Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TODE20260813014
- Term of Validity
- 13 August 2026 - 13 August 2027
- Company's Country
- Germany
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
General information
- Short Summary
- A German university has developed a customizable finger orthosis that can be manufactured locally using 3D printing. Its modular design allows the orthosis to be individually adapted to patients and changing conditions without replacing the entire splint. The university offers companies opportunities for further development and licensing cooperation.
- Full Description
-
Finger orthoses are used to support, stabilize or immobilize injured or impaired fingers. Conventional orthoses often require manual production and individual fitting, which can be time-consuming and may make adjustments difficult when the patient's condition changes.
The presented technology from a German university is a parametrically configurable finger orthosis designed for decentralized manufacturing using 3D printing. Its geometry can be digitally adapted to the individual requirements of the patient and produced locally.
The orthosis has a modular design that allows individual components or parameters to be modified without having to replace the complete orthosis. This enables flexible adaptation to different finger geometries, therapeutic requirements and changes during treatment.
The digital and parametrically configurable approach also supports decentralized production, allowing orthoses to be manufactured close to the point of care using standard 3D-printing technologies.
The technology is offered to companies interested in further developing, validating, manufacturing and commercializing the customizable finger orthosis. Potential partners may include manufacturers of orthoses and rehabilitation products, 3D-printing companies, medical device manufacturers and companies developing digital workflows for individualized medical products. - Advantages and Innovations
-
Unlike conventional finger orthoses, which are often individually manufactured and difficult to adapt, the technology combines patient-specific customization, modularity and local 3D printing in one solution. This enables faster and more flexible provision of individually fitted orthoses while maintaining comfort and mechanical stability.
- Patient-specific customization: The orthosis can be individually adapted to the patient's anatomy and therapeutic requirements.
- Local manufacturing: 3D printing enables production close to the point of care and can reduce waiting times.
- Modular design: Individual components can be exchanged or adapted without replacing the complete orthosis.
- High wearing comfort: The slim and lightweight design and ventilation openings are designed to improve comfort.
- Flexible fastening: Softer plastic fastening rings provide secure fixation while improving comfort.
- Modular system without own 3D printer: Different sizes of orthotic modules and fastening elements allow medical practices, medical supply stores and hospitals to use the concept without their own printing infrastructure.
- Reduced supply-chain dependency: Local production or assembly can reduce the need for complex procurement and long supply chains. - Stage of Development
- Available for demonstration
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- IPR status
- IPR applied but not yet granted
- IPR notes
- A German patent application has been filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). International extension of the protection is still possible.
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
-
The technology is particularly interesting for companies in the medical technology, orthopaedic and additive manufacturing sectors, especially those active in:
- Orthoses and orthopedic devices
- Rehabilitation and assistive medical devices
- 3D-printed medical products
- Additive manufacturing for healthcare applications
- Patient-specific medical devices
- Digital and decentralized manufacturing of medical products
The technology also addresses potential customer groups such as orthopedic practices, medical supply stores and hospitals, which could benefit from locally manufactured or modularly assembled orthoses.
Expected role of the partner:
The German university is seeking companies interested in further developing and licensing the technology.
Potential areas of cooperation include:
- further technical development and optimization;
- adaptation of the concept to additional orthoses and applications;
- development of manufacturing and digital production processes;
- validation and testing;
- commercialization and market introduction. - Type and Size of Partner
- SME <=10
- SME 50 - 249
- Big company
- Other
- SME 11-49
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 06001020 - Physiotherapy, Orthopaedic Technology
- Market keywords
- 02005005 - Printers
- 05007003 - Handicap aids
- Sector Groups Involved
- Health
- Targeted countries
- All countries
