From DNA to code: the new frontiers of medicine
The radical life sciences & medtech roadmap at Käpsele 2026.
Regulatory challenges, soaring costs and the digital revolution: the healthcare sector faces major challenges. At the Käpsele Innovation Festival on 16 July 2026, we’ll be bringing together the most forward-thinking minds from the life sciences region. Here you’ll meet tech pioneers, leading medical experts and pharmaceutical heavyweights. Experience medical technology that saves lives and speeds up processes.
Your inspiring day on the Käpsele
Raphael Gielgen (Vitra) gives a no-holds-barred insight into how modern working environments are evolving worldwide. If you don’t listen to this, you’ll lose your best staff tomorrow.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
The AI era presents us with a challenge. Rather than dogma, the future now calls for critical thinking, intuition and empathy. A thought-provoking talk on how we can shape this transformation with both our minds and hearts – courageously, humanely and with confidence.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Martin Schüttler (CTO at Cortec) explains live on the BZ podcast panel how his South Baden-based company is challenging Elon Musk’s ‘Neuralink’ with revolutionary brain implants. An absolute must-listen for MedTech developers.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Artificial intelligence is already making a noticeable difference in easing the burden on the healthcare system. But where do the ethical and structural limits lie? Experts from the clinical and industrial sectors will discuss whether AI will remain a tool in the future or completely revolutionise the role of medical professionals.
Where: uptownbasel stage
Those who make decisions faster are building the future! Joe Kaeser (Siemens Energy & Daimler Truck) challenges the risk aversion prevalent in business and politics. A thought-provoking talk, rich in analytical depth, on the willingness to take responsibility and courage as strategic resources in uncertain times.
- Where: Haufe Group Stage
How Europe’s businesses are picking up speed again. Understand the strategic pain points of established corporations – that’s exactly where your sales pitches come in.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Make the most of your time and explore our fascinating medical interactive stations:
Our recommended interactive stations:
- CARL: Resuscitation for improved neurological survival by Resuscitec GmbH – CARL.
- Skin diagnostics reimagined by Hahn-Schickard and Dermagnostix
- In the operating theatre of the future by the University Medical Centre Freiburg
- Non-invasive brain stimulation for mental health and performance by neudio & Cortelics
- Brain-computer interfaces: high-tech that connects humans and machines by Biomedizinische Mikrotechnik
- From idea to heartbeat by Stockert GmbH
- DIHVA: A hybrid, AI-supported GP care model by Digitale Facharzt- und Gesundheitsversorgungsgesellschaft mbH
- da Vinci – robot-assisted surgery by Intuitive Surgical Deutschland GmbH
No glossy success stories, just uncomfortable truths: find out why groundbreaking ideas fail despite substantial funding, how trust between founders and business angels can break down, and what really matters when it comes to sustainable partnerships.
Where: FWTM Iglu
20 start-ups will present their solutions in 3-minute pitches – tailored to real business challenges, with innovations that can be implemented straight away.
Start-ups meet SME challenges. Perhaps there’s an exciting start-up in there for you?
Where: Dr Falk Pharma Stage
Meet medtech experts such as Fabiola Hartung-Linz (M&M Software) and discuss regulatory affairs, medical software, cybersecurity in hospitals and the healthy ageing market.
Where: AEPIKUR Stage
Presentation of the Baden-Württemberg Start-up Award and a major networking party. Make contacts at the intersection of medicine, AI, industry and venture capital.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Bonus
Regulatory & Tech Deep Dives on Day 2
Your ticket is valid for the whole of 17 July! On this day dedicated entirely to masterclasses, we’ll be going into depth: make the most of intensive workshops to get even more out of your ticket.
Our masterclass recommendation:
ADHD, Autism & Co.: Neurodiversity – Unlocking Potential in SMEs and Start-ups
Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 12:00 – 12:45
Cross Innovation Sprint – finding new solutions
in 40 minutes Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 14:00 – 14:45
Where: Lokhalle Freiburg
Your ticket options
- The Gourmet Ticket: The top choice for both days for female doctors, medtech entrepreneurs and pharmaceutical managers. Includes excellent all-inclusive catering to ensure undisturbed professional discussions.
- The Self-Catering Ticket: Full access to both days, all medical experience stations, scientific lectures, masterclasses and pitches.
Secure your ticket now and help shape the future of medicine
Plan your day just the way you like it
Stage programme
Our varied programme of talks, debates and keynote speeches. Here you’ll find full details of the speakers and the full schedule for your day.
Interactive stations
Experience innovation first-hand at our interactive stands. Discover the 15 interactive stations that make the festival an unforgettable journey into the future.
Masterclasses
Your registration includes access on both days of the festival, with all masterclasses already included in the ticket price.