Market Development Program
Project-Based Market Development Initiatives for SMEs
Through its program “Measures to Open Up Foreign Markets for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Manufacturing Sector and for Service Providers,” the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) supports German companies in establishing themselves internationally. Foreign partner organizations also regularly offer interesting opportunities for the SPECTARIS sectors to enter foreign markets.
For this target group to succeed in exporting to foreign markets, intensive and targeted preparation and exploration of business opportunities, as well as support in market research and networking, are of great importance.
SPECTARIS contributes its expertise to selected projects within the market development program and, through the program, offers companies the opportunity to gather valuable market information at informational events or to participate in market exploration trips or business development trips. Buyer and information trips, in which buyers from potential target markets travel to Germany, are also offered as an additional component.
This page provides an overview of ongoing market development projects for the SPECTARIS industries.
You can find a general project overview on the Export Guide page for the Market Development Program.
OVERVIEW OF CURRENT PROJECTS 2026
Below are the new projects from the SPECTARIS industries for the year 2025.
For an overview of all projects in the market development program and additional information, please see the GTAI Export Guide.
Business Development Trip to Indonesia: Optics, Photonics, and High-Tech Applications | September 7–10, 2026
SPECTARIS, in collaboration with the German-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKONID), is supporting a business development trip to Indonesia for German companies in the fields of optics, photonics, and automation for the electronics and semiconductor industries, as well as those offering related applications in medical technology and diagnostics.
The trip is scheduled to take place from September 7 to 10, 2026, in Jakarta and Bandung. The program includes market and legal briefings, networking with Indonesian stakeholders, visits to companies and institutions, and individually arranged B2B meetings with potential partners and customers.
Indonesia is emerging as a key hub for electronics and semiconductor activities in Southeast Asia, while also investing in the expansion of its healthcare infrastructure. The delegation is therefore of particular interest to companies that wish to explore market opportunities early on, gain a better understanding of local value chains, and establish sustainable contacts with industry, research institutions, and healthcare facilities. Through a combination of a specialized supporting program and concrete business development opportunities, the trip is practically oriented toward market entry, establishing partnerships, and pilot projects.
Participation takes place as part of a funded market development project under the standard program terms; companies are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
Registration and further information:
The registration deadline is June 23, 2026. To register for the business development trip, please send an email to aussenwirtschaft@spectaris.de.
If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible. Once you have contacted us, we will send you the trip information letter and the registration documents.
Below you will find the entries for the relevant trips in the market development program. A general overview of all projects can be found on theGTAI Export Guide page—MEP Business Trips and Projects
Market Exploration Trip to Cambodia & Vietnam: Opportunities for the German Medical Technology Industry
From September 13 to 18, 2026 , the German Business Delegation in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam), in collaboration with enviacon International , will organize a market exploration trip on the topic of “Medical Technology in Cambodia & Vietnam” as part of the market development program for SMEs . The trip is aimed in particular at German companies in the fields of diagnostics, imaging, digital health, and hospital infrastructure.
Two dynamic growth markets in Southeast Asia
Vietnam and Cambodia offer attractive market opportunities for German medical technology companies:
- Vietnam is investing heavily in modernizing its hospital infrastructure and digitizing its healthcare system. The market is heavily dependent on imports—high-quality German medical technology, in particular, enjoys an excellent reputation.
- Cambodia is emerging as a growing niche market with high demand for modern diagnostics and digital infrastructure. Due to a lack of local production, the country is almost entirely dependent on imports.
Target Audience
The trip is aimed specifically at small and medium-sized businesses, with a focus on:
- High-End Diagnostics and Imaging
- E-health and telemedicine solutions
- Hospital and Clinic Infrastructure
- Market entry or expansion of existing operations in Southeast Asia
What Participants Can Expect
The market exploration trip offers a structured and practical approach to both target markets:
- Specialized Seminars and Market Briefings
- Networking with local decision-makers and potential partners
- Referral and Hospital Visits
- Insights into Current Projects and Regulatory Frameworks
- On-site support from the AHK Vietnam
The preliminary itinerary includes stops in Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), featuring professional events, group visits, and bilateral talks.
Terms and Conditions of Participation
Participation takes place as part of the market development program for SMEs and is subject to the de minimis rules. The company’s own contribution ranges from 250 EUR to 1,500 EUR net, depending on the size of the company.
Interested?
If you are interested, please contact us by email at:
aussenwirtschaft@spectaris.de
We will be happy to provide you with the detailed information letter, the registration link, and further details.
