DMEA 2026: Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit draws a positive conclusion after three intensive days at the trade fair

27.04.2026

Over three days, the DMEA 2026 in Berlin provided Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit with a central platform for professional exchange, networking and classification of current developments relating to the digital transformation in the healthcare sector. The joint stand developed into a lively meeting place for discussions with stakeholders from healthcare, business, science and politics.

At the start of the trade fair, digital innovations in the healthcare sector were the focus of numerous discussions. Among other things, the connection to the telematics infrastructure, networked OR concepts and new approaches to digital patient care were discussed. From Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit's perspective, it became clear that processes are becoming increasingly integrated, cross-sectoral and patient-centered. Secure, smooth communication is becoming increasingly important, both between service providers and with patients. Another focus was on AI-supported solutions and the use and integration of healthcare data. Artificial intelligence was categorized in many discussions as an important building block for faster diagnostics, decision support and more efficient data evaluation. At the same time, there was a clear awareness that increasing connectivity also increases the requirements for cybersecurity and data protection. Security was often cited as a key prerequisite for acceptance and sustainable digital progress.

The discussions at the Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit stand focused in particular on the electronic patient file, the telematics infrastructure, the TI model region of Franconia, Health Care BY Your Side with DiGAs and modern patient communication, as well as innovative approaches from the Healthcare Hackathon Bayern. The range of topics covered reflected the diversity of current digital health issues. On the second day of the trade fair, the visit by Minister of State Judith Gerlach focused on political dialog. From Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit's perspective, the exchange on digital transformation in the healthcare sector underlined the importance of continuous dialog between practice, business and politics. The professional exchange was complemented by personal encounters, for example during a Weißwurst breakfast, which was used by numerous visitors for networking and discussions.

After three days, Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit draws a differentiated conclusion. Concrete discussions with manufacturers and potential service providers were particularly valuable, for example within the framework of the TI model region, where perspectives for possible pilots were also discussed.

A key learning: digitalization starts with people. In addition to technological performance, acceptance, usability and clear added value in everyday working life are crucial to the success of digital solutions. Accordingly, the topic of interoperability came more into focus than in previous years - as the basis for ensuring that digital innovation does not fail due to interfaces.

It also became clear that digitalization is more than just the digital mapping of existing processes. It unfolds its potential above all where processes are rethought, made more efficient and adapted to the needs of users. Regulation was discussed as a necessary balancing act: important for safety and quality, but at the same time associated with the risk of slowing down innovation dynamics.

Artificial intelligence was more visible and practical at DMEA 2026 than in previous years. The topic of (digital) health literacy also gained attention, including through contributions on regional education and the role of committed multipliers.

In addition to great innovative strength, a certain amount of uncertainty was also noticeable in the market. Current draft legislation and austerity measures are making many players cautious - both in the supply sector and in the industry, and in some cases also with regard to established solutions. This makes the role of the DMEA as a place for classification, exchange and networking all the more important.

For Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit, the DMEA therefore remains a central anchor point for bundling and reflecting on developments in the digital health ecosystem and thinking ahead together with relevant stakeholders.