Interview with the founders of IMT Innovations:
Innovative Visions for a Local Medical Device Manufacturing
Mr. Friberg, what inspired you to start IMT Innovations?
Harri Friberg: IMT Innovations was born from the challenges exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the global shortage of critical medical devices like mechanical ventilators. However, our vision goes beyond addressing pandemic-related crises. We saw an opportunity to create a new business model that empowers countries to manufacture high-quality medical devices by themself. By enabling local production, we aim to reduce dependence on global supply chains and improve healthcare access and innovation at a regional level. Our approach addresses immediate needs during emergencies and builds the groundwork for long-term resilience in healthcare systems worldwide.
Beyond addressing device shortages, what are your further goals?
Christian Büchel: Our mission extends to creating advanced medical devices that prioritize patient comfort and caregiver convenience. For instance, our first licensing project, the box ventilator, is an advanced, modular respiratory solution designed to meet global standards. It mainly addresses improving synchrony between the ventilator and patient, which is still one of the biggest challenges in ventilation despite ventilator development for over 50 years. So, we also want to advance ventilator performance in mechanical ventilation.
Which countries are you focusing on for your licensing model? Are you targeting developing or emerging markets?
Harri Friberg: We are open to partnering with all medical device manufacturers worldwide, with a particular focus on regions where local production can significantly impact healthcare access and quality. By enabling local manufacturing through our licensing model, we aim to empower countries to achieve healthcare independence, especially in developing and emerging markets.
Why did you choose a licensing model for your technology?
Christian Büchel: The licensing model expedites development timelines and reduces complexity, enabling licensees to bring life-saving devices to market faster. We ensure long-term product security and supply by providing comprehensive support, including manufacturing setup.
How do you ensure that your licensed partners maintain the quality and standards of your medical devices?
Harri Friberg: We collaborate closely with our partners, ensuring that the medical devices manufactured under our licenses meet the global standards we've established and maintain the quality and reliability that healthcare providers and patients expect.
What are your plans for future medical device innovations?
Harri Friberg: While our current focus is on the box ventilator, we continually explore opportunities to develop other devices or components that can be licensed for local manufacturing. We aim to expand our portfolio to address various healthcare needs, prioritizing affordability, advanced technology, and patient-centric design.
How do you see IMT Innovations contributing to global healthcare in the long term?
Christian Büchel: In the long term, we envision IMT Innovations democratizing access to advanced medical technology. We aim to create a network of partners capable of delivering high-quality devices tailored to their region's specific needs. This approach enhances healthcare resilience and supports the development of self-sufficiency in healthcare systems.
