EU funding for innovation in medical technology

IMSTec develops cutting-edge special-purpose machinery solutions, supported by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programs.

Funding Project: Fully Automated Blister Packaging

State Funding Program: Implementation of Operational Innovations (IBI)

As part of the project, EU funding is being used to advance the development of process and consumable materials for the production of 7x5 cup blisters and original blister carriers.
The aim of the project is to develop an innovative solution for
the safe and efficient supply of medication to patients
. In collaboration with KNAPP AG from Graz, a fully automated system has been developed that fills medications hygienically and with reduced error rates. The system processes the 7x5 cup blisters, which are tailored to the needs of pharmacies, nursing personnel, and patients. The resealable and individually separable cups enable professionals to dispense medications efficiently and safely.
The fully automatic machine is connected to an automatic picking machine and handles the entire blistering process. This shortens processing times, minimizes staff deployment and reduces the cost of placing the medication. Each original blister can be tracked throughout the entire production process using an RFID code. The dispensing of the individual tablets is monitored optically and electronically several times to guarantee correct medication and thus safe patient care. 

D³ Daily Dose Dispenser von KNAPP. Die erste vollautomatische Anlage für patientenspezifische Kartenblister

The D³ Daily Dose Dispenser relieves pharmacies and nursing staff by simplifying the preparation of card blisters for patients while minimizing personnel costs. The cups are easy to separate and open. The rounded corners allow the medication to be administered directly to the patient, eliminating the need to refill the tablets

The D³ Daily Dose Dispenser from KNAPP not only automates the deblistering process, but also ensures hygienically clean processes in accordance with cleanroom class D. The result of this project is an efficient, safe and user-friendly solution for fully automated blister packaging that not only makes the supply of medication safer, but also optimizes workflows in pharmacies and care facilities.

Funding Project: Smart Sensor Technology

State Funding Program “Investments in Employment and Growth” (IBW)

As part of the InnoTop project, IMSTec is driving the pre-development of a next-generation wearable respiratory monitoring system. The goal is to create a compact, intuitive sensor solution that accurately captures key breathing parameters for medical and preventive use.
The project advances sensor technology for measuring respiratory rate and volume in real-world environments, supported by a digital platform for seamless data collection, transmission, and analysis.
Through rigorous validation against clinical reference standards, the project establishes a strong foundation for future applications in digital health, diagnostics, and preventive care.
Ultimately, the initiative strengthens innovation in medical technology, fosters collaboration between research and industry, and empowers SMEs to develop cutting-edge, market-ready healthcare solutions.

© Tobias Hang
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Tobias Hang / Fraunhofer IMM
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Why EU Funding Drives Innovation in Medical Technology

EU funding programs such as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) are key to boosting innovation in special-purpose machinery and the medical technology sector. By investing in R&D, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing, they empower companies like IMSTec to bring innovations to market faster and secure long-term competitiveness.
Programs like IBI (“Implementation of Operational Innovations”) and IBW (“Investments in Employment and Growth”) also promote sustainable job creation and enable the development of highly efficient, quality-driven production processes.