- Registration deadline: July 15, 2026
- Participants: Up to 15 companies
Italy 2025–2026 Collaborative Project: Business Development for German Companies in the Healthcare Sector, with a Focus on E-Health and Medical Technology in the Inpatient Sector
Italy is Europe’s third-largest medical technology market—it is growing rapidly, attracting significant investment, and offering plenty of opportunities for innovative German solutions. As part of the market development program for SMEs funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), we are partnering with the German-Italian Chamber of Commerce (AHK Italien) to support up to ten German companies from the medical technology and e-health sectors as they enter this promising market.
What can you expect?
Fromlate 2025 through late 2026, the participating companies will take part in a structured collaborative project consisting of the following modules:
Kickoff Workshopto Refine Objectives and Prepare (Fall 2025)
Webinarson Market Opportunities, Regulations, and Reimbursement Systems
Market research and business development tripsto Northern Italy, including visits to hospital networks, innovation clusters, and industry events
Fact-finding trip to Germany by Italian decision-makers
The focus is on sustainable partnerships, strategic market entry, and sustainable business development. Target regions include, in particular, the highly interconnected clusters inLombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto.
We are looking for SMEs with solutions in the following areas:
High-precision diagnostic and therapeutic devices
Robotics and Minimally Invasive Technologies
Networked Monitoring Systems, IoMT, AI Applications
Smart Hospital Technologies & Process Automation
Sustainable Hospital Solutions
Why it's worth participating:
Tailored Access to the Italian Market
Personalized support from experts at the AHK Italy
Positioning in an Innovation-Friendly Environment
Exclusive B2B contacts with potential partners, customers, and institutions
Participation under attractive terms as part of the de minimis aid program
Participation fee:
The project is funded as part of the market development program for SMEs. The company's share of the costs depends on the size of the business and amounts to:
1,500 EUR (net) for companies with annual revenue of less than 2 million EUR and fewer than 10 employees
2,250 EUR (net) for companies with annual revenue of less than 50 million EUR and fewer than 500 employees
3,000 EUR (net) for larger companies
Note: Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meal expenses. Consulting services are certified under the De Minimis Regulation.
Interested?
If you are interested, please contact us by email at:
aussenwirtschaft@spectaris.de
We will be happy to provide you with the detailed information letter, the registration link, and further details.
Registration deadline:October 31, 2025
Business Development Trip to the Healthcare Industry: Focus on Medical Technology in Côte d'Ivoire | March 14–18, 2027
On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), trAIDe GmbH, together with its local partner INAFRICA and its collaborating partners MedicalMountain, BioCon Valley, and GHA, is organizing a business development trip to Côte d'Ivoire. This initiative is part of the Healthcare Industry Export Initiative and the Market Development Program for SMEs. SPECTARIS is a partner in the trip and is assisting its member companies with registration and participation.
Côte d'Ivoire: A Growing Market
Côte d'Ivoire is one of the most dynamic growth markets in the West African healthcare sector. Ongoing infrastructure development, rising investment, and growing demand driven by population growth and urbanization are fueling the market for medical devices in particular—such as in the fields of diagnostics, laboratory technology, imaging, and hospital and operating room equipment. The government has set a strategic goal of systematically expanding the healthcare sector and medical infrastructure; government programs and international development projects are promoting investment in hospitals, health centers, and modern medical technology.
Abidjan serves as West Africa’s central economic and logistical hub, with a high concentration of companies, healthcare facilities, and international players—an environment conducive to market entry and collaboration. German companies can leverage their technological expertise, international project experience, and strengths in quality, compliance with standards, and service as competitive advantages here.
Target Audience
The trip is aimed at German companies in the healthcare and medical technology sectors that offer exportable products and/or services, particularly in the fields of diagnostics, laboratory technology, imaging, and hospital and operating room equipment.
Preliminary Program
- Sun, Mar. 14, 2027 – Arrival in Abidjan
- Mon., Mar. 15, 2027 – Briefing Session, Company Visit I, Pitch Deck Coaching
- Tue, Mar. 16, 2027 – Presentation followed by a matchmaking event
- Wed., Mar. 17, 2027 – Workshop, meeting with the German Embassy
- Thu, Mar. 18, 2027 – Company Visit II, debriefing, return flight to Germany
Participants will be provided with a personalized list of potential business partners and a market analysis of the target country; B2B meetings will be scheduled according to individual preferences.
