"Health Innovation Hub" opened at Switzerland Innovation Park East

The hub serves as a platform for initiating, promoting and accelerating innovation projects in the healthcare sector by networking experts from research and industry.

The hub was officially opened by the Mayor of St. Gallen, Maria Pappa. She praised: "I am proud that we have created a place here in St. Gallen that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between research, industry and healthcare. In this way, today's complex challenges in the healthcare sector can be mastered together in the interests of the people."

As a partner of the Switzerland Innovation Park East, Empa supports the activities of the "Health Innovation Hub" and actively participates in the activities. "The Innovation Health Hub offers representatives from science, technology and health a platform for exchanging the latest scientific findings as well as experiences and needs regarding the application of new technologies," says Empa researcher Simon Annaheim from the "Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles" laboratory.

Future perspectives and innovative insights

The two speakers, sports physician Patrik Noack and doctor and entrepreneur Tobias Gantner, provided inspiring insights into the world of health innovations. Tobias Gantner emphasized: "Data can heal." This underlines the central role that digital technologies and data analysis play in the fight against diseases. Following the presentations, guests were invited to explore innovative products relating to sensor technology and health. The exhibits presented and discussions with the experts encouraged them to look into future developments and innovations.

One of the exhibits was the cardio belt developed at Empa. Thanks to plasma-coated embroidered electrodes, the snug textile belt enables precise and comfortable long-term ECG measurements. In order to "upgrade" the belt for other applications such as performance checks in sports, monitoring sleep apnea and the early diagnosis of dementia, the Empa researchers have equipped it with sensors for other health parameters. At the heart of these sensors are optical polymer fibers, which are produced using the melt spinning process and are therefore particularly flexible and suitable for processing in textiles.

Regular events and workshops

The "Health Innovation Hub" regularly hosts events and workshops in which needs are presented and innovative solutions are developed. The aim of the hub is to develop new solutions for current challenges and bring them to market. René Rossi, Head of Empa's Health research focus and the "Materials meet Life" department, adds: "We are currently putting together a research council to ensure the impact of these activities."

As part of the Switzerland Innovation Network, which comprises six innovation parks in Switzerland, the Switzerland Innovation Park East supports collaboration between research and companies. The network makes it possible to use knowledge and research results for the development of new products and services.

Source: Empa