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Transform Healthcare. Scale in Essen.

Can your solution in AI, MedTech, or digital health transform how hospitals deliver and manage care? Whether it’s predictive analytics, robotic surgery, digital therapeutics, or smart hospital systems—join EWG’s Health Scale-up Challenge and tap into their Market Entry Program, offering funding, clinical networks, and business support to expand into the German and European markets, with Essen as your launchpad.

Who can take part?

International Scale-ups in AI, MedTech, and digital health with market-ready solutions or advanced prototypes, an existing customer base, and clear ambitions to enter the German market by opening a branch or relocating to Essen.

#Health#DigitalHealth#EssenHealth#MarketEntry#VentureScaling#InnovateTogether

Application Phase 

To participate, Scale-ups submit two elements via the ekipa platform:

  1. Fixed Questions (online form)

After joining the challenge, applicants complete a short set of mandatory questions

  1. Pitch Deck (PDF upload)

Applicants upload a concise pitch deck providing additional depth.

The deck may include:

  • product overview & key features
  • architecture / technical setup
  • reference customers or pilots
  • expected benefits and value contribution
  • commercial model

Join our Info Session together with EWG to learn more about the Market Entry Program:

  • 18. February, 15:00 – 16:00 (CET)
  • 19. February, 09:00 – 10:00 (CET)
  • 18. March, 15:00 – 16:00 (CET)
  • 19. March, 09:00 – 10:00 (CET)
  • 15. April, 15:00 – 16:00 (CEST)
  • 16. April, 09:00 – 10:00 (CEST)

Register for the session here: Info Session

Get-2-Know Interviews

After sending your application, EWG will review it and select teams to get to know in a virtual meeting. In this 30-minute call both parties can ask questions to assess the fit for the Market Entry Program.

The interviews will take place on the following days:

  • 25. February, 15:00 - 16:30 (CET)
  • 26. February, 09:00 - 10:30 (CET)
  • 11. March, 15:00 - 16:30 (CET)
  • 12. March, 09:00 - 10:30 (CET)
  • 25. March, 15:00 - 16:30 (CET)
  • 26. March, 09:00 - 10:30 (CET)
  • 08. April, 15:00 - 16:30 (CEST)
  • 08. April, 09:00 - 10:30 (CEST)

Collaboration Kickoffs

Each Scale-up will participate in a virtual workshop with EWG to

  • explore the potential for establishing an office in Essen.
  • discuss available support from EWG, including funding opportunities, networking access, and consultation.

Collaboration Kickoffs will start 1-2 weeks after the Get-2-Know Interviews and will be scheduled individually.

Market Entry Program

Scale-ups will engage in deeper discussions with EWG to identify tailored support for entering the German healthcare market.

  • Joint strategy check to validate market-entry approach, target customers, and localization needs
  • Regulatory and certification guidance, incl. MDR, CE-marking, DiGA, and data protection requirements
  • B2B matchmaking with hospitals, healthcare providers, industry partners, and ecosystem players in Essen
  • Access to funding and subsidy advisory, incl. eligibility for the NRW welcome package (up to 10,000€)
  • Relocation and setup support, including office space, co-working options, and administrative processes
  • Introduction to investors and exclusive networking formats within EWG’s health and innovation network
  • Support in communication, positioning, and PR for the German healthcare market
  • Ongoing hands-on coordination with EWG to accelerate operational setup and first pilots or partnerships

Digital Networking Event: June, 03.2026

All Scale-ups participating in the Market Entry Program as well as Essens ecosystem partners will be invited for a digital Networking Event to connect and share experiences.