Health & Rehab 2027 — News

Product of the Year awarded at the News Zone

2023-10-30T00:00:00Z

Product of the Year has been awarded -- the prize goes to a product that demonstrates novelty value, practical benefit, distinctive features and improves the user's quality of life.

At the fair's News Zone, visitors could discover the very latest products and services in assistive products and assistive technology. This is where the "Product of the Year" award ceremony took place on 23 May at 16:00 -- the first day of the fair. This year, 24 companies participated with a total of 26 products in the News Zone, and the products were on display throughout the fair's opening hours.

"It is fantastic that so much energy has been invested in innovating and producing the 26 products we see in the News Zone at Health & Rehab 2023. These are products developed for a wide range of needs and target groups, and each one contributes to the progress needed to ensure we can deliver welfare services to those who need them."

-- Ivan Kjaer Lauridsen, Head of Assistive Technology at Aarhus Municipality

The winner: Switch-It Vigo head control

The winner of Product of the Year was Sunrise Medical's Switch-It Vigo head control.

The Switch-It Vigo head control, from Nowtech and Sunrise Medical, is a wireless, proportional head control system that allows the user to operate their power wheelchair and other devices through discreet, proportional and intuitive head movements. Vigo is designed specifically for power wheelchairs, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

"The Vigo head control looks like a headset. The headset removes stigma -- it looks just like any other headset, and you can listen to music on it. You could say that the head becomes a joystick; it is instinctive to use."

-- Ivan Kjaer Lauridsen

"It is a great honour to win Product of the Year at the News Zone, because the jury consists of professionals with deep expertise. We hope that the Vigo Headset can help many power wheelchair users in their daily lives and give them greater personal freedom."

-- Bjoern Rasmussen, Product Specialist at Sunrise Medical

Second and third place

Wini -- Ergonomic Grip Enlarger from CarePartner took second place. Wini is an assistive product for people who need extra help gripping everyday tools securely.

Third place went to the Men's Shirt with Magnetic Buttons from Daro by able nordic a/s. The shirt has a classic design with magnetic closures and can be put on quickly and painlessly without assistance or difficulty.

Thank you for this year!

2023-10-30T12:00:00Z

Health & Rehab has just concluded with great success, and the doors have closed after three days filled with activity in the halls. On opening day, interest was overwhelming right from the start, and the halls were packed with people. All three days saw an impressive number of visitors, and a wealth of knowledge and inspiration was shared across the exhibition stands.

The fair was well attended by students in health and care disciplines, public-sector employees, company representatives and citizens alike. The event featured a large exhibition area where 178 companies showcased their products, services and technologies, along with a programme of professional presentations on both the main stage and the new silent zones.

The official opening took place at the Main Stage, where the Minister for the Elderly, Mette Kierkgaard, arrived by elderly-care bicycle together with the Director of Danish.Care and then delivered a speech on the potential of assistive technology. This was followed by an assistive technology quiz, and finally the minister cut the red opening ribbon with assistance from service dog Frigga.

Visitor numbers

The total number of visitors to the fair was 7,800, distributed across the three days:

Tuesday 23 May: 2,966 visitors
Wednesday 24 May: 2,913 visitors
Thursday 25 May: 1,921 visitors

See you again in 2025

Danish.Care -- the industry association for assistive products and assistive technology behind the fair, together with a range of partners -- thanks all visitors and exhibitors for their engagement. Health & Rehab will return to Bella Center Copenhagen in 2025. We hope to see you there!

One year until Health & Rehab on 4-6 March 2025

2024-03-04T00:00:00Z

We are delighted to once again present Denmark's leading trade fair for assistive products, health and assistive technology in 2025. Health & Rehab 2025 has moved from May to March and will next take place on 4--6 March 2025 at Bella Center Copenhagen.

The trade fair is Denmark's most important meeting place and a forum for inspiration, professional development and knowledge sharing for citizens and stakeholders in the care and health sector. At the fair, you can experience both the latest and most innovative solutions in assistive products, health and assistive technology, as well as established favourites.

Admission to the fair will, as always, be free of charge.

We hope to see you there -- mark your calendar now!

CareTech CHALLENGE: A startup programme taking flight

2024-05-28T00:00:00Z

At a time when the health and care sector needs smart, labour-saving solutions, technology plays an increasingly important role. Yet despite a growing demand for effective and innovative solutions, new companies often face significant challenges when trying to gain a foothold in the market. This is where CareTech CHALLENGE -- Accelerating Care and Health Technology enters the picture as a key programme for driving innovation in the field. The startup programme has been running since 2020, guiding 44 companies through the process, with the vast majority gaining real momentum during and after their participation.

A journey towards more innovation, implementation and scaling

In 2020, Danish.Care launched CareTech CHALLENGE as an initiative aimed at bringing technology and the health and care sector closer together. With a steadily growing need for innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the sector, the timing was right to connect young companies with a range of experts to help them on their way.

The programme was well received, and 19 companies completed the first round in 2020--2021. At its core, the programme connects companies with its partners, each of whom can assist them in unique areas. Participants are trained in pitching their business, taught how to present their company to investors, given the opportunity to test user perspectives on their product, and take part in workshops on internationalisation, export and sustainability.

"Our goal with CareTech CHALLENGE is to create an environment where companies can thrive and innovate within the care sector. We want to encourage creativity and collaboration so that together we can solve some of the biggest challenges facing the health and care sector."

-- Anders Lyck Fogh-Schultz, Programme Manager

From startup to strategic partnership

Several participating companies have experienced significant growth during and after the programme. One example is Aquatime, which went from being a startup to entering a new strategic partnership with one of the industry's major players.

