open competition for innovative ideas and solutions (FLEX-MED)
Published on 28 September 2018
Germany
Dresden
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The project flex+ was coordinated by the Fraunhofer Society, Fraunhofer FEP and Fraunhofer IAP, in collaboration with industrial partners. The flex+ consortium aims to foster flexible electronics in Germany and to transfer novel concepts into applications.
With the question “Healthier thanks to flexible electronics - how can this technology revolutionize healthcare?” a contest was launched in June 2016 and the participants (from experts to laypeople, individuals and companies alike) had until July 2016 to submit their ideas.
"flex" stands for flexible electronics. Flexible electronics can be bended and integrated onto various surfaces no matter how they are formed. "MED" stands for healthcare/medicine, the area where flexible electronics can soon play a crucial role.
The competition combined both areas in applications, products and concepts. The most valuable ideas were those contributing to well-being, recovery and cure of patients. These could be also applications that measure certain health parameters, support the elderly in their daily routine or help kids to learn new skills. In short: they were looking for ideas that combine “human needs” with flexible electronics. The selection of innovative ideas can be found on https://www.flex-plus.de/Group/flex-MED.Ideenbuch, free registration required.
With the question “Healthier thanks to flexible electronics - how can this technology revolutionize healthcare?” a contest was launched in June 2016 and the participants (from experts to laypeople, individuals and companies alike) had until July 2016 to submit their ideas.
"flex" stands for flexible electronics. Flexible electronics can be bended and integrated onto various surfaces no matter how they are formed. "MED" stands for healthcare/medicine, the area where flexible electronics can soon play a crucial role.
The competition combined both areas in applications, products and concepts. The most valuable ideas were those contributing to well-being, recovery and cure of patients. These could be also applications that measure certain health parameters, support the elderly in their daily routine or help kids to learn new skills. In short: they were looking for ideas that combine “human needs” with flexible electronics. The selection of innovative ideas can be found on https://www.flex-plus.de/Group/flex-MED.Ideenbuch, free registration required.
Expert opinion
Flex-MED is a competition to award innovative flexible electronics device ideas and solutions in medical technology. Fraunhofer, the German research organisation, in collaboration with industrial partners coordinated the competition under the question “healthier thanks to flexible electronics - how can this technology revolutionise healthcare?”. A total of 72 ideas for applications, products and concept in flexible electronics technologies were submitted.
Suggestions for potential Good Practice transfer:
-The competitions have three objectives, (1) to generate innovative ideas and solutions from a broad range of stakeholders, (2) to rally a wide range of stakeholders around a common challenge, (3) to reward innovators and give them visibility as aspiration leaders for other stakeholders in the region.
-Awards can be innovation vouchers or programmes to support the creation of prototypes.
-Follow-up activities to build on the momentum of the competition can be programmed. As highlighted in the good practice, a two-day innovation forum was organised to discuss new trends and challenges of flexible electronics in medical technology.
Suggestions for potential Good Practice transfer:
-The competitions have three objectives, (1) to generate innovative ideas and solutions from a broad range of stakeholders, (2) to rally a wide range of stakeholders around a common challenge, (3) to reward innovators and give them visibility as aspiration leaders for other stakeholders in the region.
-Awards can be innovation vouchers or programmes to support the creation of prototypes.
-Follow-up activities to build on the momentum of the competition can be programmed. As highlighted in the good practice, a two-day innovation forum was organised to discuss new trends and challenges of flexible electronics in medical technology.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
flex+ Open Innovation was a project funded by the German Ministry of Education and Science. Initiating and accompanying this good practice takes staff expenses of about 50 TEUR per year (0,5 FTE) and external services of about 10 TEUR, in particular for counseling vouchers as awards.
Evidence of success
A total of 72 ideas were submitted, which were compiled and published in form of a book (downloadable from the website). In two workshops hosted in Dresden and Munich around 40 experts developed 6 specific applications. After those workshops the participants continued working on project outlines that constituted the basis for finished products.
A two-day innovation forum will be held in October 2018 to discuss about new trends and challenges of flexible electronics in medical technology.
A two-day innovation forum will be held in October 2018 to discuss about new trends and challenges of flexible electronics in medical technology.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Idea Competition Flex-MED can be easily implemented in other regions or countries. This project brings together players from industry and science and promotes the creation of a common basis for innovative ideas, products, services and business models. Especially SMEs profit from meeting strong partners at the workshops, where they have the opportunity to overcome the boundaries of their field and develop innovative activities together.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Fraunhofer FEP, Fraunhofer IAP, Organic Electronics Saxony
Germany
Dresden
Contact
project coordinator