The speakers
INPUTS
IDEAS
INSPIRATIONS
We are very much looking forward to the great variety of inputs from our speakers!
Stay tuned: The list of speakers is updated continuously!
Pedram Afschar
Medical Director General Manager at Premi Qa Med Privatkliniken GmbH
Olivier Colin
CEO, Maison de l'Innovation Médicale Spécialisée (MIMS SAS)
Olivier Colin is the CEO of Maison de l'Innovation Médicale Spécialisée (MIMS SAS) and Aliénor Consultants.
MIMS aims to promote the emergence of health entrepreneurs, strengthening health companies and medical practices both economically and socially.
The organisation advocates for intellectual cross-fertilisation among all stakeholders who seek to advance healthcare.
Sarah Frajuk
Biobank Graz
Karin Hölbling
Head of EEN and EU projects at the Internationalisation Center of Styria
Karin Hölbling is a member of the SG Health and lead partner of the Eurocluster “DESIRE” in the field of health.
Werner Koele
CEO of SteadySense
Werner Koele, born in 1975 in Graz, Austria, is a tech enthusiast and entrepreneur. With a background in biomedical engineering, he embarked on a career in the NFC industry, notably working with HID and Infineon. In 2016, he founded SteadySense, a company with a core focus on creating and saving lives through innovative products. The flagship offerings include femSense, an ovulation tracker, and SteadyTemp, a temperature monitoring solution. While femSense aids in fertility awareness, SteadyTemp's vision is to recognize fever patterns, facilitating quicker and more accurate medical diagnoses. Both products feature a single-use sensor patch and a mobile app, showcasing the versatility of continuous temperature measurement technology. Werner's journey involves collaborations with global giants, founding his own company, and pioneering advancements in femtech and medical diagnostics.
Andrea Kurz
Rector of Med Uni Graz (from February 15, 2024)
Andrea Kurz was born in Vienna and completed her medical studies and training as a specialist in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, where she also qualified as a professor. Her professional career is characterized by numerous management functions in the university and clinical field. These included heading the Division for Clinical Research at Washington University and serving as a full professor of anesthesiology at Inselspital - University Hospital Bern. From 2014 to 2018, Andrea Kurz was the first Austrian to head the Department of General Anesthesiology at the renowned Cleveland Clinic in the USA. She is now Vice Director for Research at the Department of Anesthesiology there. Since 2020, she has also headed a research unit at the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at the Medical University of Graz.
Andrea Kurz has been conducting clinical research at the highest level for around 25 years and has published more than 250 scientific articles, including in renowned journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet.
Marija Lovrić
CEO & CSTO BICRO BIOCentre, Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Lovrić, PhD, EMBA graduated and obtained her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science. Dr. Lovrić also holds Executive MBA title from the Cotrugli Business School, Croatia. She has over fifteen years of experience in pharmaceutical industry, primarily in the Research and Development and Regulatory Affairs, and academic institutions. She joined BIOCentre in April 2019 as Chief Science and Technology Officer and Member of the Board. Since February 2020 she has been Chief Executive Officer of BIOCentre, Croatian Biosciences Technology and Incubation Centre.
Damir Medved
Director of the EDIH Adria (European Digital Inovation Hub) project
MSc. Damir Medved has more than 30 years of experience in leading complex transformation projects in the corporate and public sector. His specialty is the issue of Smart cities and regions, especially strategic planning, but also the introduction of advanced technologies (such as the practical application of AI, IoT, Blockchain) in city planning and the design of concrete solutions (digital twins, urban simulations, etc.).
He is the initiator and technical coordinator of the Competence Center for Smart Cities in Rijeka, and is currently Director of the EDIH Adria (European Digital Inovation Hub) project at the University of Rijeka, which is intended to help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, local self-government units and public companies in the application of the latest technologies such as AI and HPC in their business.
Vladimir Mozetič
President of Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster
Assist.Prof. Vladimir Mozetič, MD, PhD is a President of Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster from 2014. He is a member of the European Urological Association as well as the Governing Board of the Croatian Society of Urology and Croatian Association of Business Ethics and Health Economy and a member of the Advisory Council at EDIH Adria Project of University of Rijeka. He is a member of working groups in both Ministries of Health and Tourism and Sports in the fields of healthcare, health industry and health tourism. He works as urologist with suspecialization in andrology and urologic oncology and healthcare menagement consultant.