"CareTech CHALLENGE was the starting point for Aquatime's successful commercial journey in recent years. Today, our smart drinking glass creates value for elderly citizens and care staff in many Danish municipalities."

-- Kim Toft Madsen, CEO/Partner at Aquatime

Aquatime's smart drinking glass has revolutionised the way elderly citizens can meet their hydration needs while also easing the workload of care staff. To date, 44 companies have completed the startup programme.

In March 2025, you can meet this year's CareTech CHALLENGE participants at the Health & Rehab trade fair on 4--6 March at Bella Center in Copenhagen. They will be located in the Startup & Scaleup Zone.

Have you booked your stand at Health & Rehab 2025?

2024-08-27T00:00:00Z

Bookings for Health & Rehab on 4--6 March 2025 are well underway, with more than 100 companies already having secured their stand. If you are considering exhibiting but have not yet booked a stand for your company, read on to find out why you should.

Every two years, thousands of industry professionals, decision-makers and end users from Denmark and abroad come together at Health & Rehab -- a forum for professional development, knowledge sharing and inspiration for all stakeholders in the social and healthcare sector. As an exhibitor at Health & Rehab, you engage directly with qualified healthcare professionals, public and private enterprises, as well as private citizens and their relatives.

Book a stand for your company and seize the opportunity to:

Showcase your innovative products and solutions
Increase your sales
Strengthen customer relationships
Build your brand
Share knowledge and host seminars and workshops
Meet qualified healthcare professionals from Denmark's municipalities and regions
Network with existing and future customers and suppliers, both in Denmark and across Europe

Digital solutions for welfare and healthcare

2024-11-01T00:00:00Z

At Health & Rehab in 2025, we are putting the spotlight on digital solutions for welfare and healthcare, with a dedicated area for digital solutions.

Health & Rehab is the trade fair for a wide range of companies offering solutions for care and health -- including, to an ever-growing extent, digital solutions.

The industry is developing rapidly, and data, sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) have in just a few years become an integral part of the health and care sector -- a trend that will only accelerate in the years ahead.

Health & Rehab is the trade fair for the entire sector, including digital solutions such as apps, sensor solutions, screen-based solutions and monitoring systems for care, remote monitoring and analysis. Some solutions are purely digital, while others are integrated into physical assistive products and assistive technologies.

Demand for digital welfare solutions is rising sharply, and Health & Rehab is where these many different solutions can be seen and tested first-hand.

Are you joining Health & Rehab 2025?

2024-11-08T00:00:00Z

Registration is now open for the Nordic region's largest fair for assistive products and assistive technology.

Admission is free. Register in advance to enjoy faster and easier entry on the day.

Sunrise Medical embraces digital development

2024-11-21T00:00:00Z

Sunrise Medical is best known for manual wheelchairs, rollators and seating systems, but has become increasingly digital in recent years.

Sunrise Medical participated in the News Zone with Switch-It Vigo at Health & Rehab 2023 and won the "Product of the Year" award. Vigo makes it possible to control a wheelchair using sensors in a headset, giving wheelchair users who were previously dependent on a helper to get around the opportunity to become more self-sufficient.

Vigo is manufactured and sold by Sunrise Medical, one of the world's leading manufacturers of manual wheelchairs. According to Thomas Pliniussen, Managing Director of Sunrise Medical Denmark, digital products have become an integral part of the company.

"A large part of our business is still classic wheelchairs, but technological development gives us the opportunity to develop new products that make a positive difference in users' lives."

According to Thomas Pliniussen, there is particularly strong development in the areas of power-assist devices and electric wheelchairs. New technology in 3D-printed seating systems also provides better opportunities to customise products individually based on each user's needs.

Growth through acquisition

Sunrise Medical develops new high-tech products. However, the development work would often be too time-consuming for Sunrise Medical to carry out on its own. That is why they also keep a close eye on developments from small, innovative companies.

"There are many talented people out there inventing new products. Sometimes we see an exciting product that we think is a great fit for us."

Sunrise Medical is a global company with offices in 23 countries. This gives them contact with thousands of users and therapists, whom they actively consult when assessing whether a new technological invention meets a need in their target group.

"The most important thing for us is that new technological products help make life better and easier for users."

-- Thomas Pliniussen

Facts about Sunrise Medical

Sunrise Medical is a leader in the innovation, manufacture and distribution of advanced assistive products and mobility solutions. Key products include manual and powered wheelchairs, scooters, power-assist products, paediatric mobility and therapeutic devices, seating and positioning systems, and daily living products. Sunrise Medical Group operates in 23 countries, is headquartered in Germany and employs more than 2,700 people worldwide. The Danish organisation has 18 employees, with its head office in Taastrup and an office and showroom in Aarhus.

Sensio's Digital Solutions Are Transforming Elderly Care

2024-11-22T00:00:00Z

Sensio aims to improve and streamline elderly care through digital solutions.

Norwegian Sensio was born as a digital company. When the company was founded in 2009 in Oslo, it developed smart house technology that could, among other things, control the lighting in people's homes using sensors.

"We developed an open platform where different technologies can communicate with each other."

— Christina Mørch Andersen, Sensio's Country Manager in Denmark

A Municipality Saw the Potential

Norwegian municipalities are struggling — just like their Danish and Swedish counterparts — with a shortage of qualified staff in the care sector. In 2013, Sensio won a contract to supply assistive technology for elderly care in Fredrikstad Municipality. Since then, the platform and digital solutions have been further developed in close collaboration with the municipality. Things have moved quickly for the company, which is now the market leader in assistive technology in Scandinavia.

"It's moving really fast, and we have customers in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, England, Germany and France. Today we produce exclusively digital solutions for the care sector."

