VMTA accelerates medtech innovation with funding for two learning case projects

Publicerad:

VMTA has now decided to finance the first two learning case projects. The aim of this initiative is to accelerate the development, testing and implementation of medical technologies, while sharing valuable insights and methods across the network.

In September, VMTA launched a call to identify projects that address concrete challenges in medtech and generate knowledge that others can benefit from. A total of 18 applications were submitted – competition was strong, but two projects stood out for their potential to create patient benefit and strengthen regional innovation.

The projects receiving funding:

1. Establishing a regulatory-approved process for in-house manufacturing of patient-specific medical devices

  • Project Lead: Charlotte Stor Swinkels, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Sahlgrenska Academy
  • Medtech partner: Anders Björkman, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Sahlgrenska Academy

The project aims to develop a complete workflow for 3D-printed surgical guides at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. The goal is to reduce lead times from ten days to less than 24 hours – improving surgical planning, accuracy and clinical outcomes. A key output will be a regulatory framework and Quality Management System that can be scaled for other types of in-house production.

2. Sensor technology for rehabilitation – pathway to clinical studies and implementation

  • Project Lead: Gunilla Kjellby Wendt, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
  • Medtech partner: Xuezhi Zeng, Chalmers University of Technology

This project will develop a sensor-based system for fall-risk assessment and rehabilitation, suitable for use in both clinical environments and in the home. The solution has the potential to increase patient safety, reduce falls and achieve significant cost savings. The project will also produce a step-by-step approach to clinical studies and regulatory processes involving multiple organisations – valuable for the wider medtech ecosystem.

Next steps

Both projects will run throughout 2026, and the results will be shared within the VMTA network through workshops, documentation and digital channels. The learning case projects will serve as practical examples of how regulatory processes, clinical testing and in-house production can be scaled and streamlined to accelerate the path from medtech idea to patient value.