He was selected as the scientific Educational Assistant Professor at the Medical Faculty in Rijeka in the fields of urology and health menagement, He is a lecturer and mentor on several faculties and business schools. In 2015 he received annual award of City of Rijeka for the promotion of health care as important commercial branch in region. Dr.Mozetič received in 2022 award „Ladislav Rakovac“ from Croatian Medical Association for the achieved results in the development of healthcare, medical thought and science.
Wilhelm Nest
Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's office in Slovenia and Kosovo
Wilhelm Nest heads the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's offices in Slovenia and Kosovo and, together with his teams, promotes the business of Austrian companies in these countries. Previously, Wilhelm was responsible for the implementation of go-international, a joint export promotion initiative of the Chamber with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy, at the Chamber's headquarters in Vienna. He has also worked in Ireland, Italy, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. Wilhelm is a graduate of the Vienna University of Economics and Business and holds a CEMS Master in International Management.
Markus Pedevilla
Head of Medizininformatik at Steiermärkische Krankenanstaltengesellschaft m.b.H.
Lejla Pock
Managing Director of Human.technology Styria GmbH.
Since October 2022 Managing Director at Human.technology Styria, 11/2019 to 09/2022 Commercial Manager at Human.technology Styria, 2012-2019 Partner and Managing Director at Austin Immobilien- und BeteiligungsgmbH, 2004-2011 Shareholder and Procurator at Austin, Pock + Partners, 1999-2011 Shareholder, Senior Consultant and Project Manager at Austin, Pock + Partners, BSc in Theoretical and Applied Translation Studies.
Sascha Ranftl
Co-Founder & Chief Scientist of arterioscope
Sascha Ranftl graduated with a PhD in Theoretical Physics from TU Graz in 2021. The European Commission awarded his post-doctoral research on physics-informed machine learning and neural networks with the Horizon Europe Marie Curie Seal of Excellence. He serves as Research Area Leader at Graz Center for Machine Learning, and as expert reviewer for the publication "Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems". His data analysis algorithms are being employed in various interdisciplinary applications from computational engineering to biomedical engineering. In 2023, he co-founded arterioscope in order to bring algorithms from paper to bedside, and to shape the AI revolution in medical signal analysis. With the processing of ECG, PPG or Bioimpedance data, arterioscope's AI & Digital Twin systems enable new levels of precision in preventive care for cardiovascular diseases. Risk groups, e.g. diabetes patients, can benefit from these developments especially.
Michael Schickhofer
Head of Regional Business Development at SFG
Michael Schickhofer, a former Deputy Governor of Styria, is currently Head of Regional Business Development with the Styrian Business Promotion Agency (SFG) and oversees the Enterprise Europe Network within his team. The Enterprise Europe Network is the world's largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and plays a crucial role in assisting companies in finding international technology partners as well as fostering cross-border collaborations that drive innovation and growth.
Michael’s expertise in governance and economic development, coupled with his passion for nurturing regional talent and enterprises, makes him a pivotal figure in Styria’s evolving business ecosystem.
Photo: ©brandimages
Emma Somerville
Project manager Innovation SFG
Emma Somerville graduated from Dublin City University with a degree in Applied Languages. After graduation, she worked in multilingual positions in the software industry before moving into an account management role in the localisation sector managing large projects comprising remote and onsite teams. A few years after a geographical move to Graz, Austria also saw a move from the private sector to the semi-state Styrian Business Promotion Agency SFG. Here her focus is on innovation and she is also part of the team of the Enterprise Europe Network – the world’s largest support network for SMEs who wish to innovate and grow internationally.
Ulrich Weigelt
CEO RobotDreams®
Ulrich Weigelt is responsible for the management and global growth of RobotDreams® GmbH as CEO / Managing Director. Ulrich looks back on more than 30 years of management and business leadership experience in the market for performance support and robotics software products. Ulrich has been heavily involved in the success stories of various startups.
Tibor Zechmeister
Experienced Entrepreneur in MedTech Industry
Entrepreneur in the MedTech industry for 12 years, auditor of the notified body for medical devices, regulatory affairs expert for medical devices.