Detecting Falls

One of Sensio's best-selling products is RoomMate. More than 13,000 RoomMate sensors are currently installed across Scandinavia.

RoomMate works by means of a sensor in the corner of a room that detects movement. Among other things, it can detect falls and send an alert to staff. It can send a notification if a resident has been in the bathroom long enough to raise concern about an accident. And it can also help prevent falls by detecting and notifying staff if, for example, a resident with a high risk of falling has got out of bed.

"RoomMate is an innovative solution for anonymised digital monitoring. Technology cannot stand alone. If it is to benefit both residents and staff, it requires changes to work routines. We find that a transformation of elderly care has taken place in the municipalities that have adopted RoomMate."

High Satisfaction

When work routines have been adapted to the technological development, Sensio finds that staff, residents and relatives alike are very satisfied. Relatives feel more secure knowing that a fall, for instance, will not go unnoticed.

Entering the Danish Market

While Sensio's products are in use in more than half of Norwegian and Swedish municipalities, the rollout has not been as fast in Denmark.

"For Sensio, it is important to be visible and create awareness about our solutions. We look forward to engaging with municipalities and other potential customers. But we also look forward to meeting other suppliers who might be able to use our open platform."

Facts About Sensio

Founded in 2009 in Oslo
Customers in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, England, Germany and France
Serves more than 50% of all municipalities in Norway, Sweden and Denmark
Over 50% annual growth over the past 5 years
Around 200 employees

From empty halls to a vibrant trade fair

2025-01-17T00:00:00Z

The halls of Bella Center are set for quite a transformation before Health & Rehab opens its doors to the public on 4-6 March.

Plans are well underway for how more than 150 exhibitors will transform the empty halls of Bella Center into the Nordic region's most vibrant and engaging trade fair for assistive products and assistive technology.

On Monday 13 January, a site visit was held for exhibitors at this year's Health & Rehab. The attending exhibitors had the opportunity to get an overview of the halls and see how their plans for creating exciting stands for the thousands of visitors align with the surroundings.

"It was a day full of great energy and creative ideas. You could really feel that the exhibitors are looking forward to the fair just as much as we are."

— Morten Rasmussen, CEO of Danish.Care

This year's Health & Rehab takes place earlier in the year than usual — already on 4-6 March. Bella Center Copenhagen serves as the venue for the fair, just as in previous years.

Up to 7,000 professionals, users and family members are expected to visit this year's Health & Rehab, the Nordic region's leading trade fair for assistive products, assistive technology and digital solutions.

Admission to the fair is free.

A free and independent life without sight: "Our assistive products make us more free"

2025-01-27T00:00:00Z

Thanks to a range of assistive products and technological solutions, Jeannette Hjortlund Voer and Svend Pedersen lead a more independent, free and self-reliant life.

By Asger Lind Krebs

The first thing that strikes you when you step into Svend Pedersen and Jeannette Hjortlund Voer's terraced house in Espergaerde is how tidy it is. Nothing is lying on the floor. There are no items left out on the kitchen counter. Everything is neatly stored in drawers and cabinets.

"It's always tidy here. And there are systems for everything. That's important. Otherwise, we'd be running around searching for things forever."

— Jeannette

Both she and Svend are blind. Svend has been completely blind since birth, while Jeannette could see shadows and colours until she was 7 years old.

A major difference

Although both are totally blind, Svend and Jeannette lead active and social lives with work, family, friends and leisure activities. They can thank a range of assistive products and technological solutions for that.

"It is the foundation for us being able to manage on our own for the most part. We are more self-reliant in a number of areas and have less need for home care workers coming by all the time."

Jeannette and Svend appreciate being able to handle as much as possible themselves. The digitisation of communication with public authorities has meant they no longer have to share their personal information with others — they can read their own mail, respond to messages and so on.

"Our neighbours don't actually notice that we're blind. It hasn't always been that way. We used to have to ask neighbours for help with things like reading mail that could contain deeply personal information."

— Svend

"Assistive products and technological solutions give us freedom, independence and self-reliance. We can do what we want, when we want."

— Jeannette

Technological possibilities

Many of the assistive products that help Svend and Jeannette in their daily lives are on their phones. They use Seeing AI, among other things — a kind of talking camera that uses the phone's camera to read what is written on packaging, describe images, and tell them whether they've remembered to turn the lights on or off.

Be My Eyes is a Danish-developed app. A team of volunteers is connected to the app. If Svend or Jeannette find themselves in a situation where they need a pair of seeing eyes, the app connects them with a volunteer who can help.

"When I was young, I could do almost nothing without help. There has been a massive improvement with the digital revolution."

— Svend

Braille in everyday life

Although phones with specialised apps can solve a lot, there are still situations where Braille is more practical. Svend prefers to read books in Braille. Jeannette uses it during meetings and home visits as part of her job.

In the kitchen, they have labels with Braille on food items, a talking kitchen scale, a talking tape measure and a knife that can be set to cut slices of a specific thickness.

Experiencing limitations

Despite the assistive products, both experience limitations. Two years ago, Svend was hit by a car — an acoustic traffic signal indicated green, but shortly after he was struck hard by a vehicle. He suffered a skull fracture, brain injury, a broken nose and a broken leg.

"Since then, I've become incredibly afraid of walking in traffic, so now I only take certain routes where there are no cars."

— Svend

"But there is no doubt that our disability has become less intrusive in our lives thanks to the various assistive products and digital solutions that have emerged."

— Svend

Visit the Vision Area at the fair in C2-050 and learn more about assistive products for living with visual impairment.

New Technologies Pave the Way for Inclusion

2025-01-29T00:00:00Z

Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are giving people with disabilities better opportunities to participate actively in society.

