Monday morning at Zurich Airport: It was time for the group—which would be spending the next few days together in Berlin—to get to know one another and have their first discussion. After arriving in Berlin, we had a kick-off meeting with Germany Trade & Invest and aligned our expectations: what perspectives does each person bring to the table, what topics are the focus, and what do we hope to gain from this trip? The day concluded with a group dinner—a successful start marked by professional input and personal exchange.

Things really got underway on Tuesday with our first visit to DMEA, Europe’s leading trade fair for digital healthcare. We received a warm welcome from the organizers and, during a guided tour of the fair, gained fascinating insights into various companies such as the B. Braun Group, Dräger, and Olympus Corporation. This was followed by a visit to the Swiss Pavilion, where six of the approximately 40 Swiss exhibitors presented their innovative solutions. For example, smartangel demonstrated how emergencies can be proactively detected through the intelligent analysis of vital signs, movement patterns, and fall incidents. And the team from hirncoach highlighted the importance of sound brain training at every stage of life. Their offerings for young and old, as well as for companies and institutions, promote mental health and brain fitness. Assessing one’s own cognitive abilities is no small feat, but it is well worth the effort.
Afterward, we visited the DEMO E-Health Show Practice of the Berlin Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. Here, we were able to see firsthand how digital applications can simplify daily work, streamline processes, and better engage patients. The medical history was taken by a robot—our future?

The third day was all about collaboration. As part of the DMEA, the German-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, together with Germany Trade & Invest and ZVEI e. V., organized a cross-border roundtable discussion on the topic “Smart Health Decisions: AI-MedTech Between Innovation and Procurement.” The discussion made it clear that the biggest challenges do not lie in the technology itself. “AI will free up resources so that we can focus more on people again.” Rather, it is entrenched structures, complex processes, and differing perspectives that slow down progress. “For example: in the intensive care unit, we want to avoid alarms and receive warnings instead.” Innovation does not happen in isolation. It is the result of effective collaboration.
On the final evening, we wrapped up our exciting journey with a group dinner at a typical Berlin restaurant. Over local specialties, we looked back on the past few days, shared insights, and reflected on our experiences. As a group, we have clearly grown closer together during this time.

On the final day of the trip, two visits to benchmark projects in Berlin provided the final practical test. At the company mediaire, it became clear that artificial intelligence has long since become more than just a promise for the future. In radiological diagnostics, AI-based solutions are already providing support in day-to-day practice.

The visit to the Smart Living & Health Center vividly demonstrated how independent living is possible despite health limitations. In a modern, fully equipped apartment, we were able to learn about and test practical solutions for everyday life, comfort, and quality of life. I was particularly impressed by the tilting bed for effortless getting up, the stair-climbing aid that offers extra support and safety, and the showerhead that dispenses shampoo along with water—essentially “the car wash for your home.”

This trip was more than just a series of meetings. It offered an in-depth and fascinating look into digital healthcare, featuring dedicated professionals and innovative solutions.

Many thanks to the German-Swiss Chamber of Commerce for making this trip possible and organizing it so superbly. I would also like to thank my fellow travelers from the Nottwil Paraplegic Center and Balgrist University Hospital for the open and warm exchange. I am taking home new perspectives, a wealth of knowledge, valuable contacts, and plenty of inspiration—for the network and our members.