His motto:" Creating a better world by optimizing medical devices and regulatory compliance is what I strive for."
Franz Aigner
Head of Business Development WILD Gruppe
Since 2017 responsible for new business within the WILD Group with a strong focus on the medical & life sciences business. More than 20 years of management expertise in various leading functions such as managing director and business unit director in the printing colors industry.
From 2007 – 2013 Managing Director of SEPIAX Ink Technology, a start-up company for innovative digital inks within the Gernot-Langes Swarovski Group.
After completing a Master in Business Management with a focus on Marketing and International Sales working since 1997 at the interface between Marketing/Sales and Innovation and presenting and implementing product innovations worldwide as Head of Product Management & International Marketing at Trodat / office products and winner of several innovation prizes like a “Bronze Lion of Cannes” in 2003 in the category best direct marketing promotion.
Lara Cossettini
Key Account Manager at the Austrian Embassy, Commercial Section, Padua Office
Since April 2022, Lara Cossettini has been working as a Key Account Manager at the Austrian Embassy -Commercial Section, Padua Office in the field of tourism infrastructure for the 2026 Winter Olympics Milano-Cortina, mobility, and health.
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA is Austria’s official trade promotion organization at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber with around 100 offices in 70 countries, and provides a broad range of intelligence and business development services for both Austrian companies and their international business partners.
Lara started her professional career as a Customer Care representative for Safilo (Italy) in November 2021. Prior to this role, Lara completed various internships amongst others one in the neuropsychological field at the University Hospital Graz.
She is a graduate of Graz University of Psychology (Austria) with study program abroad at the University of Padua (Italy).
Martin Funk
CEO Evomedis
Lars Kamolz
Head of the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Graz.
Director of COREMED & Head of the Research Unit for Safety in Health.
Prof. Dr. Lars-Peter Kamolz was born in 1972 and began his medical studies at the University of Vienna in 1990. He completed his specialist training at the Institute of Anatomy III before moving to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Vienna General Hospital in 1999. There he also headed the Center for Severe Burn Injuries from 2007 to 2010. Accordingly, one of his main scientific interests is burn treatment and tissue engineering, the artificial production of skin and fatty tissue material for reconstructive procedures. Shortly afterwards, he was given responsibility for the field of plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at Wiener Neustadt Regional Hospital and as a consultant for the regional hospitals in Baden, Mödling and Neunkirchen. So much for his extraordinarily impressive career. But that's not all, of course. Prof. Dr. Kamolz now heads the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Graz. He is also Director of COREMED (Cooperative Center for Regenerative Medicine) and Head of the Research Unit for Safety in Health.
Sabrina Kral
Biobank Graz
Since 2020 Project manager at the Biobank Graz, Medical University of Graz
As a project manager, she works within the BBMRI.at project Workpackage 4 "Environmental Sustainability and Biobanking," supporting researchers conducting projects with the biobank by assisting with ethics submissions and handling proposal-related requests (e.g., EU projects).
2020 Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Graz University of Technology
2017 Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Graz University of Technology
Timo Lehtonen
Chief Executive Officer Bioretec Ltd.
Christoph Magnes
Head of Research Group - Bioanalytics and Metabolomics, Pharma Services, JOANNEUM RESEARCH
Currently, Christoph Magnes is Head of the Research Group Metabolomics and Bionalytics at the HEALTH institute of JOANNEUM RESEARCH. He has nearly 20 years of experience in mass spectrometry-based analysis of low molecular weight compounds in biological samples (metabolomics) as well as extensive experience with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography, ion pair reversed phase chromatography and nano-HPLC in combination with mass spectrometry. Current research focus is metabolomics in the field of cancer and precision oncology, cardiovascular diseases and neurology. In combination with the open-flow microperfusion technology developed at the Institute, a further focus is on the in vivo detection of the tissue-specific metabolome in adipose tissue, muscle, brain or/and skin.
Gerold Meininger
Quality Manager at MEDS Micro Electronic Design GmbH
Gerold has a strong technical and international business background in the electronics development field.
MEDS is ISO13485 certified and a reliable partner for the development of electronics in the medical, automotive and industrial sectors. Our customers in the high-tech medical sector are well-known companies in the industry - from MNCs to start-ups.
