iMPACT-Implants represents a crucial step towards towards market readiness with a special focus on addressing the needs of stakeholders and deliver custom solutions to patients for a healthier and innovative future. This innovative initiative harnesses the potential of cutting-edge digital technology, including 3D imaging, and integrates patient-specific data such as bite force, walking patterns, and other movements. Therefore, this consortium aspires to set a standard for medical implants within the European Union, making implant solutions a reality for patients.
The University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), in collaboration with the ENTEG Institute of the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering of the University of Groningen (RUG), and regional companies WiTEC Innovating Together, Bether Encapsulates, BAAT Medical and PolyVation, have secured a substantial €3.7 MLN regional grant from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to start the program iMPACT-Implants and a total project size of €7.3 MLN.
The Just Transition Fund provides essential support, advancing the green and sustainable development of the Drenthe, Groningen, and Fryslân Provinces, the Municipality of Emmen, and the Northern Labour Market regions. The fund is co-financed by the European Union and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and is made available by the regional funding agency Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN), with support from the Province and Municipality of Groningen.
Significant contribution is provided from the industrial sector by the regional companies WiTEC Innovating Together, specialized in manufacturing of medical devices, BAAT Medical with expertise on the process for concept development to product certification, and Bether Encapsulates, specialised in encapsulation technology. PolyVation, as non-beneficiary partner, joins with expertise in customized synthesis and manufacturing of biomedical polymers.
UMCG and RUG bring invaluable knowledge in the field of clinical treatments, digital imaging techniques and materials design. UMCG, as the program coordinator, is involved with the clinical and research Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and 3DLab with the groups led by Ass. Prof. Joep Kraeima and Prof. Max Witjes together with the teams of Dr. Frank IJpma from Trauma Surgery and Prof. Paul Jutte from Orthopaedics.
The UMCG Ear, Nose and Throat is represented by Ass. Prof. Gyuri Halmos together with Dr. Jasper Wachters. From the Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Prof. Dirk-Jan Slebos is involved. From the field of biomaterial science, the group of Ass. Prof. Patrick van Rijn from Biomedical Engineering will work together with Dr. Martijn Verhagen, UMCG Radiology.
The Engineering and Technology Institute (ENTEG) from the RUG Faculty of Sciences and Engineering is represented by the Metamechanis group led by Asst. Prof. Anastasiia Krushynska.
At last, the UMCG Innovation Centre is involved in the program management and in knowledge transfer.
Program Leader: Dr. Joep Kraeima, Associate professor, Technical Physician Specialist, dpt. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Head 3DLab UMCG
