With an impressive programme, in-depth expert discussions and a new visitor record, DMEA 2026 came to a successful close today in Berlin. 22,000 participants gathered over the three days of the event – an increase of 7% on last year – to learn about the latest developments, experience innovations and network across sectors.

With around 900 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries, 550 speakers and an extensive conference programme, DMEA once again underlines its role as the central platform for the digital transformation of the healthcare sector.

The initial results of the visitor survey revealed that 9 out of 10 respondents were (very) satisfied with their visit to DMEA in 2026. The main reasons for visiting were ‘establishing contacts with companies’, ‘networking within the sector’ and ‘gathering information on specialist topics’. Over 90% of respondents in each case confirmed that they had achieved these objectives. From the visitors’ perspective, the three most relevant areas of focus at this year’s DMEA were ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Mobile Health’ and ‘Telemedicine Solutions’ .

Focus on future topics: AI, interoperability and digital healthcare

DMEA 2026 placed a clear focus on the industry’s pressing issues: artificial intelligence in healthcare, digital patient care and patient empowerment, interoperability and the European Health Data Space (EHDS), telemedicine and cybersecurity.

Trade visitors from healthcare, industry, academia and politics made extensive use of the DMEA to discuss the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation.

Strong political impetus for digitalisation

At the start of the DMEA, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken, who is the event’s patron, delivered a keynote speech and said: “The crucial question has long since ceased to be whether we digitise, but rather how resolutely and how wisely we do so. The DMEA is exactly the right place to engage in dialogue on this. Here, we can see what will shape our healthcare system in very concrete terms in the coming years. The future of our healthcare provision and our healthcare system as a whole depends on how resolutely we can put digital innovations into practice.”

Judith Gerlach, Bavarian Minister of State for Health, Care and Prevention, Katharina Schenk, Thuringia’s Minister for Social Affairs, Health, Labour and Family, and Prof. Dr Kristina Sinemus, Hesse’s Minister for Digitalisation and Innovation, were also present at the DMEA and delivered keynote speeches.

Bvitg Managing Director Sascha Raddatz: “DMEA 2026 has once again impressively highlighted the dynamism of the digital healthcare sector. I would like to extend my special thanks to the dedicated team and all stakeholders involved – from the exhibitors and speakers to the partners and contributors – who, with great commitment, expertise and a spirit of innovation, made this event possible and have continuously developed it further. Together, we have succeeded in strengthening the DMEA as the industry’s central meeting place and providing important impetus for innovation, exchange and collaboration. The focus now must be on creating the right political framework: to accelerate digitalisation, to ensure reliable and practical regulation, and to consistently integrate digital solutions into healthcare provision. Looking ahead to 2027, we look forward to further developing the DMEA, providing new impetus and continuing to expand its role as the leading platform for digital health.”

Dr Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, said at the close of the DMEA: “The new visitor record clearly shows that, together, we have developed the DMEA into the central meeting place for the digital health sector over the past few years. In Berlin, innovations come to the fore; key players from medicine, business, politics and associations come together and set the course for the healthcare of tomorrow.”

International participation and strong industry diversity

Once again this year, the six exhibition halls presented a comprehensive picture of the digital health industry – ranging from established companies such as CompuGroup Medical, Dedalus, ID Information und Dokumentation im Gesundheitswesen, medatixx, Meierhofer AG, nexus AG and Telekom Healthcare Solutions to innovative start-ups. Alongside numerous leading providers from Germany, companies from almost 30 countries were in attendance, including Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Austria, which presented themselves in their own national pavilions.

Innovation and young talent take centre stage

In 2026, there was also a particular focus on promoting innovation and young talent. In the Startup & Innovation Area, around 70 start-ups presented their solutions and ideas for the healthcare of tomorrow. A particularly outstanding solution was honoured today at midday with the DMEA nova Award. The start-up Prof. Valmed from Langen in Hesse prevailed against strong competition in the pitch rounds and impressed the expert jury. The AI tool supports doctors in their day-to-day work with diagnoses and treatments, makes their work more efficient and, through training, helps them to use AI safely and effectively.

The DMEA sparks career programme gave students, graduates and young professionals the opportunity to network with the industry and find out about career paths in the digital health sector. The DMEA sparks Award once again recognised outstanding Bachelor’s and Master’s theses. The winners are featured on the DMEA Newsblog.