Thomas Mrak
Managing Director Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer in Medicine
Mag. Thomas Mrak is the managing director on part of the SFG for the ZWT project. The SFG particularly supports technology-oriented start-up and growth companies in the regions by using the network of SFG Impulse Centres, which are technology, start-up and business parks.
Lorenz Neuhäuser
Business developer MedTech at Human.technology Styria.
Lorenz Neuhäuser is an enthusiastic networker. His endeavor is to connect clinicians, researchers and industry partners in the medical technology sector for something even bigger.
Sabrina Petutschnig
Chief Operating Officer Science Park
Ruth Prassl
Associate professor at the Chair of Biophysics at the MUG
Ruth Prassl studied chemistry at the University of Graz before turning to research soon afterwards. At the Institute of Biophysics and Nanosystems Research at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, she initially worked on the structure of lipoproteins. Later, her scientific focus shifted to liposomes and lipid nanoparticles as drug delivery systems. She is currently an associate professor at the Chair of Biophysics at the MUG and heads a working group in the field of nanomedicine.
Bettina Resl
Bettina T. Resl, Public Affairs Head for Novartis in Austria, is part of the Novartis Austria Leadership Team.
Bettina Resl has been Head of Public Affairs Europe & Eurasia at the French company Sanofi in the consumer healthcare sector since July 2021 until May 2023. She joined Sanofi Austria in May 2017 as Country Head Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy and also took over corporate communications in April 2020. Resl has more than 20 years of professional experience in public and political institutions as well as in the pharmaceutical industry and was a partner at Thierry Politics Advisors between 2011 and 2013. From 2014, the 43-year-old worked for the US pharmaceutical company AbbVie in the area of government affairs and market access. From 2008 to 2011 she was deputy head of cabinet for Science and Research Minister Dr. Johannes Hahn and Dr. Beatrix Karl. Previously, she was deputy head of cabinet in the Federal Ministry of Health and Women Affairs under Maria Rauch-Kallat (2005 to 2007) and parliamentary advisor at Rauch-Kallat when she was re-elected to parliament in 2007. Bettina also headed the office of the United Nations Association Austria (2002-2005).
The mother of three children is married and studied political science and Slavic studies at the University of Vienna and attended the master's degree in public health at the Medical University of Vienna. She also completed the Political Management course at the Quadriga University of Applied Sciences in Berlin and the 6th Strategic Leaders Course of the Austrian Federal Government. In December 2022 she also completed the Data Science in Health university course at the Goethe Business School in Frankfurt. Bettina Resl is also guest lecturer at the Goethe Business School in Frankfurt as well at the Pharmig Academy in Vienna and member of the supervisory board of the Medical University in Graz.
Gerhard Schlattl
Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's office in Croatia
Gerhard Schlattl heads the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's office in Croatia. Together with his local team he is supporting Austrian companies with business interest in the Croatian market. In his previous capacity he was managing go-international - a joint export promotion initiative of the Chamber and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy - at the Chamber's headquarters in Vienna. He also worked in the Czech Republic, North Macedonia and Thailand, as well as for the Austrian Permanent Mission to the UN in Vienna. Gerhard holds degrees in business administration of the Vienna University of Economics and Business as well as in political science of the University of Vienna.
Harald Sourij
Professor for Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine, Med Uni Graz
Harald Sourij graduated sub auspiciis presidentis rei publicae 2004 from the Medical University of Graz, Austria where he subsequently did his training in General Medicine and Endocrinology and Diabetology.
In 2010 he moved to Oxford, UK and joined the Diabetes Trials Unit to work with Professor Rury Holman on cardiovascular outcome trials.
In 2013 he returned to the Medical University of Graz, Austria, where he became Full Professor for Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine in 2021. He is currently Deputy Director of the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Head of the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic and Director of the Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine Trials Unit.
Harald is the President elect of the Austrian Diabetes Association and has published more than 200 articles listed in Pubmed.
Annelie Weinberg
Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Head of Musculoskeletal Research Unit for Biomaterials, Med Uni Graz
Assoz. Prof.in Priv.-Doz.in Dr.in med. Annelie Weinberg has been working at the Medical University of Graz since 2000. She is a trauma surgeon and orthopaedic surgeon. Over the last 20 years she has built up her own research unit (Musculoskeletal Research Unit for Biomaterials). In this context, she has raised over 10 million euros in third-party funding for various national and international projects. She was involved in a start-up (founder of BRI.TECH), which brought developments from the Medical University Graz (research) to market maturity.