By Asger Lind Krebs

A study by Mandag Morgen shows that people with disabilities view technological solutions in their daily lives positively.

Examples of current assistive technology include speech synthesis for communication, camera technology to help blind people navigate, and automatic captioning for the deaf.

"Development is moving so fast that reality is constantly overtaking us."

— Dorte Nørregaard, Director of Videnscenter om Handicap (the Danish Knowledge Centre on Disability)

Videnscenter om Handicap coordinates the Disability Tech Denmark initiative, which brings together organisations, research institutions and companies to ensure that new technologies benefit people with disabilities. The centre also focuses on ethical questions and data protection.

Videnscenter om Handicap will be exhibiting at the Health & Rehab trade fair on 4-6 March at Bella Center in the Activity Zone.

Just one month until Health & Rehab -- get ready for your visit

2025-02-05T00:00:00Z

The trade fair opens on 4 March, with more than 160 companies participating. The organisers are presenting both the latest innovations and well-proven solutions in assistive products and assistive technology.

The programme includes a wide range of activities: political debates, inspiring talks and events such as bridging programmes for students, a co-creation conference, startup and investor pitches, a CareNet seminar on assistive technology in elderly care, an MDR seminar and much, much more.

Admission is free, but advance registration is required.

Assistive technology receives historic attention -- but knowledge is lacking

2025-02-07T00:00:00Z

Assistive technology and digital solutions are becoming increasingly important in elderly care and the healthcare sector. At the Health & Rehab fair, visitors can get up close with these technologies.

According to Morten Rasmussen, CEO of Danish.Care, political interest in assistive technology is greater than ever. The 2024 healthcare reform allocated two billion Danish kroner to digital solutions, and 96 per cent of Danish municipalities view technology as a solution to workforce shortages.

However, challenges remain.

"There is a lack of knowledge, insight and overview of the many new solutions."

-- Morten Rasmussen, CEO of Danish.Care

A population survey by the Danish Age Association showed that 87 per cent of respondents have concerns about assistive technology, particularly regarding the risk of isolation among the elderly.

An evaluation from seven Danish free-municipality trials indicated positive results with increased sense of security, but also raised ethical questions that need to be addressed responsibly.

The Health & Rehab fair takes place 4--6 March 2025 at Bella Center Copenhagen with free admission and approximately 160 exhibitors.

Join the Political Debate on Sustainable Assistive Product Provision at Health & Rehab

2025-02-17T00:00:00Z

How do we create a structure for the provision of assistive products that is sustainable — in human, professional and economic terms? That is the theme of the Health & Rehab political debate.

By Asger Lind Krebs

More than 300,000 Danes rely on assistive products. Some need only a pair of crutches, while others depend on a range of devices to live as freely and independently as possible.

The path to obtaining the right assistive products is often difficult and time-consuming. Many end up being bounced between regions and municipalities, which also leads to a waste of public resources.

There are numerous examples of how people's chances of being granted assistive products vary from one municipality to another. We also hear that professional expertise lacks the right framework. As a result, important information about citizens' unique circumstances is lost, and the preventive perspective fades into the background.

Most people agree that the current system for assistive product provision in Denmark is unsustainable — in human, professional and economic terms — and that the structural framework needs to change.

Harder Access

At Health & Rehab, we have assembled a strong panel for a political debate on how to create a sustainable system for assistive product provision.

Susanne Olsen, National Chair of Dansk Handicap Forbund (the Danish Disability Organisation), is on the panel representing users. She finds that many people with physical disabilities struggle to be granted the assistive products that would help them best.

"There is a lot of progress in assistive product development, and new solutions are constantly being created that offer better opportunities to live more freely and independently. Unfortunately, we are also seeing that it is becoming harder to be granted the devices that offer the best outcomes for independent living. This is concerning, because many people use assistive products around the clock. They are an important and integral part of their lives."

According to the National Chair, more people are being offered standard solutions and refurbished devices.

"The problem is that these products are not necessarily the ones that help people best. We find that it is often the individual who has to adapt to the device, rather than being granted devices that fit the individual."

Susanne Olsen frequently hears about people who have ended up buying their own assistive products instead.

"They do it out of sheer frustration, because it is so difficult to be granted the right devices. One of the problems is that they then miss out on the professional guidance and advice needed to find the devices that help them most."

There is growing political focus on the area, and initiatives have been launched to simplify regulations and reduce bureaucracy, particularly around the provision of simple assistive products.

Three prominent members of the Danish Parliament will take part in the debate, offering their views on what more is needed to address the challenges in the field of assistive products.

Political Debate

Wednesday 5 March, 11:30-12:15, Main Stage, Hall C3

Panellists:

Kirsten Normann Andersen, Health and Elderly Care Spokesperson, SF
Rosa Eriksen, Social Affairs and Elderly Care Spokesperson, the Moderates
Christian Friis Bach, Social Affairs and Disability Spokesperson, Venstre (the Liberal Party)
Susanne Olsen, National Chair, Dansk Handicap Forbund
Tina Nør Langager, Chair, the Danish Association of Occupational Therapists
Morten Rasmussen, CEO of Danish.Care, welcomes the audience

The debate will be moderated by Jeppe Kerckhoffs, Head of Policy and Professional Affairs, Dansk Handicap Forbund.

Visit SynsExpo at this year's fair

2025-02-17T06:00:00Z

What can you do to maintain your freedom and independence when your vision deteriorates? SynsExpo has some excellent answers.

SynsExpo is an interactive exhibition at Health & Rehab 2025 that focuses on raising awareness of the challenges associated with visual impairment and the solutions available.

"We want to create as much awareness as possible about the everyday challenges associated with visual impairment and what can be done about it."

