MedTech Twente
MedTech Twente: where technology and healthcare meet
Twente is the place where medical technology and innovation meet. Here, companies, healthcare providers, knowledge partners and municipalities work together on solutions to keep healthcare accessible, affordable and manageable. Every day, the region tackles major challenges like an ageing population, staff shortages and digital transformation. Thanks to the short lines between researchers, entrepreneurs and clinicians, Twente speeds up the journey from prototype to practice.
A compact and complete ecosystem
The internationally renowned TechMed Centre at the University of Twente is the beating heart of research, simulation and validation. Saxion University of Applied Sciences and ROC van Twente add to this with hands-on education and applied research, for example in robotics and point-of-care technology. Startup hub Novel-T helps early-stage and growing companies accelerate.
There’s also strong cross-border collaboration between the University of Twente, top clinical hospital MST, the University of Münster and university hospital UKM. That makes Twente a shining example of how high-quality healthcare can be delivered close to home. The result? A unique chain where talent, research and business all work together, often within walking distance.
Companies making global impact
Twente has a strong medtech industry, with companies like Demcon, Micronit, Inreda Diabetic, MedSpray, Baat Medical and fast-growing startups such as OccamDX, Moovd, Lipocoat and UNeedle. They're working on things like rehabilitation robotics, AI-powered diagnostics, point-of-care testing and smart biomedical sensors. At the MedTech Factory, entrepreneurs can design, validate and scale up their products.
Connected to national and European missions
MedTech Twente is part of Next Tech Twente and closely aligned with national and European agendas such as Health~Holland, MedTechNL, the National Growth Fund, Horizon Europe and EIT Health. The region also collaborates through platforms like Think East Netherlands and Tech.Land. With these connections, Twente actively contributes to tackling major healthcare challenges like prevention and chronic disease to ageing in place. That’s how the region is growing into a true European hotspot for medical technology.
Twente is building the Hospital of the Future
To make healthcare future-proof, with fewer professionals and growing demand, Twente is working with partners like FME, MST, ZGT, Twente Board and the TechMed Centre on the Hospital of the Future. Part of the care process is shifting to the home environment through early detection, smart sensors, digital monitoring and robotics.
This new type of hospital brings together specialist medical care, cutting-edge medtech and a strong data infrastructure for patients. What does that mean? Professionals get support from technology, people stay independent for longer, and hospitals become high-tech hubs for specialised care – delivering top-quality healthcare with fewer hands. That’s why Twente is a natural partner in national and European health programmes.
News about MedTech
Discover the MedTech ecosystem in Twente
In Twente, the healthcare of tomorrow is taking shape. Within the MedTech Twente ecosystem, companies, hospitals and research institutes work closely together on medical technologies that don’t just sit on the shelf – but actually make a real difference in practice.
The region offers a powerful mix of top-level expertise, entrepreneurship, and high-end testing and development facilities. That means innovations can be developed and scaled up quickly. For talent and professionals, Twente is an inspiring environment where you can contribute to meaningful technological progress. And for companies, it’s a unique network and fertile ground to successfully bring new healthcare solutions to life.
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TechMed Centre
labs, simulation & validation for medical technology
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UT Biomedical Technoloy
Research, development and application
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UT Robotics & Mechatronics
Robotica-solutions for healthcare and rehabilitation
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UT NanoLab
micro- en nanotechnology for MedTech-innovations
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ROC van Twente
Skilled vocational talent with hands-on healthcare tech know-how
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Saxion Healthcare technology & Smart Health
Practice-based research and rapid prototyping
Startups & innovation support
Twente offers a strong startup climate for anyone working on innovative medical technology.
The MedTech Twente ecosystem provides targeted support to help turn ideas into validated solutions, from expert coaching and practical tools to access to a valuable network of healthcare partners and investors.
This means you can build a strong business case and impactful innovation faster and in a more structured way. Pioneering entrepreneurs are not doing it alone.
Partners
Roessingh Research & Development
Roessingh Research & Development
Onze ambities en programma’s binnen MedTech Twente
Twente investeert gericht in medische technologie die zorg betaalbaar, toegankelijk en mensgericht houdt. De volgende programma’s dragen bij aan de groei van het cluster:
MedTech Twente 2030
Accelerating innovation, talent development and collaboration between education, government and entrepreneurs.
Hospital of the Future
Technology for hybrid care, AI triage, smart sensors and homecare models.
