Pharmapack Europe calls on medtech start-ups

Pharmapack Europe 2018 is taking place on 7–8 February at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris. The organisers are calling for new applications for its Start-up Hub platform as well as the Pharmapack Awards.

The 2018 Start-up Hub will identify young companies who are deemed to be amongst the most innovative in the industry. Companies in the Start-up Hub will benefit from increased access to potential customers, partners and investors at Pharmapack 2018 from which to forge new and lasting relationships.

Start-ups in the inaugural 2017 initiative spanned the breadth of the industry; from functional inks that incorporate electronic applications into packaging, to needle-free medicine delivery, to an app that scans packages to provide product information. For 2018, start-ups developing patient-centric packaging or drug delivery solutions in line with connected health and anti-counterfeiting measures are encouraged to apply.

The Pharmapack Awards will also return in 2018. The awards consist of two categories: the Exhibitor Innovation category and, for non-exhibitors, the Health Product category.

Exhibitor Innovation winners in 2017 provided new approaches to some of the biggest challenges, including reducing vial overfill and intuitive packaging that increases adherence. The Health Product category distinguishes innovative packaging of new health products or improved packaging of an existing health product (for human or veterinary use) that has created a tangible benefit for users and administrators. The 2017 award winners used innovative packaging design to improve patient compliance and reduce environmental footprint, respectively.

The organisers are also encouraging entries from companies that are making packaging and drug delivery devices more sustainable, smarter, more effective, and more valuable to users.

“Pharmapack Europe occupies a unique place in the industry’s conference calendar. As Europe's dedicated pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery event, Pharmapack offers a series of unique platforms that bring companies together to network and collaborate in driving business and the quality of products forward,” said Anne Schumacher, brand director, Pharmapack Europe.

“Pharmapack Europe is dedicated to innovation, and the Pharmapack Awards had an exceptionally high standard of entries last year while the Start-up Hub has quickly established itself as an attendee favourite. We recommend submitting applications early for the 2018 Pharmapack Awards and Start-up Hub as the slots are limited and the Innovation Gallery was fully booked in 2017.”