-- Per Michael Larsen, Director of the Danish Association of Opticians

The exhibition is designed as a home environment where visitors can experience what it is like to live with low vision. Four main approaches to assistance are presented: magnifying products, lighting, contrast solutions and digital tools.

SynsExpo is aimed at citizens, relatives and professionals outside the field of eye care. The project is not about selling products but about informing people and connecting professionals with those in need.

The initiative was developed through collaboration between the Vision Centre in Vordingborg, CSU-Slagelse, IBOS, several eye-care organisations and research institutions. The project is funded by the Velux Foundation and is supported by the information platform "Advice on Vision."

Visit SynsExpo in area C2-050 at the fair.

Get out into nature during your visit to Health & Rehab

2025-02-17T12:00:00Z

In the Activity Zone you can meet the Danish Centre for Disability and learn how people with disabilities can get outdoors and experience nature.

By Asger Lind Krebs

Nature has become much more accessible. Previously, it was difficult to find information about which natural areas and outdoor experiences are accessible for people with different types of disabilities. But the project Nature For All has changed that.

In 2021, the Danish Centre for Disability joined forces with the Danish Disability Organisations and the National Association of Youth with Disabilities to map and register accessible nature trails and facilities. The goal was to document 50 accessible routes. Today, information about 270 accessible nature trails is available.

"It has simply exceeded all expectations. And the municipalities keep adding new trails."

— Charlotte Birch-Jessen, project consultant at the Danish Centre for Disability

Searchable information

The information about accessible nature trails has been integrated into the Danish Nature Agency's large digital collection of outdoor experiences in Denmark, udinaturen.dk. It is now possible to search by a number of parameters, for example access to accessible toilets, routes with few people, low noise levels, maximum incline and more.

"Now you have the opportunity to search for all the information you need from home when planning a trip into nature. It provides great reassurance to know what to expect out on the trails, and in this way even more people get the chance to go on outings."

— Charlotte Birch-Jessen

Showcasing the possibilities

The Danish Centre for Disability has a hotspot in the Activity Zone. There, they will show an information video and explain how outdoor experiences have been made more accessible.

"We are looking forward to presenting and showing all the possibilities — both to people with disabilities who stop by, and to everyone working with elderly care, rehabilitation and similar fields, who now have a new tool for using nature. And we'll also be handing out gift cards so you can invite a good friend on an outdoor adventure."

— Charlotte Birch-Jessen

Facts about Nature For All

Hear about Nature For All at the Danish Centre for Disability's hotspot in the Activity Zone
The project was developed in collaboration between SUMH, DH, the Danish Ministry of the Environment, GeoDanmark and the Danish Centre for Disability
Supported by the Danish Outdoor Council's lottery funds and the Aage V. Jensen Nature Foundation
Search among more than 270 accessible nature trails at udinaturen.dk

Photo credit: Marine Gastineau

Social and Health Care Students Look Forward to Co-Creation Conference

2025-02-26T00:00:00Z

As part of the Health & Rehab trade fair, students from Denmark's health education programmes are invited to a Co-Creation Conference. Social- og Sundhedsskolen Syd in Aabenraa is sending 25 students.

By Asger Lind Krebs

The social and health care students at Social- og Sundhedsskolen Syd in Aabenraa always go on a study trip during their final school period. This time, the trip takes them across the country to the Health & Rehab trade fair at Bella Center, where the students will participate in the Co-Creation Conference — an event designed to engage students in the use and development of assistive products and assistive technology solutions.

"When I told the students they were going to Health & Rehab in Copenhagen, they were really excited. They think the professional programme at the Co-Creation Conference sounds incredibly interesting. And they're also looking forward to the social side — going out to dinner, staying at a hotel, spending time together and having fun."

— Camilla Zachariassen, Lecturer at Social- og Sundhedsskolen Syd

Co-Creation Across Disciplines

The Co-Creation Conference takes place on Thursday 6 March as part of Health & Rehab 2025.

The aim is to create a space where students can work across professions and disciplines in connection with the use of assistive technologies.

"We also hope to spark curiosity about the development of new and existing assistive technology solutions, because we want to involve students in that development. It is important that the people who will be working with the products also help to shape them."

— Pia Beck, Educational Manager at Direct Healthcare Group

The first part of the Co-Creation Conference consists of presentations on topics such as cross-disciplinary innovation and the inclusion of user perspectives.

After the presentations, participants are divided into groups mixed across different educational backgrounds.

Each group is presented with a realistic scenario. For example, they might be asked to find the best way to support a citizen with multiple sclerosis. The groups are then sent out among the trade fair's exhibitors to explore what solutions are available and assess how they can be used and adapted to their specific case.

Pia Beck hopes that participants in the Co-Creation Conference will come away not only with greater knowledge, but also with a stronger interest in the development of assistive products and assistive technology solutions.

"We need young people who want to work in the assistive products and assistive technology sector. Hopefully, the Co-Creation Conference can help demonstrate the variety of career opportunities available when you pursue a health education."

Technology Plays a Growing Role

Camilla Zachariassen had no doubt that the Co-Creation Conference was right for her students when she received the invitation.

"I'm certain that our students will gain a great deal professionally from the conference. We already work with innovation and assistive technology, because the future of care will involve an interplay between staff, assistive products and technological solutions."

According to Camilla Zachariassen, Health & Rehab is an ideal opportunity for the students to see and experience the very latest in assistive products and assistive technology.

"We need to start thinking about the whole sector differently. There are more and more elderly people, and if we are to continue managing all the tasks, we need to increasingly adopt technological solutions."

At the Co-Creation Conference, the social and health care students will work on concrete tasks in collaboration with students from other health education programmes, such as occupational therapy, nursing and physiotherapy.

