At the WKO Health Days, held in Vienna on 13–14 March 2025, the AIT Center for Health and Bioresources presented concrete strategies for effectively translating novel diagnostic technologies from research into practical application. In addition, strategies were outlined to optimally prepare Austria for integration into the European Health Data Space (EHDS), which enables the secure and cross-border use of health data throughout Europe. Another key focus was the cross-sectoral collaboration within the "One Health" concept, which interlinks human, animal, and environmental health. Through the targeted deployment of innovative sensor solutions in collaboration with Infineon Technologies Austria, intelligent data management strategies, and the promotion of One Health approaches, AIT positions itself as a driving force in shaping the future of digital healthcare.
Challenges in Diagnostics and Data Management
The healthcare sector is currently shaped by a growing demand for rapid and precise diagnostic methods, as well as increasing requirements for the secure and cross-border use of data. Austria faces the challenge of establishing robust structures that enable it to fully benefit from the European Health Data Space, while also bringing innovative diagnostic solutions to market.
AIT Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics (HMD) and Infineon: Joint Solutions and Expertise
In multiple collaborative projects, AIT-HMD and Infineon Technologies Austria have developed extensive expertise in the development and prototyping of biosensors for intelligent point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic platforms and wearables.
Together with its strategic partner Infineon Technologies Austria, AIT presented innovative biosensor platforms during the workshop "Commercialization of biosensor platforms for PoC tests and wearables", moderated by Giorgio Mutinati (AIT-HMD) and Manfred Ruhmer (Infineon). In addition to a portable lactate sensor, the live demonstration of an electrochemical lateral flow device (EC-LFD) for the quantitative detection of the inflammation marker CRP attracted particular interest.
Participants engaged in detailed discussions on market strategies and potential applications for the demonstrated technologies across various fields, including medical use cases, with moderation by Andreas Weinhäusel from the AIT Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics.
Giorgio Mutinati emphasized: "Especially in the field of wearable diagnostics, user-centered solutions are key. Our goal is to bring research results to market quickly and in a way that is practical and accessible."
Panel Discussion on "Innovational Leapfrogging" and "One Health" Featuring AIT Expert Klaus Donsa
In parallel, Klaus Donsa from the AIT Competence Unit Digital Health Information Systems moderated the panel discussion "Innovational Leapfrogging – More than just AI". Experts discussed how the rapid adoption of already validated and established technologies ("leapfrogging") can effectively shorten innovation cycles while simultaneously fostering cross-sectoral synergies in line with the One Health approach – without compromising safety, regulatory compliance, or sustainability.
Participants included Viktoria Prantauer (Capgemini), an expert in AI-supported patient communication; Dr. Julie Rosser, CEO of the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation with a focus on translational research in osteoarthritis treatment and the interface between human and veterinary medicine; and Dr. Markus Hochegger-Krawanja from the chemical startup PureSurf, whose research centers on sustainable chemical products and eco-friendly active agents for pharmaceutical applications.
The panel explored the potentials and risks of accelerated innovation processes, discussing concrete case studies from AI, biotechnology, translational medicine, and sustainable chemistry. Core topics included AI-based solutions for personalized healthcare, the added value of translational approaches bridging human and veterinary medicine for faster therapy development, and the importance of sustainably developed chemical agents for health, the environment, and industry.
Klaus Donsa concluded: "Leapfrogging enables significant innovation leaps in the healthcare sector, but it requires a responsible approach to transparency, regulatory assurance, and public acceptance. True innovation can only succeed in the long term if we transcend sectoral boundaries and strategically foster interdisciplinary collaboration."
Outlook: AIT at dHealth 2025
With these initiatives, AIT is strengthening Austria’s role at the intersection of diagnostic technologies and European health data policy. From 6 to 7 May 2025, AIT will also participate in the dHealth 2025 conference to present current developments and next steps in integrating digital technologies into healthcare provision.