This November, the global medical technology community once again gathered in Düsseldorf for MEDICA – and the message was unmistakable: there is no way around the medtech sector. Digitalization, robotics, connected care, and artificial intelligence in medicine are no longer emerging trends; they are already reshaping everyday clinical practice. Today, medical technology is not merely a manufacturing and supply industry – it is a driving force for innovation and a key architect of modern healthcare. Many players from Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg were represented at MEDICA, reflecting the region’s role as home to some of the world’s most renowned and long-established medtech companies.

What is Medical Technology?

Medical technology – or Medtech for short – includes all technologies, products, and procedures that enhance diagnosis, therapy, prevention, or rehabilitation. This covers devices, implants, software solutions, and digital systems used in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories worldwide. The sector is among Germany’s most innovative industries: more than 13,000 companies – mostly medium-sized – develop solutions that combine high-tech engineering with medical expertise. Key trends include surgical robotics, artificial intelligence, connected systems, and personalized medicine. In northern Germany, the medtech sector is also expanding dynamically: Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg are establishing themselves as hotspots for AI-driven applications and robot-assisted surgical technologies through research, teaching, and globally recognized companies.

At the Pulse of Innovation in the North

IIn the Life Science Nord cluster region, numerous stakeholders demonstrate how strongly medtech today is shaped by digital and AI-based methods. For example, researchers at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and the University of Lübeck are collaborating on the HARMONIE project, which is redefining tumor localization in breast surgery. Using ultrasound-visible tissue markers combined with AI-supported real-time image analysis, even difficult-to-detect tumor remnants after chemotherapy can be precisely located during surgery. Funded with approximately €1.1 million by the Federal Ministry of Research, the project aims to establish new standards in cancer surgery by combining real-time ultrasound with artificial intelligence.
The northern medtech sector is also experiencing a dynamic phase in robotics. With key patents expiring, new providers are entering the surgical robotics market – an innovation boost that significantly improves access to robot-assisted surgery. In Lübeck, LIROS has developed a realistic operating room with VR simulation and real robotic arms, serving as a research and training platform. At the same time, UKSH in Kiel is developing AI-based assistance systems and augmented reality applications to make surgical procedures faster, safer, and more precise – and to enable smaller hospitals to adopt high-tech surgery in the long term.
Beyond surgery, biotechnological medtech is emerging as a major field of innovation. The federal government has identified it as a strategic future priority – and companies in the north are driving this development actively. For instance, Hamburg-based i3 Membrane GmbH has developed a Digital Membrane Chromatography (DMC) adsorber that facilitates gentle and accelerated purification of sensitive proteins. The system uses low electrical voltage instead of harsh chemicals to extract biological agents like monoclonal antibodies. This technology opens new possibilities for protein analytics and bioprocessing, not only in northern Germany. Additional high-throughput DMC solutions are planned by 2026 – a strong signal of the capability of the northern German medtech and biotech scene.

Northern German Stakeholders at a Glance

Whether national or international, established or startup, medium-sized company or research institution – all medtech organizations contribute to making diagnostics, treatments, and patient care more efficient, personalized, and future-ready.

Research as a Driver: Fraunhofer IMTE

The Fraunhofer Institute for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Technology (IMTE) is located at the Hanse Innovation Campus in Lübeck and is well connected. It collaborates closely with the University of Lübeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, and an external branch of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence. IMTE positions itself as a driver of intelligent and individualized medtech and as a bridge for technology transfer.

Schleswig-Holstein provides ideal conditions: short distances, the strong Life Science Nord network, and numerous innovative companies create a dynamic environment for translating research into market-ready technologies. IMTE also benefits from an international network, essential for developing novel imaging modalities such as Magnetic Particle Imaging, applying AI in intensive care, or designing new solutions for robot-assisted surgery. “We are connected internationally, especially with our Scandinavian neighbors, but also strongly toward Asia,” explains Director Philipp Rostalski.

National networking is equally important. “With 75 Fraunhofer institutes, the full spectrum of Fraunhofer research is available to us and our industry partners.”

This will be crucial for upcoming developments in medtech. “Undoubtedly, AI and automation will continue to advance medicine, helping to address workforce shortages in healthcare,” says Rostalski. Important questions include: How can these systems be designed and applied safely? How can the interaction between virtual and physical worlds in a medical device be secured? “This requires novel sensors, intelligent algorithms, and above all, a trusted collaboration between industry, science, and clinics – as we provide at Fraunhofer IMTE.”

Tradition and Innovation: Stryker

Stryker is a global leader in medtech, developing and distributing products and services in medical and surgical care, neurotechnology, and orthopedics to improve patient outcomes. Despite the company’s global presence, the German site in Schönkirchen, Schleswig-Holstein, holds special importance. Dr. Nils Reimers, Director Sales Europe, explains: “Our Schönkirchen site is a central part of our global network: every 60 seconds, nails for hospitals worldwide are produced here, while our local R&D team is already working on next-generation innovations.”

The site also has more than 100 years of history: “The origin of intramedullary nailing traces back to Prof. Gerhard Küntscher at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein. Following this tradition of medical progress, we combine clinical application with industrial development to create innovative solutions for patients worldwide.”
In a sector that is rapidly evolving, Stryker keeps pace with technological developments, leveraging technology to continually advance, Reimers says. “Thanks to AI-based automation, we sustainably improve production quality and efficiency while using modern AI tools to drive innovation and secure our market-leading position.”