Thomas Birngruber
Deputy Director of Joanneum Research Health & Head of Research Group Biomedical Tissue Monitoring
Thomas Birngruber comes from the field of biomedical engineering, having worked and obtained his PhD at the Medical University of Graz and the Graz University of Technology in the fields of neuroscience and imaging technologies (MRI).
His main research areas are pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, with applications now encompassing a variety of organs.
Thomas Birngruber has a strong network both in the academic world and in the pharmaceutical industry.
Anke Dettelbacher
Managing director Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer in Medicine
Mag. Anke Dettelbacher, Msc, is the managing director on part of the Medical University of Graz for the ZWT project. Due to the close integration of the ZWT into the MED CAMPUS project in terms of content and construction, she is also responsible for the project management and is the contact person for your questions and concerns.
Karl Hartleb
Managing Director
InternationalisierungsCenter Steiermark – ICS
Karl Hartleb is a law graduate, specialized in European and International competition law. He gained work experience in the private and public sector, inter alia as President of a US-subsidiary of a European industrial company and as counselor in the European Parliament.
In the context of his activities for the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Mr. Hartleb was appointed Assistant Trade Commissioner to the US (NYC), Deputy Trade Commissioner to Japan and Commercial Counselor of the Austrian Embassy in Tehran, with responsibility for the Islamic Republic of Iran and Afghanistan.
From 2008 through 2016 he was Deputy Director General of the Austrian Foreign Trade Services Advantage Austria, member of its executive board and Head of its markets division, which is responsible for the strategic management of Austria’s Trade Commissions worldwide, and the regional directorates in the Viennese headquarters and Austria´s internationalization program go-international. He was further in charge of sector programs, fairs, Austria´s World Expo participations and other events abroad.
From February 2016 until August 2023, Karl Hartleb served as Austrian Trade Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand, and Head of the Consulate General of the Republic of Austria in Sydney. On September 1, 2023, he became Managing Director of InternationalisierungsCenter Steiermark – ICS GmbH. the export Service Organization of the Styrian Economy based in the State Capital of Graz.
Michael Katzianschütz
Head of the economic and logistical sector and head of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) at the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz
Dipl. KHBW Michael Kazianschütz, MBA, MSc is the head of the economic and logistical sector and head of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) at the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz and thus the contact person for economic and logistical matters at the hospital.
Diether Kramer
CEO & Co-Founder Predicting Health
Diether Kramer (AT) is CEO and co-founder of the start-up Predicting Health and Lead Data Scientist at Steiermärkische Krankenanstaltengesellschaft. He has been working with health data for over 15 years and is a lecturer for "Clinical Decision Support" at FH Joanneum (University of Applied Science).
Bernd Leinich
Public Health Fund of Styria
Craig Matthews
Managing Director and Founder of myDigitalTwin & Senior Innovation Consultant at Science Park Graz
Craig Matthews is a high-energy entrepreneur, networker, and keynote speaker, who excels at building meaningful and inclusive relationships and scaling sophisticated tech-driven companies.
He is also the Managing Director and creator of myDigitalTwin, a digital health company that offers direct-to-consumer genetic testing to optimize individual health and aging. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, he has founded and led several tech start-ups, managed cross-functional teams, built global channels, driven revenues, and managed investor relations.
Finally, Craig is also a Senior Innovation Consultant at Science Park Graz, where he consults, mentors, and supports high-tech start-ups in various domains. He has evaluated over 5000 start-up ideas and aimed to provide valuable recommendations that apply to their businesses.
Alexander Micko
Medical University Graz
Andreas Mühlberger
Strategic Partner Manager at Infineon Technologies
Andreas Muehlberger is an experienced Development Manager with expertise in embedded software and chip design. He has led interdisciplinary development organizations and was responsible for defining product roadmaps and market introduction of highly innovative products.
Currently, he is a Strategic Partner Manager at Infineon Technologies and takes care about university and research cooperation for Infineon Technologies Austria and the growth of partnerships with startup companies within the Infineon Co-Innovation program.
