HealthTech Nexus visit & TURBO granting meeting (10th edition)

Defence is a broad topic, so within this session we focus on the UT theme human-enhancement. We provide short pitches regarding a running project performed in collaboration with the MAINIAC team to facilitate fast return to the battlefield after injury using AI-related and personalized additive manufacturing related technologies. This is used as input to interactively explore with the attendants if and how they could contribute to facilitate this theme.

In this session, 6 short pitches and demo’s, prototypes and simulations will give an overview of the topics UT PhD and MSc students are currently working on. This opens the floor for speeddating and brainstorming.

This working session brings together University of Twente expertise in molecular and cellular modelling, AI-driven medical image analysis, OMICs analysis for gene regulatory network inference, accelerated simulation, physiological and anatomical modelling, and explainable, human-centred AI to explore opportunities in digital twinning, in silico and in vitro simulators across scales and modalities. Showcasing current and emerging research with applications including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and oncology, it invites colleagues from Radboudumc to exchange ideas, identify shared clinical and scientific challenges, and explore new collaborations towards better disease understanding and personalized care.

After a short introduction with an overview of UT groups working on AI, digital twinning and in-silico modelling, Jelmer Wolterink (Mathematics of Imaging & AI group), Janine Post (Developmental Bioengineering group), Maryam Amir Haeri (Cognition, Data and Education group) and Libera Fresiello (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology group) will pitch their research, as an opening for conversation and discussion with the attendees to identify shared challenges and possible collaborations.
A tour to the facilities and a wrap-up discussion will close this session.   

With rising healthcare demand and critical staff shortages, increasing productivity requires shifting our focus from volume per worker to health outcomes produced per professional. This interactive session explores how integrating system redesign, data-driven logistics, technology implementation, and outcome evaluation can drive real health system transformation through UT-Radboudumc collaboration.

After the introduction, three thematic pillars will be discussed in World Café Breakout Round Table Discussions. Participants will rotate between tables halfway through to discuss ideas

• Table 1: Health Technology Assessment (HTA), facilitated by Shiva Faeghinezhad
  • outcome evaluation, cost-effectiveness, value measurement. 
• Table 2: System & Process Optimization, facilitated by Misja Mikkers 
  • capacity planning, chain logistics, healthcare financing
• Table 3: Healthcare Transformation & Implementation, facilitated by Carine Doggen
  • Technology implementation, organizational change, adoption

After these round table discussion, the three perspectives will be brought together to formulate concrete research ideas and potential submissions for TURBO or other joint grants.

In two groups, the attendees will visit the Soft Robotics Lab, the Robotics and Mechatronics Lab and the Wearable Robotics lab. We will conclude the session with a short panel with all tour attendees.

• Development of soft robotic materials and structures that mimic key functions of biological tissues, including sensing, deformation, and movement. The demonstrations include sensorized 3D-printed insoles for measuring ground reaction forces, wearable soft sensors for joint motion tracking, soft robotic structures for artificial-heart applications, and electrically driven soft artificial muscles.
• At the Robotics and Mechatronics Group, we develop robotic systems for minimally invasive medical applications, including miniature magnetic robots for navigating the vascular system, steerable capsules for the colon, robotic colonoscopes, and robotically controlled needles for brachytherapy. During the demonstration, participants can explore how robotics can support clinicians and improve patient care across a range of medical applications.
• The Wearable Robotics Lab develops wearable robotic technologies, including exoskeletons, exosuits and bionic prostheses, to restore, support and augment human movement. We combines human neuromechanics, biomechanics and motor control with innovative robot design and intelligent, adaptive human-robot interaction and control. A key focus is the translation and evaluation of these technologies with end users, particularly for rehabilitation and assistance of people with neurological or musculoskeletal impairments.

In this interactive 'matchmaking' session, we aim to bring together participants interested in imaging, create a broad overview of the biomedical imaging activities and expertise at UT and Radboudumc, such as imaging and image analysis with specific attention for the OR environment, women’s health, and moving disorders, but also point of care testing possibilities.  

The session is kicked off by 3-minute 'pitches' about your research line, focusing on roadmap, available expertise and areas where you see opportunities for collaboration. In the Matchmaking session we split up in smaller groups to identify needs, complementary expertise and opportunities for collaboration.

Organ- and lab-on-a chip and lab-on-a chip with special attention for specific organs (e.g. cardiovascular, eye) and oncotech.
More information will follow.

Sensor technology (including e‑health/m‑health) with a link to chronic disease management, including stress.
More information will follow.