"I think it is extremely relevant and important that they get to work across different education programmes and professional disciplines, because that is exactly what they will be doing once they graduate and enter the workforce."

— Camilla Zachariassen

Photo credit: Rasmus Boldt

The 2025 Fair Magazine is out now

2025-02-27T00:00:00Z

The 2025 Fair Magazine is out and it's completely free. Read it online below and pick up a printed copy when you arrive at Health & Rehab.

In this year's Fair Magazine you will find background stories, highlights from the programme, the full fair programme, hall plan and much more.

Thousands gather around assistive technology: Working to secure the future of welfare

2025-02-28T00:00:00Z

From 4 to 6 March, thousands of people come together around health and assistive technology and assistive products in Copenhagen, with the goal of safeguarding the Danish health and welfare system against future workforce shortages -- and ensuring a good quality of life for all citizens, regardless of ability.

Thousands of people will soon gather in the exhibition halls at Bella Center Copenhagen.

The occasion is the recurring Health & Rehab fair, which is Northern Europe's leading trade fair for assistive products, digital solutions, health and assistive technology, and care and hospital equipment.

But it is not just the interest in technology and the latest assistive products that draws so many visitors into the halls -- quite the contrary. To a large extent, it is also about how the future Danish welfare system should be structured.

Recruitment challenges and workforce shortages

Denmark is in the midst of a demographic crisis.

The number of elderly citizens is rising, and at the same time there is a shortage of healthcare personnel to deliver care -- which in the long term may challenge the Danish welfare system, both in the elderly care and the social services sectors.

Furthermore, for several years there have been difficulties attracting new students to social and healthcare education programmes. In other words, there are fewer workers to look after the country's elderly citizens.

"Health and assistive technology, together with assistive products, can play an important role in maintaining the level of welfare."

-- Morten Rasmussen, CEO of Danish.Care

"As a society, we face a real challenge in the health and welfare sector. There is a growing number of elderly citizens with care needs, which means we will need more workers in healthcare and care in the future. Many municipalities are already experiencing difficulties recruiting new healthcare staff."

A 2024 survey conducted by CareNet, the Danish Technological Institute and Danish.Care shows that every single Danish municipality that participated in the survey (80 municipalities) expects to face a shortage of healthcare personnel in the future.

Technology is part of the solution

The same survey reveals that 96 per cent of Danish municipalities view technology as part of the solution to the recruitment and workforce challenges, while 97 per cent believe that successful use of assistive technology is important for maintaining the municipal level of welfare.

And that is precisely why so many people choose to attend the Health & Rehab fair, says Morten Rasmussen.

"The fact that we can bring so many people from the sector together under one roof shows that society as a whole takes the recruitment challenges and workforce shortages seriously. There is a need to do things differently in the future if we are to maintain the level of welfare in Denmark, and the technological potential in the health and welfare sector is undoubtedly enormous."

"It is not about technology taking over close, personal care and human attention. It is about technology serving as a supplement in care work and redirecting human resources to where they create the greatest value -- and that is precisely in close, personal care. That is why we are all here."

Strong interest from home and abroad

More than 7,500 visitors attended Health & Rehab when the fair was last held in 2023. The expectation is that even more will attend in 2025.

Visitors include both frontline staff and managers from municipalities and regions, such as occupational and physiotherapists, nurses and assistive technology consultants. In addition, a number of private citizens attend, and there are also guests from more than 20 other countries, primarily from Sweden, Norway and Germany.

"There are many good reasons to visit Health & Rehab 2025. It covers everything from recruitment challenges and workforce shortages, to an overview of the latest solutions for people with disabilities, to education and political debate about the assistive products sector. And it is simply fascinating in itself to see all the brilliant solutions on display. So I would encourage everyone to come along -- there is something for everyone and admission is free."

-- Morten Rasmussen

Visit the three unique zones at Health & Rehab 2025

2025-02-28T12:00:00Z

Health & Rehab is more than an exhibition -- it is a meeting place for professionals, companies and users who want to experience the latest solutions in healthcare, assistive technology and assistive products. Once again this year, you can explore three unique zones at the fair: the Activity Zone, the Startup & Scaleup Zone and the News Zone. Each zone offers inspiration, innovation and hands-on experiences.

The News Zone -- see the latest products and the "Product of the Year" award

The News Zone is where visitors can discover the very latest products and solutions in assistive products, assistive technology and care and hospital equipment. Exhibitors at Health & Rehab have the opportunity to showcase their new products here, giving you a unique overview of the newest products and technologies in the industry.

Every year, an independent judging panel selects "Product of the Year" from among the products in the News Zone. The winner is chosen on the basis of criteria such as novelty value, practical benefit, distinctive features and the product's ability to improve quality of life for the user and working conditions for professionals.

The "Product of the Year" award ceremony takes place on the first day of the fair, Tuesday 4 March at 16:30, and is one of the major highlights of the event. The News Zone is open throughout the fair's opening hours.

The Activity Zone -- try new forms of exercise and meet inspiring communities

In the Activity Zone, you can try out a range of products and activities that focus on movement, inclusion and quality of life. Whether you are curious about sports activities, outdoor projects or communities for people living with chronic conditions, you will find inspiration here.

In the Activity Zone, you can:

Try seated skipping with Split Ropes -- a skipping rope that can be used by everyone
Test a handcycle and talk to Handbike.dk about the sport and the fantastic experiences it offers
Meet Kroniske Influencers -- an association and community for people with chronic conditions
Learn about the "Nature for All" project at Videncenter om Handicap
Experience outdoor life with Outdoor Connection
Learn about community through e-sports at Para E-sport Danmark
Meet Guldberg Adaptive Training

The Startup & Scaleup Zone -- today's entrepreneurs with tomorrow's solutions

Are you interested in the assistive products and assistive technology of the future? Then visit the Startup & Scaleup Zone, where new companies present their innovative solutions. Here you can meet startups that are revolutionising the healthcare sector and scaleups that have already proven their value and are now ready to scale up. It is a unique opportunity to see the latest technologies, talk to entrepreneurs and gain insight into the solutions of the future. The exhibiting companies are all part of Danish.Care's startup programme CareTech CHALLENGE.

