The region around Erlangen, Nürnberg and Fürth unites excellent skills in the field of medicine, medical engineering and pharmacy. Next to numerous innovative companies, what stands out in particular is the clinical and medical research carried out by Erlangen University Hospitaland the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, along with the region’s excellent healthcare network.

The Personal Health innovation cluster aims to combine the research skills present in Erlangen with expertise in clinical out-patient applications, and with a network of ambitious industrial partners, in a quest to determine medical and patients’ needs and rapidly implement appropriate product solutions. One important aspect will be the accompanying support provided to patients during individual preventive care and after treatment. The ultimate goal is to cover the entire supply and value chain in this area.

An obvious starting point is the interface between the clinic and the out-patient at home – an area with high innovation potential that needs to be tapped. Miniaturized sensor systems worn close to the body make it possible to discharge high-risk patients home much earlier. For this to work, the patients have to be familiarized with wireless monitoring technology. To promote development in this area, and also to forge close links between clinical and medical engineering research, the cluster intends to set up a facility called the Medical Technology Test and Demonstration Center (METEAN).