TThe Medtech4 Europe project aims to provide solutions to reduce health care costs in the context of medical technologies, a key sector in Europe, in line with the needs of an increasingly ageing population. It also aims to improve public policies supporting R&D and innovation facilities to better adapt them to the specificities of the medical technology sector.
The project is currently in its 2nd phase of the project implementation. This phase focuses on influencing policy. The Dutch partner of the project; the Province of Limburg is continuously working to progress its own medical device industry in a sustainable manner. One of their good practices is Medace, a (bio)medical co-working space which plays a major role in this process. Medace also won a Dutch National Changemaker Award for its exceptional model and its implementation.
The idea of Medace started at the Chemelot Institute of Science and Technology (InSciTe). Even good and proven ideas and concepts of researchers can be difficult to translate into clinical-testing phase. This was the reason why InSciTe developed a specific work model and easily accessible biomedical facilities, with the aim of bringing biomedical innovations to the market or patients more quickly and effectively. This concept turned out to be so successful, that it is now being commercialized by Medace.
Medace is a centre of excellence as a unique (bio)medical learning and working facility, offering GMP-ready and ISO cleanrooms, labs and state-of-the-art equipment. Medace provides this to early-stage companies to facilitate their own clinical-grade production. Next to that is Medace supporting their customers with medical technology experts through the entire quality and regulatory process, and compile and develop the technical documentation required for clinical validation.
Medace support researchers & start-ups with:
• Specialized infrastructure (e.g. ISO7 and 8, and Grade C and B cleanrooms)
• Validated and specialized equipment
• Quality Management System
• Trained professionals for hands-on guidance and support during development and validation
• Dedicated in-house training programs
The main stakeholders are early-stage start-ups and university groups, which often lack the experience and capabilities to successfully navigate this stage of innovation. Each project will be supported by a dedicated team of technicians, quality experts and other professionals who will collaborate and work within the start-up and academic teams.
Medace is an excellent example for European regions that want to increase and accelerate the value of research in their region.
More information about the project: www.interregeurope.eu/medtech4europe/
More information about the good practice: www.interregeurope.eu/policylearning/good-practices/item/4210/medace-a-bio-medical-co-workspace/
