture theatre at Ulm Stadthaus was packed to capacity, underlining the great interest in the topics of medical technology, research and elite sport.
Insights into research
Prof. Dr Felix Capanni and his colleagues presented, amongst other things, projects on digital surgical planning, innovative cancer therapy, AI-supported analysis of physiotherapy exercises, biomaterials research and the possibilities offered by the new microfocus computed tomography scanner. They focused in particular on how students are involved in ongoing research as part of the ‘research-based learning’ programme.
“Applied research and practice-oriented teaching go hand in hand at the THU,” emphasised THU Rector Prof. Dr Volker Reuter in a joint interview with Ulm’s Lord Mayor Martin Ansbacher during the evening event at the Stadthaus.
Collaborations with companies and hospitals are a central component of the university’s strategic direction.
Mayor Martin Ansbacher also highlighted the importance of medical technology for Ulm as a centre of science and business. He noted that the sector is a major employer and, at the same time, stands for “technology for people”.
The keynote speaker of the evening was sprinter Johannes Floors. The four-time Paralympic champion, five-time world champion and world record holder gave a compelling account of his very personal journey from amputation to Paralympic gold in Tokyo 2021. In doing so, he demonstrated how innovative medical technology can improve quality of life and enable top sporting performances.
The programme was complemented by a science slam by Dr Oliver Jan Quittmann from the German Sport University Cologne. Musical accompaniment for the event was provided by a jazz ensemble from Humboldt Gymnasium in Ulm. The evening was hosted by Sebastian Pauls from Radio 7.
Joint commitment to Radio 7’s ‘Drachenkinder’
The Ulm MedTech Day not only set an example for research and the promotion of young talent, but also for social engagement in the region. All participating companies, as well as Sparkasse Ulm, responded to a joint appeal for donations in aid of the Radio 7 Drachenkinder. During the evening event, a donation cheque for €5,100 was jointly presented by all participating companies and the organisers of the Ulm MedTech Day to Ursula Schumacher, director of Radio 7 Drachenkinder.
Raising the profile of the Ulm MedTech region
The organisers of the Ulm MedTech Day are Prof. Dr Felix Capanni and Prof. Dr Andreas Häger from the Faculty of Mechatronics and Medical Technology at the University of Ulm (THU). The aim of the event is to raise the profile of the strong small and medium-sized medical technology industry in the greater Ulm area and to inspire young people to pursue technical and medical careers.
The event highlighted the role played by the University of Applied Sciences Ulm (THU) as a centre for training and research in medical technology – and the close collaboration between the university, companies and hospitals in the region. The Ulm MedTech Day is set to be further expanded in future and will serve in the long term as a platform for exchange, the promotion of young talent and innovation.
Image: Donation cheque handover
Image source: Ulm University of Applied Sciences