The Startup & Scaleup Zone is open throughout the fair's opening hours. On Tuesday 4 March and Thursday 6 March at 12:15, you can hear pitches from the startup companies on the Main Stage.

On Wednesday 5 March at 15:30, you can experience CareTech CHALLENGE & KEYSTONES: An afternoon in the startup world.

No matter which zone you visit, there is plenty of inspiration and experiences awaiting you at Health & Rehab. We look forward to seeing you at Bella Center on 4--6 March!

Decon mobility won the Product of the Year award at Health & Rehab

2025-03-05T00:00:00Z

The "Product of the Year" award has been presented at the Health & Rehab 2025 fair, where an independent judging panel selected the year's most innovative product from 21 strong candidates. The winning product was chosen on the basis of its novelty value, practical benefit, distinctive features and its ability to improve quality of life for users and working conditions for professionals.

Winner of Product of the Year 2025

The winner of "Product of the Year" was Decon mobility's Eppur Dreeft, a wheelchair wheel with a built-in braking function. The braking system operates smoothly, does not cause friction burns on the hands and requires up to 80% less force. The product impressed the judging panel with its outstanding combination of functionality, design and innovation. Developed with a focus on user-friendliness and intuitive operation, the product can make a significant difference for the user. Martin Fog Thomsen, CEO of Decon mobility, accepted the award.

Ivan Kjaer Lauridsen, Head of Assistive Technology at Aarhus Municipality and member of the judging panel, commented:

"In 2025, we see a field of exceptionally exciting products, each reflecting thorough research and development. Functionality, elegance and design come together beautifully in this year's winning product, and it is clear that the groundwork has been extremely thorough and user-centred. Even the spin of the wheel is beautiful."

Morten Rasmussen, CEO of Danish.Care, highlighted the significance of the award and the innovative drive in the industry:

"Innovation plays a key role in the development of our health and welfare sector. With the 'Product of the Year' award, we want to highlight solutions that are not only groundbreaking but also make a tangible difference to citizens' quality of life."

Second and third place honoured

Second place goes to Scewo Bano, a stair-climbing power wheelchair that the judging panel said will undoubtedly appear on many wish lists. The product combines mobility with innovative solutions that can make a real difference for users with special needs.

Third place is awarded to the Axitare medicine robot, whose novelty value lies in its ability to handle dose-packaged medication, dispense powders, liquids and individual pills. In addition, it can dose remotely and be supplemented with video consultations. Axitare's medicine robot is already in use in Finland with more than 3,000 users and demonstrates significant potential for wider adoption.

The News Zone and the award

The News Zone is a popular area at Health & Rehab where the latest products and solutions in assistive products, assistive technology and care and hospital equipment are showcased. The zone gives visitors a unique overview of the industry's innovations and developments.

The "Product of the Year" award is organised by Danish.Care in collaboration with DokkX Aarhus and the Danish Board of Social Services and Housing. All exhibitors at the fair are eligible to participate, and the award recognises the considerable work that goes into developing solutions that create real value for the social, health and care sector.

Health & Rehab 2025: Three days of innovation, debate and community

2025-03-07T00:00:00Z

Health & Rehab 2025 has just concluded with great success. The doors have closed after three days filled with activity, professional insight and networking in the halls. This year's fair showcased a wealth of innovative solutions, engaging debates and valuable cross-sector meetings -- and, above all, a truly unique and positive atmosphere.

Interest was strong from the start, and the fair kicked off with a festive and inspiring opening ceremony where the incredible para-athlete Emma Lund set the tone by heading a beach ball with the help of journalist and TV host Christian Degn. Another highlight was the Product of the Year award. The winner was Decon Mobility's Eppur Dreeft, a wheelchair wheel with a built-in, smooth braking function.

We also hosted a powerful political debate on assistive product provision, with participants including Christian Friis Bach from the Liberal Party and Kirsten Normann Andersen from the Socialist People's Party, alongside Susanne Olsen from the Danish Disability Organisation and Tina Noer Langager from the Association of Danish Occupational Therapists. The debate underscored "the importance of a coherent approach to the assistive products sector" and gave rise to many interesting perspectives and discussions, including the balance between trust and bureaucracy.

Another highlight was the well-attended MDR seminar on the final day of the fair, where representatives from industry and municipal stakeholders focused on the status of the Medical Device Regulation and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

The fair brought together a broad spectrum of visitors -- from students and public-sector employees to company representatives and citizens -- all of whom helped make Health & Rehab 2025 a vibrant forum for knowledge sharing and inspiration.

We thank all visitors and exhibitors for their engagement and are already looking forward to the next fair. Health & Rehab will return in April 2027, and we look forward to once again gathering around the future of assistive products and assistive technology.

See you in 2027!

The Co-Creation Conference Combined Health and Social Care Expertise with Technology

2025-03-10T00:00:00Z

Around 25 students from Danish social and health care schools took part in the Co-Creation Conference, gaining new tools for their professional toolkit.

The Co-Creation Conference was held on Thursday 6 March as part of Health & Rehab 2025. The aim was to create a space where students could work across professions and disciplines in connection with the use of assistive technologies.