Emergency Products: WEINMANN

WEINMANN specializes in medtech for emergency services. The company is firmly established in northern Germany, with headquarters in Hamburg and production in Henstedt-Ulzburg, Schleswig-Holstein. This enables close cooperation with regional suppliers and universities. CEO André Schulte explains: “This provides planning security and stability, along with strong integration into networks such as LSN, VEEK, or HK Hamburg.”

Hamburg is an attractive location in many ways.

André Schulte, CEO WEINMANN

WEINMANN adapts its products to local needs – rural areas, the Hamburg metropolitan region, or North Sea islands. “Emergency equipment must be robust, mobile, and easy to operate,” says Schulte. Coastal and island areas require weather-resistant devices, while urban regions prioritize rapid deployment and intuitive operation. A mobile service ensures quick repairs and maintenance without downtime. “Our products and services provide optimal support for emergency services in the north. Many employees have an emergency services background, so we understand these requirements well and volunteer with various NGOs.”

The company offers a wide range of career opportunities in Hamburg and Henstedt-Ulzburg, from R&D to logistics. “We focus on varied perspectives for employees,” emphasizes the CEO. The company’s success is reflected in rankings such as 6th place among Germany’s most innovative medium-sized companies – and 2nd in the Hamburg region.

Hamburg High-Tech: Olympus Surgical Technologies Europe

Since 1963, Hamburg has been Olympus’ European headquarters, evolving from the original Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbH production site. Research and development, manufacturing, repair, service, training, and sales are primarily based in Hamburg.

“Olympus envisions a future in which advanced minimally invasive endoscopy – supported by AI, robotics, and connected digital ecosystems – enables earlier detection, improves clinical outcomes, enhances patient safety, and ensures continuous care,” explains Matthias Gengenbach, Head of Corporate Communications EMEA. With the largest installed base of endoscopy systems globally, Olympus is uniquely positioned to scale innovations and redefine standards in endoscopy-supported care. “Our vision of an Intelligent Endoscopy Ecosystem combines hardware, software, services, and data to address urgent healthcare challenges, particularly in endoscopy.” Robotics for minimally invasive procedures allows more physicians to safely apply innovative treatments, improving patient access, safety, and recovery times.

LINK – Joint Replacement for More than 75 Years

Pain-free mobility is the foundation of an independent and active life. Guided by this conviction, Waldemar Link founded a network of northern German orthopedic specialists more than 75 years ago to jointly develop solutions for patients’ medical challenges. This initiative led to the creation of LINK, which today ranks among the leading providers of joint replacement prostheses. Its portfolio covers a broad range of products – from implants for primary procedures to solutions for complex revision surgeries.

LINK remains owner-managed to this day and is based in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. Despite continuous research and development aimed at innovative solutions, the company’s objective has remained unchanged: to enhance patients’ quality of life through improved, pain-free mobility. LINK is committed to achieving strong outcomes even in demanding procedures and to ensuring high satisfaction among physicians and patients through reliable, long-term care.

For more than 75 years, LINK has combined medical expertise with technological innovation to enable people with joint prostheses to lead lives that are as normal and symptom-free as possible.

We develop, produce, and market only products that we would be willing to have implanted ourselves.

Helmut D. Link, Owner Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KG

Overcoming Healthcare Limits: Philips

Philips develops medical devices and IT solutions for hospitals, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, patient monitoring, healthcare IT, and innovations such as radiation-free 3D navigation. Software enables faster, location-independent analysis of medical images. Philips aims to overcome healthcare boundaries by connecting technology, data, and people to make diagnostics and treatment more efficient.

In Hamburg, the company benefits from a strong medical technology ecosystem of hospitals, research institutions, suppliers, and start-ups that fosters innovation and practice-oriented development, explains Mikko Vasama, Market Leader Philips DACH. “At the same time, Philips itself makes a significant contribution to this ecosystem: the Röntgenstraße site brings high-tech jobs, state-of-the-art manufacturing, and global radiology innovation to the region, serving as an anchor for expertise, collaboration, and technology transfer.”

The Fuhlsbüttel site, one of the company’s historic roots in Germany, will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year and today ranks among the world’s most important development and production centers for X-ray tubes and imaging medical technology. What began as an early X-ray tube factory has evolved into a highly modern campus that integrates expertise in research, production, service, marketing, and sales. From this site, innovations in digital and mobile radiography as well as high-performance X-ray tubes and components are deployed in hospitals around the world. “In this way, Philips helps strengthen Hamburg as a leading medical technology region in Germany and beyond.”

In the coming year, the company will launch significant new innovations in medical technology, primarily driven by artificial intelligence and more efficient workflows. These include a new MRI scanner that operates with almost no helium, as well as an AI-supported CT system that delivers clearer images at significantly lower radiation doses.

Hotspot: AI and Robotic Surgery

The northern German cluster includes other prominent medtech companies such as Johnson & Johnson Medical and Söring. Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein are increasingly attracting international medtech leaders seeking a European base in the Life Science Nord region.
AI is a central focus – in research, teaching, and product development – positioning northern Germany as a hotspot for AI-driven applications. The same applies to robotic surgery solutions, with leading developers and research institutions located in the cluster region.

In the coming years, the region is expected to expand its pioneering role through investments in scaling AI-based assistance systems and robotic interventions, creating an innovation-driven ecosystem that encourages new research collaborations and international business settlements.

Text: Lea Holzamer

Cover image: © Sandy Bever-Schrot und Jonas S., Fraunhofer IMTE