Aortex wins at Health & Life Science Venture Day 2025
For the second time, the Life Science Nord cluster organised the Health & Life Science Venture Day. The nine startups that took part in a pitch impressed with scientifically sound business ideas that could bring about decisive medical advances. Aortex from Hamburg received the most votes from a jury of experts and the audience.
Life-saving ideas from medical research
A startup pitch in which artificial intelligence (AI) does not play one of the main roles is a rarity these days. AI is also becoming increasingly important in medicine. At the Health & Life Science Venture Day 2025 in the Oberhafenquartier, however, the focus was on solutions that have their origins directly in medical research and can ideally save many lives. For example, in the early detection and treatment of cancer. This applies, for instance, to the antibodies that Berking Theranostics extracts from alpaca blood. QuantView has developed a visualisation process for the early detection of cancer and Zilentix uses modified viruses to eliminate brain tumour cells.
Another key topic was innovative testing and analysis methods. 3D BioAnalytiX identifies misfolded proteins at an early stage, which can cause fatal heart disease, among other things. Diamics offers rapid tests for various disorders and genotypes, and Panadea has also developed a range of tests, in this case with a focus on new and tropical infectious diseases. Faster, simpler, cheaper and more individualised - this is what the next two startups promise with their inventions. In the case of BirdTec, this applies to the production of small quantities of medical fluids, while SURFACtoBioTech is making progress in the field of biotechnological experiments.
Aortex had the best combination of science and business
An introductory panel discussed the requirements that a health startup must fulfil in order to receive the funding it needs to grow. A good team is always part of this, as is innovation based on serious science. However, as in all other sectors, market potential and expected turnover also play a major role. Aortex obviously delivered the best combination. The startup presented a membrane technology that enables the faster production of smaller stent grafts. These are necessary for the treatment of aneurysms, the widespread pathological dilation of arteries that can lead to death in the worst case. Millions are affected, often without realising it, and the success of Aortex can be correspondingly great.