The students were divided into interdisciplinary groups and presented with realistic scenarios. They were sent out among the trade fair's exhibitors to find solutions and assess how assistive products and assistive technology could be used and adapted to specific citizen cases.

The conference underscored the importance of involving future professionals in the development of tomorrow's assistive technology solutions — because the people who will be working with the products should also help to shape them.

Here are the key figures from Health & Rehab 2025

2025-04-24T00:00:00Z

The key figures from a highly successful Health & Rehab in March are out. Explore them here.

Health & Rehab 2025 in numbers

7,608 visitors over three fair days
178 exhibitors from Denmark and abroad
Visitors from 27 countries

Top 10 international visitor countries

Sweden — 115
Germany — 51
Norway — 50
Iceland — 24
Faroe Islands — 23
Netherlands — 22
Taiwan — 14
Finland — 12
England — 10
Poland — 8

Health & Rehab 2025 confirms the fair's position as Northern Europe's leading trade fair for assistive products, health and assistive technology, digital solutions and care and hospital equipment. We look forward to seeing even more visitors in 2027.

Save the date: one year until Health & Rehab 2027

2026-03-10T00:00:00Z

Health & Rehab is Northern Europe's largest and leading trade fair, showcasing the latest and best in health and assistive technology, rehabilitation, assistive products, services, and nursing and hospital equipment. We gather the industry at its most important meeting place — a forum for inspiration, professional development and knowledge sharing for everyone working in the healthcare sector.

Mark 6-8 April 2027 in your calendar, and follow along here for the latest news about the fair at Bella Center Copenhagen.

The meeting place for health and welfare

Health & Rehab is the natural meeting place for suppliers, professionals, decision-makers and users from the social, healthcare and elderly-care sectors who want to stay ahead. Here, you will experience both the latest groundbreaking innovations and proven solutions that already create value in practice.

Experience the technology up close. See and try assistive products, technologies and services. A wide range of companies are ready to present both the newest and the well-established solutions within health and assistive technology.

Meet professionals and decision-makers. Build new connections. Find future partners or suppliers, and reconnect with healthcare professionals, therapists and industry peers.

Join seminars and debates. The programme features a wide range of talks, seminars and workshops, together with an inspiring opening and political debate on the future of public health and the welfare system.

A look back at 2025 — high attendance and strong satisfaction

In 2025, visitor satisfaction was high — 79 % were very satisfied or satisfied with their visit to Health & Rehab.

The fair hosted 178 exhibitors, and more than 7,600 people attended. Visitors included private citizens, relatives, therapists, healthcare professionals, public-sector employees and decision-makers.

We expect strong attendance again in 2027, when we open the doors once more at Bella Center Copenhagen.

Questions about the fair?

Do you have questions about Health & Rehab 2027? Contact Helle directly — she'll be happy to help.

Follow Health & Rehab on LinkedIn

2026-05-26T00:00:00Z

We've created a LinkedIn page for Health & Rehab, where we'll regularly share news about the upcoming 2027 trade fair.

The page is aimed at both exhibitors and visitors.

Follow the page here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trade-fair-health-rehab-by-danish-care/

Health & Rehab 2027 — News

Product of the Year awarded at the News Zone

The winner: Switch-It Vigo head control

Second and third place

Thank you for this year!

Visitor numbers

See you again in 2025

One year until Health & Rehab on 4-6 March 2025

CareTech CHALLENGE: A startup programme taking flight

A journey towards more innovation, implementation and scaling

From startup to strategic partnership

Have you booked your stand at Health & Rehab 2025?

Book a stand for your company and seize the opportunity to:

Digital solutions for welfare and healthcare

Are you joining Health & Rehab 2025?

Sunrise Medical embraces digital development

Growth through acquisition

Facts about Sunrise Medical

Sensio's Digital Solutions Are Transforming Elderly Care

A Municipality Saw the Potential

Detecting Falls

High Satisfaction

Entering the Danish Market

Facts About Sensio

From empty halls to a vibrant trade fair

A free and independent life without sight: "Our assistive products make us more free"

A major difference

Technological possibilities

Braille in everyday life

Experiencing limitations

New Technologies Pave the Way for Inclusion

Just one month until Health & Rehab -- get ready for your visit

Assistive technology receives historic attention -- but knowledge is lacking

Join the Political Debate on Sustainable Assistive Product Provision at Health & Rehab

Harder Access

Political Debate

Visit SynsExpo at this year's fair

Get out into nature during your visit to Health & Rehab

Searchable information

Showcasing the possibilities

Facts about Nature For All

Social and Health Care Students Look Forward to Co-Creation Conference

Co-Creation Across Disciplines

Technology Plays a Growing Role

The 2025 Fair Magazine is out now

Thousands gather around assistive technology: Working to secure the future of welfare

Recruitment challenges and workforce shortages

Technology is part of the solution

Strong interest from home and abroad

Visit the three unique zones at Health & Rehab 2025

The News Zone -- see the latest products and the "Product of the Year" award

The Activity Zone -- try new forms of exercise and meet inspiring communities

The Startup & Scaleup Zone -- today's entrepreneurs with tomorrow's solutions

Decon mobility won the Product of the Year award at Health & Rehab

Winner of Product of the Year 2025

Second and third place honoured

The News Zone and the award

Health & Rehab 2025: Three days of innovation, debate and community

The Co-Creation Conference Combined Health and Social Care Expertise with Technology

Here are the key figures from Health & Rehab 2025

Health & Rehab 2025 in numbers

Top 10 international visitor countries

Save the date: one year until Health & Rehab 2027

The meeting place for health and welfare

Three good reasons to visit Health & Rehab

A look back at 2025 — high attendance and strong satisfaction

Questions about the fair?

Follow Health & Rehab on LinkedIn