The event to support start-ups in the healthcare sector was a great success

Founding a company in the healthcare industry is not always a trivial matter. In addition to certain regulations and certification processes, these start-ups often need more time and money in the start-up process. For this very reason, the Start-up and Innovation Centre of the Department for Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Oldenburg organised the first Health Startup Day on 7 September 2021 as part of its EXIST-Potentials project together with the Verein Gesundheitswirtschaft Nordwest e.V. association.

Various experts from the regional healthcare sector were invited to share information on the most important aspects of starting a business in the healthcare sector. In addition to a keynote speech by founder Jan Elsner from Skinuvita on his own startup story, there was information on the healthcare accelerator MeVis Startups, a general overview of the healthcare market from Techniker Krankenkasse and a specialist lecture on the regulatory framework from Dr Michael Buschermöhle from KIZMO Oldenburg. Finally, there were helpful tips on a relaxed start-up process, in which Jan Kuhlmeier from Barmer Krankenkasse took the participants on a mindfulness journey.

The 25 participants were very satisfied with the programme and were able to take away good ideas for their own start-ups. It was the first time that such a programme had been offered in Oldenburg in a bundled form, especially with a focus on start-ups in Oldenburg. As part of the EXIST project, the university has set itself the task of supporting start-ups in the healthcare industry in particular and to realise existing potential. This event was the prelude to many other offers and the establishment of a regional network in the promotion of health-focussed start-ups.