smartXhealth - Shaping innovation in the healthcare sector together

Freiburg is one of the leading locations for healthcare, biotech and medtech in Baden-Württemberg.
Research, clinics, start-ups and companies work hand in hand here and form a strong environment for new solutions in the healthcare sector.
smartXhealth is a network that bundles these forces - and connects players from life sciences, medtech, biotech, pharma and IT.
The aim is to bring innovations into practice more quickly and to shape the healthcare of tomorrow.

What is smartXhealth?

smartXhealth is the platform for collaboration and innovation in Freiburg's healthcare industry. Founded by BadenCampus, Campus Technologies Freiburg, Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH (FWTM), the University of Freiburg and the Freiburg University Medical Centre.

Who can take part?

  • Startups and founders from Biotech & MedTech
  • SMEs and industrial companies in the life sciences sector
  • Research institutions & universities
  • Hospitals and healthcare centres
  • Pharma & digital healthcare solutions
     

Goals of smartXhealth:

  • Networking stakeholders: Through targeted network meetings and exchange formats, we bring together stakeholders from different areas and promote new collaborations.
  • Innovating together: Innovating together: With workshops, hackathons and ideation formats, we support the development of new ideas - from the initial vision to concrete solutions.
  • Strengthening the region: Positioning the region as a beacon and magnet for top talent in the healthcare industry.
  • Optimising care: Faster access to modern therapies through cross-sector networking.
  • Transferring research: Accelerate the path from science to the market and facilitate access to capital.

Why is Freiburg a strong location for the healthcare industry?

Freiburg combines science, clinics and companies in a unique ecosystem for life sciences.
 

Facts & Figures:
  • Over 35,000 employees in the healthcare sector (27% of all jobs in Freiburg)
  • More than 500 biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies in the region
  • 120 professorships and approx. 4,000 students at the Faculty of Medicine
  • More than 60 spin-offs in the field of life sciences since 1999
  • International network with over 500 start-ups via the BadenCampus
  • EUR 23.3 billion turnover in the life sciences sector in Baden-Württemberg

Services from smartXhealth

  • Community building: Creating new impetus and synergies through continuous dialogue.
  • Hackathons: Finding practicable answers to current problems in a short space of time.
  • Co-creation & workshops: Collaborate across disciplines to design holistic concepts.
  • Real labs: Testing innovative approaches under real conditions directly in the application.
  • Start-ups: Targeted identification and strengthening of forward-looking start-ups.
  • Funding: Support in identifying and acquiring suitable funding.
  • User tests: having software and tools validated directly by the target group.
  • Data services: Laying the foundation for modern, data-based healthcare.
  • AI services: Support in the implementation and application of AI-supported technologies.
  • IP & patent framework: Ensuring legal security for intellectual property and sensitive data

Globally active Freiburg companies and pharmaceutical groups strengthen the healthcare industry in the region

Learn more

Become a part of smartXhealth

smartXhealth is open to anyone who wants to help shape the future of the healthcare industry.

Your advantages:

  • Access to a strong network in Freiburg
  • New impulses from research, pharma and MedTech
  • Co-operations and funding opportunities
  • Visibility for projects and innovations

To the smartXhealthnetwork

Frequently asked questions about smartXhealth

The platform began its journey with a ceremonial kick-off on 4 June 2025 at Messe Freiburg.

A consortium of five strong partners is behind smartXhealth: the BadenCampus, Campus Technologies Freiburg, Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH (FWTM), the University of Freiburg and the Freiburg University Medical Centre.

This project is being realised with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the area of innovation

Yes, you can subscribe to the smartXhealth newsletter to receive regular updates on innovations, formats, events and the smartXhealthecosystem.

Subscribe to the smartXhealth newsletter

Do you have any questions about smartXhealth?

I am happy to advise, inform and network with you. Get in touch with me!

Leonor Köhler

Project Manager Healthcare Industry Cluster


leonor.koehler@fwtm.de
+49 761 3881-1219
Portrait Leonor Köhler