The Millennium Innovation Days (MID 2025), organized by the Smart Textiles Platform Austria, once again served as a forward-looking forum for innovation, research, and technology. Acting as one of the platforms embedded within ATIMA, the event brought together experts, companies, and research institutions from diverse technological fields to discuss current developments, synergies, and emerging trends.
Through its close connection with other ATIMA partner networks, particularly NanoNet, the program clearly reflected ATIMA’s interdisciplinary orientation. The focus was on fostering networking and knowledge exchange among stakeholders in the fields of Smart Textiles, Nanotechnology, Materials Development, MedTech, Digitalization, and Sustainable Innovation. The overarching goal was to generate joint impulses for future-oriented material and technology developments.
Day 1 | RESEARCH & INNOVATION
The first day of the event was dedicated to Research and Innovation. In engaging keynotes and panel discussions, national and international experts shared insights into the latest scientific findings, technological advancements, and innovation strategies.
A particular highlight was the 25th NanoNet Meeting, held as an integral part of the Millennium Innovation Days. This anniversary meeting provided a platform for intensive exchange within the ATIMA partner network NanoNet, focusing on current progress in nanotechnology and materials research. Topics included sustainable material development, novel applications in sensor technology, and the interfaces between nano-, bio-, and textile technologies.
Another key session on the first day was the workshop on the Digital Product Passport, which was presented as a crucial tool for transparency, sustainability, and traceability across industrial value chains. Participants discussed its potential applications not only in the MedTech sector but also in materials and textile innovation.
Workshops and discussion sessions further encouraged practical dialogue between academia and industry – a central feature of the MID that strengthens the bridge between fundamental research and market-ready innovation.
Day 2 | MEDTECH & DIGITAL HEALTH
The second day focused on MedTech and Digital Health – two areas of growing importance for a future-oriented and sustainable healthcare system.
Inspiring keynotes explored the latest developments in digital medicine, personalized therapies, and the role of data-driven technologies in healthcare. Moreover, interactive panels and networking sessions provided participants with opportunities to exchange perspectives on innovation strategies, regulatory developments, and potential collaborations. The day clearly illustrated how platforms such as ATIMA actively drive the integration of research, technology, and medical application.
Conclusion
The Millennium Innovation Days 2025 stood out as a vibrant forum for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer. Through its strong integration within the ATIMA ecosystem and the inclusion of the 25th NanoNet Meeting, the event once again underscored the value of connecting research, industry, and technology to foster innovative and sustainable solutions.
Covering topics ranging from Smart Textiles and Nanotechnology to Digital Health, the MID 2025 set a powerful signal for the future of material and technology development in Austria and beyond.