Prior to that he worked in various companies such as Infineon Technologies Austria, ams OSRAM, NXP Semiconductors and Philips Semiconductors, where he has held senior management roles. He has managed development organizations in Europe and India, has experience in general management, building research and startup cooperation, competence development. Andreas's specialties include semiconductors know-how and embedded software know-how.
Charlotte Ohonin
CEO & Founder of NORGANOID
With a solid background in molecular biology and an impressive 10 years of experience in stem cell research, Charlotte Ohonin has built extensive knowledge in this highly specialized field. Before founding NORGANOID, she worked on human stem cell research at Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands, and the Medical University of Graz, Austria, from 2014 to 2016. Prior to that, she was involved in product management at Vivocell Stammzellvorsorge in Graz, Austria from 2012 to 2014 and also contributed to research and development work there. As an author and co-author, she has been involved in various publications focusing on the innovative cultivation of organoids for novel therapeutic approaches. Thanks to her scientific and entrepreneurial achievements, Charlotte has been awarded numerous prizes and has successfully filed a patent.
Since initiating NORGANOID in 2017, Charlotte has been at the forefront of pioneering the automated production of human organoids, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing drug testing.
Leonie Pfister
AußenwirtschaftsCenter in Zurich, health, medtech, and pharma sectors
Leonie Pfister pursued a degree in applied economics at the University of Innsbruck, where she also deepened her proficiency in English and French. After acquiring initial professional experiences in an international setting, she spent over 7 years working in the air ambulance sector. In this role, she oversaw an operations team planning medical evacuations worldwide. Following positions in Innsbruck and Bordeaux, she returned to her hometown and has been employed at the AußenwirtschaftsCenter in Zurich for six months now, being responsible for the health, medtech, and pharma sectors.
Katharina Proske
Head of Sales SMART HEALTH CANCOM
Konrad Rosskopf
Specialist for Transfusion medicine at the Medical University Graz.
Specialist for Transfusion medicine at the dpt of blood group serology and transfusion medicine at the Medical University Graz. Responsible for production of blood products, cells and tissues.
Dr. Konrad Rosskopf was born in 1962 and began his medical studies at the University of Vienna in 1981. He completed his specialist training at the dpt of blood group serology and transfusion medicine at the Medical University Vienna before moving to the dpt of blood group serology and transfusion medicine at the Medical University Graz 1998.
He is “Responsible Person” for production of blood products (red bood cells, platelets, plasma, granulocytes), cells (peripheral blood stem cells, bone marrow, mononuclear cells, donor lymphocytes) and tissues (cornea, sclera, amnion). He is “Qualified person” for serum eye drops.
His scientific interest of the last years was pathogen inactivation of blood products.
Sebastian Schwaminger
Med Uni Graz
Sebastian Schwaminger, since February 2022, has been researching "Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery" at the Chair of Medicinal Chemistry, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz. With a background in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich (2007-2013) and a doctoral degree in Nanotechnology, he gained experience with nanoparticulate systems during an EU-funded Curie Fellowship, he led a project at MIT (2021) focusing on electrically controlled binding of biomolecules to nanoparticles. His research is focussed on synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanomaterials for circulatory and vascular research, particularly iron oxide-based materials for magnetically controlled drug delivery.
Dieter Szolar
CEO Diagnostikum
Prof. Dr Dieter H. M. is Managing Director and Deputy Medical Director of the Vienna Meidling Diagnostic Centre Hospital (since 2007), Managing Director of the Diagnostikum Nuclear Medicine Hospital (since 2013), Diagnostikum Schladming (since 2013), Diagnostikum Linz (since 2017) and also shareholder and founder of Telescan4u and A.I.gnostikum GmbH.
Günter Winkler
Managing Director Ottronic GmbH
Günter Winkler has been Managing Director of Ottronic GmbH since the middle of last year and, together with his ambitious team, has set himself the goal of driving the transformation towards a digital and sustainable world and leading the established company into a successful future.
Günter Winkler is an industrial engineer in mechanical engineering and has spent his career to date in the field of measurement and testing technology and the development of highly complex systems in the automotive sector. After spending many years at a German premium car manufacturer in Stuttgart, he worked in various management positions at the renowned Styrian company AVL. In 2022, he took the plunge into human technology and has been an integral part of the Styrian MedTech supplier community with cluster partner Ottronic ever since. Ottronic E-Systems sees itself as a reliable partner for the development and production of special electronics, IoT sensors and high-performance drives, which are made resistant by a patented encapsulation process and can be used in harsh environments.
