Black Forest Innovation Summit at Furtwangen University

At the recent Black Forest Innovation Summit hosted by Furtwangen University (HFU), a pioneering project aimed at enhancing vision for older adults was prominently showcased. Dr. Torsten Straßer and Sven Schumayer from the Institute for Ophthalmic Research at the Department for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, presented the project "Sharp Vision Even in Old Age" to Baden-Württemberg’s Minister for Science, Research, and Arts, Petra Olschowski. The project, led by Dr. Straßer, focuses on the development of accommodating contact lenses and intraocular lenses, offering an advanced solution for age-related vision impairments, such as presbyopia.

This collaborative effort involves the Institute for Ophthalmic Research, HFU’s Institute for Microsystems Engineering (IMST) under the direction of Prof. Dr. Volker Bucher, and the Institute of Microelectronics at the University of Ulm. Together, these institutes are integrating microsystems technology and electronic innovation to create state-of-the-art biomimetic lenses. The project, which is funded by the Carl Zeiss-Stiftung, holds the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for older individuals by restoring sharper vision.

The Summit also marked the official inauguration of HFU's new president, Dr. Alexandra Bormann. In her address, Minister Petra Olschowski praised Dr. Bormann’s leadership and her accomplishments since taking office in March, including the adoption of a new university constitution and the strengthening of HFU’s health sciences programs. Dr. Bormann emphasized the role of universities in fostering innovation through collaboration and shared her vision for HFU to lead in regional and international advancements. 

The Summit, featuring innovative exhibitions and diverse keynote speeches, underscored HFU’s commitment to shaping the future through research, collaboration, and technological progress under Dr. Bormann’s leadership.