Startups are shaping the future of care

What does the future of care look like - and how can start-ups contribute to it? This question was at the centre of the 10. InnoPartner-network meeting, which took place on 20 November 2024 at Sunnisheim Abbey. Organised by the Economic Development Department of the Rhine-Neckar Districtthe Regional Economic Development Bruchsal and us, innoWerft, the event became an inspiring meeting place for start-ups and experts from the care sector. Eight innovative start-ups presented their solutions and showed that technical innovations and entrepreneurial courage can change the care sector in the long term.

From idea to realisation: start-ups in focus

The care sector is facing enormous challenges: Demographic change, a shortage of skilled labour and rising costs threaten the future of care and demand creative solutions. At the tenth InnoPartner network meeting, participants were able to experience precisely these innovative approaches!

Eight start-ups (Treye Tech, SenseING, enna Systems, Chat table, Perspective Care, Helper portal, Inclusys and InA. Coach App) presented their technological solutions, for example to reduce the workload of nursing staff or to make the organisation more efficient.

A highlight of the event was the transfer challenge: participants worked together with the start-ups to understand their solutions and find concrete applications in their own organisations. The concluding marketplace provided space for personal discussions and the development of partnerships.

Impulses and inspiration

Particularly inspiring were the presentations by Matthias Leerscare expert and Tomorrow Coach, and André Peters, Director of Diakonie Baden. Both showed how innovations can revolutionise care - be it through technical aids or by strengthening caring communities.

Because the future of care is innovative - and start-ups are the key to this.

Are you also a start-up that wants to revolutionise an industry? Then register now for our open pitch and present your idea to us!

A focus on five key technologies

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub focuses on five areas of technology that are of particular importance to the region’s competitiveness:

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use in production, logistics, quality management and data-driven services
    • Cyber security: Critical infrastructure protection, industrial IT security and secure data rooms
    • Industry Tech: IoT applications, sensor technology, automation, data analysis and networked production processes
    • Sustainability and energy efficiency: COâ‚‚ reporting, energy-saving potential in production and buildings, and drivers for the circular economy – all measurable through key digital technologies
    • The Metaverse and Extended Reality (XR): Virtual and augmented reality as platforms for collaboration, training and product development, digital twins and immersive experiences

AI-powered matching platform: The right partner at the touch of a button

A key component of the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is the AI-powered matching feature. Companies and start-ups can describe their specific requirements or technology needs. The AI then identifies suitable Contact person and offers from the region’s partner network.

The aim is to match a specific need with a suitable contact as quickly as possible, and for this to lead to a concrete collaboration.

Events, funding opportunities and venues all in one place

In addition to AI-powered matching, the Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides a continuously updated overview of regional events, funding opportunities and workshops.

Also available Spaces for meetings, co-working and innovation projects across the entire metropolitan region are consolidated on the platform.

In this way, the Digital Hub makes the region’s various services and areas of expertise visible and accessible via a single digital portal.

Working together for innovation in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is supported by a regional network. Consortium partners are the innoWerft, the City of Mannheim and the 5-HT Chemistry & Health.

As associated partners support the Heidelberg Technology Park, the IHK Rhine-Neckar, the Economic Development Unit of the Rhein-Neckar District Office, the Heidelberg Economic Development Agency, the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, the Mannheim University of Applied Sciencesthe NEXT MANNHEIM and that Smart Industries Network the project.

Together, the partners bring together regional expertise and services relating to key digital technologies.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Skilled Trades and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg promoted.

Discover the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub now

The Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides start-ups, businesses and research organisations with shared digital access to services and expertise relating to key technologies in the metropolitan region.

You’re a founder and would you like to use the Digital Hub for your start-up? Explore the platform and find out which services and contacts might be relevant to your idea!