Photo Credit: © s.bruenner photography
Dov Cohen
Co-Founder and CEO NUTEK
Dov Cohen DI. MSc. MBA, is a seasoned leader of Aerospace Systems development, followed with a corporate career in International Business Development. Dov had a strong engineering background in a wide range of disciplines mastering System Engineering, Computer Science ,RF, Electro Optical systems and had successfully managed a national space program. Dov led the accomplishment of several M&A’s and global strategic partnerships.
NUTEK was founded based on Dov’s personal experience which he realized to be an unmet need. Addressing the problem of cancer tissues which remain undetected on the patient's body after the tumor is removed. Dov engaged with a highly professional founders team of oncological surgery, spectral imaging and medical devices, collaborating with Med Uni Graz and with the support of FFG grant, focused on the Rainbow Probe development. With the purpose of eliminating uncertainty and guesswork from cancer tumor excision surgery, enabling the surgeons to remove a cancer tumor completely and precisely . Dov is leading the Rainbow Probe multidisciplinary program which applies spaceborne hyperspectral imaging to the cancer-fighting medical arena.
Maurice Deuss
General Manager of Business Unit Medical at PAYER International Technologies GmbH
A people manager with a strong technical and commercial background experienced in the mechanical manufacturing and EMS industry. The goal is to quadruple the revenue of the Medical Business unit within the next 6 years through growing existing customers, acquiring new customers and supporting a selection of start ups for future potential.
Christian Hill
Co-founder, CEO and CTO BRAVE Analytics
Ing. Dr. Christian HILL, a physical chemist at the University of Graz, developed OptoFluidic Force Induction (OF2i©) as a platform for real-time particle characterization. He is co-founder, CEO and CTO of BRAVE Analytics GmbH and , providing new insights into particle characterization using OF2i© .
Michael Kerschbaumer
Project manager Innovation SFG
Michael Kerschbaumer studied economics and adult education at the University of Graz, the National University of Ireland and the Universidad de Malaga. He started his professional career as a trainer and workshop facilitator in youth work and labour market projects, before he joined an IT Start-up. After that, he worked as innovation manager in Austria’s biggest private training provider. In 2005 he joined the Styrian Business Promotion Agency SFG, where in 2008 took over the innovation agendas with the main focus on building up the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the regional contact point for EU Framework program. Besides working for the EEN, co-chairing the Networks internal groups on European research and innovation as well as renewable energy, he acts as regional contact point for the EU Framework and is responsible for two regional innovation-funding programs.
Andreas Krug
Founder & CEO decide Clinical Software GmbH
• CEO of decide Clinical Software a scientific driven health tech spin-off from the Medical University Graz, Austria
• History in the hospital & health care industry >25 years.
• Manager and Consultant on global level for Bosch, T-Systems, Siemens, Atos.
• Master's degree Electro- and Biomedical Technology focused in Hospital Technologies and Economics (University of Technology Graz)
Frank Leyhausen
Founder SENovation Award
Frank Leyhausen has been advising companies, public authorities and non-profit organizations on the consequences of an aging society for over 20 years.
It is about innovation, communication and the impact on the labor market. In 2018, he initiated the first and so far only founder award on demographic change in the DACH region, the SENovation Award. He shares his experiences at conferences, e.g. at SXSW or at the United Nations, and is a regular interview partner for media in Germany and abroad.
Helena Matuša
Director of the Entrepreneurial Center of Krapina Zagorje County
Helena Matuša is a regional public policy stakeholder with the focus on the entrepreneurial sector of Krapina Zagorje County, Croatia. Through her role as the Director of the Entrepreneurial Center of Krapina Zagorje County, her efforts are centered around empowering local entrepreneurs by providing comprehensive support, including strategic guidance, mentorship, and vital resources. Under her leadership, the Entrepreneurial Center has become a catalyst for business innovation and growth within the region. Her entrepreneurial initiatives include the pioneering of the HEALTH IT ACADEMY, a targeted educational program designed to elevate IT expertise in the healthcare industry. Furthermore, Helena has been instrumental in establishing a Digital Innovation Hub for Health and Medical Informatics in Croatia. This initiative, supported by Krapina Zagorje County, is a testament to her dedication to integrating digital advancements in healthcare through the Entrepreneurial Center.