MedTech Fund
Supports startups and scale-ups with validation and scaling.
MedTech Factory
Manufacturing and validation facilities at the heart of Kennispark Twente.
Care Innovation Hub & Twente Care Innovation Infrastructure
Testing and implementation environments for new healthcare solutions.
UBENT & Collaborative Power in Informal Care
Regional collaboration on prevention, elderly care and long-term care.
FAQ MedTech Twente
What is MedTech in Twente?
MedTech in Twente is a thriving ecosystem for medical technology, bringing together education, research, companies and healthcare partners. It includes the University of Twente and its TechMed Centre, Saxion, ROC van Twente, Kennispark Twente and hospitals like MST and ZGT. Startups and companies work closely with researchers and clinicians on diagnostics, robotics, sensors and data-driven solutions that actually improve healthcare.
Why is Twente strong in MedTech?
Twente brings together a technical university, applied sciences, vocational education, high-tech manufacturing and clinical partners – all in one region. The TechMed Centre offers simulation, training and validation; Saxion and ROC deliver hands-on talent; Kennispark and Novel-T support startups. This tight chain shortens the path from innovation to real-world use. Also, the University of Twente was the first to launch a Technical Medicine programme, now officially accredited as a medical degree.
Which MedTech programmes can I follow?
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University of Twente: Bachelor and Master in Biomedical Engineering, Technical Medicine, Health Data.
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Saxion: Applied sciences degrees in Healthcare Technology and Industrial Design, including practical labs.
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ROC van Twente: MBO programmes in healthcare and technology, including digital care and equipment.
→ Seamless learning paths from MBO to university level, with internships at MST, Kennispark companies and startups.
Where can I find MedTech jobs and internships?
Via our jobportal, company profiles on Kennispark Twente and the career pages of UT, Saxion and ROC van Twente.
Which companies and startups are active in Twente?
Twente has a strong mix of designers, suppliers and product developers, complemented by startups working on sensors, robotics, imaging and diagnostics.
Some examples: Demcon, Micronit, MedSpray, Inreda Diabetic, Baat Medical, Moovd, OccamDX, Lipocoat and UNeedle.
Startups receive guidance and support through Novel-T.
What facilities can I use for research and validation?
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TechMed Centre: Labs, simulation and training spaces
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Saxion: Practical labs and prototyping
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Kennispark Twente: Additional labs for sensors, logistics and robotics
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University Hospital Münster (UKM): Labs and training facilities
How does MedTech certification and regulation work?
Follow European MDR and IVDR frameworks. Guidance is available through UT, Saxion and specialised advisors. Key steps include defining risk class, setting up ISO 13485 quality systems and gathering evidence from testing and clinical studies.
How can I connect with the ecosystem as a student or startup?
Through open days, workshops, project-based courses at UT and Saxion, networking events at Kennispark Twente and coaching from Novel-T. That’s how you build your network with researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs in Enschede and Hengelo.
What are promising MedTech research areas?
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Sensor technology
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Organ-on-a-chip
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Medical imaging
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Robotics for interventions
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Data-driven healthcare
→ These topics align with UT research, applied university projects and regional care challenges.
How can policy accelerate MedTech growth?
By supporting pilots, improving access to facilities, stimulating joint procurement, offering validation/testing vouchers, and strengthening international connections through trade fairs and missions.
What does MedTech contribute to Twente’s economy?
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High-quality jobs
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Innovative businesses
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Knowledge valorisation and crossovers between high-tech, software and healthcare
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Growth of Kennispark Twente and new investments in Enschede, Hengelo and Almelo
How do pilot projects and implementation with care providers work?
It starts with clinical challenges, followed by user testing, safety and privacy checks. Collaboration with MST and the practical labs at UT, Saxion and ROC speeds up acceptance. Evaluation often leads to procurement and scale-up.
Where can I find an overview of labs and testbed options?
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TechMed Centre: Labs and simulation spaces
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Saxion: Practice-based labs
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Kennispark Twente: Additional test facilities
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University Hospital Münster (UKM): Training centre for medical professionals
What are good first steps for a MedTech startup?
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Clearly define the problem
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Validate your prototype with users
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Outline the regulatory pathway
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Contact Novel-T for business support
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Use labs at the TechMed Centre and Saxion for testing
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Build your network via internships and research projects at UT, Saxion and ROC
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Collaborate with MST for clinical feedback