Beyond the Bubble: The Power of Collaboration

In an increasingly interconnected world, the boundaries that once separated disciplines, industries, and ideas are rapidly dissolving. "Beyond the Bubble: The Power of Collaboration" is a session dedicated to exploring the transformative impact of cross-disciplinary partnerships, such as Health Tech Nexus a collaboration between the University of Twente – TechMed Centre and Radboudumc, as well as Tech.Land, Tech4Health and many more partnerships. This session will bring together leading experts, innovators, and stakeholders to discuss how collaborative efforts are driving groundbreaking advancements and addressing complex global health challenges. Attendees will gain insights into successful case studies where collaboration has led to significant technological and medical breakthroughs. Topics will include the integration of AI in medical diagnostics, the convergence of biotechnology and digital health, and the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating innovation.

General information

Time: 13.15 - 14.30
Language: English
Room: MAIN STAGE (TL 2275 | First floor)
Available seats: 250

The programme

13.15 - 13.25	Welcome and Opening Remke Burie, University of Twente - TechMed Centre & Novel-T
13.25 - 13.40	HealthTech Nexus: future-proofing healthcare through technological excellence Guillèn Fernandez, Radboudumc
13.40 - 13.55	Tech.Land: Transforming the German-Dutch border into connections Elke Wirtz & Holger Winter
13.55 - 14.10	TOPFIT: Together Towards a Vital and Healthy East Netherlands Hanneke Bodewes, TOPFIT
14.10 - 14.25	A strong ecosystem: MedTech Twente 2030 Erwin Holtland, MedTech Twente
14.25 - 14.30	Closing words Remke Burie, University of Twente - TechMed Centre & Novel-T

Speakers

Guillèn Fernandez | Radboudumc

Guillén Fernández is serving as the Scientific Director of the Radboud University Medical Center and a Principal Investigator at the Donders Institute. His research focuses on the brain basis of memory, emotion, and their interaction, using an interdisciplinary approach that combines cognitive neuroimaging, genetics, pharmacology, and various clinical disciplines. Guillén Fernández is a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion, a Fellow of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), the Academia Europaea, and the Memory Disorder Research Society. He has received numerous awards, including the Richard-Jung Award from the German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology, the Vici Award from the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research, the Radboud Science Award, and an Advanced Investigator Grant from the European Research Council.

Elke Wirtz | Wirtschaftsförderung Münster GmbH

Elke Wirtz is a prominent figure at Wirtschaftsförderung Münster GmbH, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting economic development and fostering innovation within the city of Münster. With a strong background in business development and strategic planning, she focuses on creating opportunities for local businesses, attracting new investments, and enhancing the region's economic landscape. Her work at Wirtschaftsförderung Münster includes supporting startups, strengthening key industries, and facilitating collaborations between businesses, academia, and government institutions. Through her leadership, Elke Wirtz contributes to Münster's growth as a dynamic and innovative economic hub.

Hanneke Bodewes | TOPFIT

Hanneke Bodewes is a dedicated professional with a strong focus on healthcare innovation and technology. She plays a pivotal role in TOPFIT, a regional initiative aimed at improving health and well-being through the integration of technology, prevention, and care. Hanneke is also actively involved in 4TU.Health, is a collaborative effort between the four Dutch technical universities, including the University of Twente, which seeks to advance health technologies through research, education, and innovation.

Erwin Holtland | MedTech Twente

Erwin Holtland is an entrepreneurial professional with over 20 years in technology venturing and early-stage venture capital. Based in Enschede, Netherlands, he has engaged with 100+ tech companies as a shareholder, board member, and investment manager. His strengths include identifying technology potential and business models. Currently, Erwin is a Supervisory Board Member at IamFluidics, Investment Manager at PhotonDelta, and Business Community Manager for the MedTech Twente cluster.

Holger Winter, CeNTech GmbH

Holger Winter, PhD, is a chemist by training and worked for biotech companies in the US and in Switzerland, respectively. Since 2010 he is chief scientific officer of the CeNTech GmbH in Münster. Holger Winter is part of the core team MedTech/Health of Tech.Land and coordinates as cluster manager the MedTech activities in Münster/Münsterland.

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