Martin Mössler
Managing Director SPG | ESA Space Solutions Austria General Manager
Martin Mössler studied mechanical engineering at University of Technology Graz, Political Science in Salzburg, International Relations in Oxford, and completed a Master´s degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Since June 2016, he has been Managing Director of Science Park Graz (SPG), which he successfully leads and further develops through leadership competence, his international biography and broad networking.
Sophie Narath
Research management of the Medical University of Graz
Full of motivation to make the best of it. Originally from a background in sociology and sports science, MMag. Dr. Sophie Narath worked for many years as a statistician (AGES, Joanneum Research Health) and completed her doctorate in metabolomics. She then moved into the management and communication of interdisciplinary projects and major clients at CBmed and QMD Services. Since 2023 at the research management of the Medical University of Graz, Sophie is the internal and external interface to innovative projects and people.
Daniela Pak-Graf
Managing Director of Merkur Innovation Lab
Daniela Pak-Graf is heading Merkur Versicherung’s own corporate start-up since 2020 driving data-driven innovation within Austrian’s oldest health insurance company forward. She holds a masters degree in applied mathematics from Uni Graz and has a post-graduate education in actuarial mathematics, now with a strong focus on applying machine learning algorithms to health insurance use cases. She has worked in different fields in the insurance industry since 2006 until she founded Merkur Innovation Lab in 2020 with the purpose of using data and machine learning/AI to generate value for Merkur insurance group. She looks back on 15+ years of management and leadership experience in the health and life insurance market.
David Pitschmann
Lakeside Science & Technology Park, International Cooperation
David Pitschmann represents Lakeside Science & Technology Park since 2014 and is responsible for International Cooperation. He has a degree in business administration – focus: innovation, marketing and leadership – as well as sports management. As licensed international mountain guide and professional skier he was self-employed for 4 years before coming to Lakeside. Throughout the development of Lakeside’s Marketing and Communication and the work with enterprises, research and educational institutions he required knowledge about tenants’ and stakeholders’ concerns, wishes and needs. Recently he dug deeper into the topic of sustainability as asset for STPs and developed a regional concept for sustainable mobility. He refers to a wide understanding of the role of STPs in matters of interdisciplinary cooperation and operational innovation. As active IASP member he held many presentations at international conferences, i.e. Luxembourg, Lausitz, Recife, Nova Gorica.
Gerhard Prossliner
Co-Founder, CFO and COO BRAVE Analytics
Gerhard studied biomedical engineering at the Graz University of Technology and has several years of start-up experience in mechatronic and medical devices. After joining the nanomedicine working group of the Medical University of Graz to further develop the OF2i Technology, he is co-founder, CFO and COO of the Medical University of Graz spin-off BRAVE Analytics.
Horst Rüther
CEO of MEON Medical Solutions and MEON Functional Diagnostics
Horst Rüther is the founder of MEON Medical Solutions and MEON Functional Diagnostics and CEO of the companies.
Previously, Horst has successfully managed multiple in vitro projects for blood gas systems with AVL Medical. He was Head of different R&D departments at AVL Medical and significantly contributed to the market success of the company, which was one of the Top 3 manufacturers of blood gas systems.
After the acquisition in 2000, Horst became Head of Instrument R&D and Head of Technology Management for vital parameters at Roche Diagnostics Graz GmbH.
Horst is Doctor of Technical Science from the Graz University of Technology.
Dima Shulkin
Co-founder & CTO of RobotDreams®
Dima completed his Master's degree in Computational Engineering at HAW Hamburg. For more than 10 years, he has developed AI-based solutions in the aerospace, automotive and IT industries for global players such as Airbus, Schaeffler and Fujitsu. Dima has received several awards for his AI projects, including the Hamburg Aviation Newcomer Award, the Franz Herbert Spitz Award and the Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer Award.
Photo Credits: www.leltschuk.com 2024 ©
Francesco Velludo
Junior Representative for Vertify
Experience in Health IT at University of Trieste and Fondazione ITS A. Volta (Trieste).
Pablo Zardoya
Business Development Pharma / BioTech