Ukrainian medical technologies conquer the EU
Ukrainians presented VRNOW, a virtual reality method for rehabilitating military and civilians who have lost limbs, at an international MedTech conference held on July 6 in Patras, Greece. The development aroused the interest of the event participants as a practical solution that is already being actively used in Ukrainian rehabilitation centers during a full-scale war.
The presentation was made by the company’s CEO Artem Chyhyrynsky, who not only demonstrated the functionality of the VR simulator but also took part in a panel discussion with the Advisor to the Minister of Health of Serbia. The central topic of the discussion was the role of technology in transforming the medical system and its ability to be quickly implemented in real practice.
The conference brought together experts from different EU countries, including Greece, Germany, Romania, and Poland, and became a platform for dialogue between representatives of governments, business, medical and scientific communities. Particular attention was paid to the development of medical R&D centers, the development of practical technologies for clinical use, and the introduction of digital tools in healthcare. In particular, it was determined that Ukraine has a high development potential in this area.
The Ukrainian presentation focused on the practical experience of using VR for rehabilitation in the context of war, in particular for soldiers with amputations, musculoskeletal injuries, and post-traumatic conditions. VRNOW is one of the few VR products developed in cooperation with rehabilitation specialists and tested at Ukrainian medical facilities during a full-scale war.
“We have a huge demand for rehabilitation and, at the same time, experience in the rapid implementation of high-tech solutions in medicine. We can become a European R&D hub in this area,” said Artem Chyhyrynsky during the discussion.
Why is it important?
- Ukraine offers the EU market practical innovations that have been tested in crisis conditions.
The technologies developed in the war are put to the real test of stress and time. Their effectiveness has been proven not in laboratories but in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. This gives Ukrainian solutions a unique value – they are ready to be scaled up and adapted to other healthcare systems.
- Ukraine ceases to be a party in need of assistance and acts as a full partner.
During the conference, the Ukrainian delegation not only shared its experience, but also proposed solutions that have already been of interest to European partners. This is a change in Ukraine’s role on the global technological map: from a recipient to a supplier of innovations.
- Rehabilitation will be a key topic for Europe for years to come.
With the aging of the population, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growing number of post-traumatic syndromes (including among IDPs and the military), EU countries are looking for effective, affordable, and technologically advanced approaches to long-term therapy. Ukrainian experience in the field of physical and cognitive rehabilitation can form the basis of new European protocols.
The significant interest in Ukrainian developments from the international audience confirms this: Ukraine is able not only to meet global challenges, but also to set new standards in the European medical system.
VRNOW is a prime example of how technology can make the rehabilitation process more accessible, efficient, and person-centered.
