From nano-robots to packaging machines that fill entire rooms, the recent “Compamed” (www.compamed.de) industry fair, held in Düsseldorf / Germany from 16-19 November, showed visitors a broad range of technological innovations throughout the medical supply chain.

For the first time, Compamed was held at the same time as the “Medica” (www.medica.de) exhibition. The organisers said this gives associations access to around 4,500 Medica exhibitors at the same time as the 700-plus exhibitors at Compamed.

The Compamed High-Tech Forum featured several presentations on subjects including printed electronics and smart sensor solutions. In parallel, the Suppliers Forum heard from leading international companies about developments on innovative materials, miniaturisation, packaging, market access and approval.

The Federal Ministry for Education and Research presented its “Innovation Guide”, a step-by-step manual on the different stages of innovation, R&D, certification, reimbursement and marketing.

The event finished with practical instructions on how to protect innovations as well as on IT security.