An event promoted by the Brazilian Medical Devices Industry Association (Abimo) and the Brazilian Industrial Research and Innovation Company (Embrapii) at the end of August discussed the paths to innovation in the area of medical device prototyping. Prototyping accounts for 17% of the projects supported by Embrapii.

In prototyping, the viability of a product or service is tested by means of a summarized or simplified version. It is essential in the healthcare sector for the development of innovative and safe solutions.

According to Embrapii data, the organization currently supports 2,172 projects, with a total of R$3.17 billion invested. Around 55% of them are small businesses. Of the 1,288 projects completed, 666 generated intellectual property applications. In the healthcare sector alone, which accounts for 12.6% of Embrapii’s total projects, R$ 250 million has already been invested.

Among the initiatives in the area of prototyping are a high-tech breathing mask, which will be integrated with a system for monitoring respiratory parameters. Another line of research studies fabrics with antiviral and antimicrobial properties, with the aim of preventing hospital-acquired infections, which are common in the treatment of chronic wounds. There are also projects for a new design of microstents — small tubes implanted in arteries or veins to improve blood circulation — and a new technology for the problem of urinary incontinence.