Terms and Conditions and Costs
Participation is subject to the de minimis rule. The company's share of the costs depends on the size of the business:
- 250 euros (net) for companies with annual revenue of less than 2 million euros and fewer than 10 employees
- 850 euros (net) for companies with annual revenue of less than 150 million euros and fewer than 750 employees
- 1,500 euros (net) for companies with annual revenue of at least 150 million euros or at least 750 employees
Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meal expenses. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of twelve companies; selection will be based on the order in which applications are received, with priority given to SMEs.
Registration and More Information
The registration deadline is November 15, 2026. To register for the business development trip, please send an email to aussenwirtschaft@spectaris.de. If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible. Once you have contacted us, we will send you the trip information letter and the registration documents.
Im folgenden sehen Sie die neuen Projekte der SPECTARIS-Branchen für das Jahr 2026. Eine Übersicht aller Projekte findet sich hier.
Business Development Trip to Saudi Arabia Focusing on Analytical, Biotech, and Laboratory Technology
November 28 – December 2, 2026 | Saudi Arabia
SPECTARIS invites its member companies in the fields of analytical, biotechnology, and laboratory technology to participate in a business development trip to Saudi Arabia. The trip is organized by Globalia Connect in collaboration with the German Business Delegation for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen (AHK Saudi Arabia) and carried out on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The project is part of the market development program for SMEs and is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized German companies.
SPECTARIS is an official partner of the initiative and supports its member companies with registration and participation.
Background and Market Trends in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the most important growth markets in the Middle East and is pursuing comprehensive economic diversification through its “Vision 2030” initiative. A key focus of this initiative is the expansion of the healthcare sector and the strengthening of research and development. In this context, analytical, biotechnology, and laboratory technologies are becoming increasingly important, as they form an essential foundation for modern diagnostics, quality control, and scientific innovation.
In particular, the economic hubs of Riyadh and Jeddah are emerging as key centers for the healthcare industry, research, and modern laboratory infrastructure. Demand for high-quality technological solutions is steadily increasing, for example in the following areas:
- Medical Laboratory Diagnostics
- Industrial Analytics
- Environmental Analyses
- Biotechnology Applications
- Laboratory Automation
- Digital Laboratory Solutions
Government programs such as the National Biotechnology Strategy and the Saudi Genome Program, as well as extensive investments in research, diagnostics, and healthcare infrastructure, are creating attractive market opportunities for international providers. German companies enjoy an excellent reputation for quality, innovation, and technological expertise.
Target Audience
The business development trip is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and innovative providers in the fields of analytical, biotech, and laboratory technology; diagnostics; laboratory automation; and related technologies in the healthcare industry. It is particularly aimed at companies seeking to enter the Saudi market or expand their existing operations. These include, among others, providers of laboratory and diagnostic systems, molecular diagnostics, biotechnology, cell culture, and automation solutions, as well as manufacturers of laboratory consumables and digital applications.
Itinerary
The business matchmaking event includes several program items:
- Market and Industry Briefing by the AHK Saudi Arabia and Globalia Connect
- Presentation event to showcase German technologies and solutions to a Saudi audience of industry professionals
- One-on-one B2B meetings with potential customers, partners, and decision-makers
- Visits to Companies and Institutions in Riyadh and Jeddah
- Networking events with key market players
- On-site support and assistance from the AHK Saudi Arabia
- Follow-up and closing meetings to lay the groundwork for lasting business relationships
Among the key benefits of participating are direct access to decision-makers in government and industry, high-quality business contacts, and comprehensive information on the legal, tax, and operational framework of the target market.
Terms and Conditions and Costs
Participation is subject to the de minimis rule. The company's share of the costs depends on the size of the business:
- 250 euros (net) for companies with annual revenue of less than 2 million euros and fewer than 10 employees
- 850 euros (net) for companies with annual revenue of less than 150 million euros and fewer than 750 employees
- 1,500 euros (net) for companies with annual revenue of at least 150 million euros or at least 750 employees
Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meal expenses. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of twelve companies. Selection will be based on the order in which applications are received, with priority given to SMEs.
Registration and more information:
The registration deadline is August 7, 2026. To register for the business development trip, please send an email toaussenwirtschaft@spectaris.de.
If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible. Once you have contacted us, we will send you the trip information letter and the registration documents.
Your Contacts
What Our Members Say
SPECTARIS acts as a strong association that vigorously represents the interests of its members in the political, business, and social spheres.
“SPECTARIS acts as a strong association that vigorously represents its members’ interests in the political, business, and social spheres. As members, we have the opportunity to actively raise our concerns and help shape the agenda to ensure that our voice is heard in relevant political and social discussions. In addition, through SPECTARIS, we have access to a broad network of companies, experts, and decision-makers from the high-tech industry. This allows us to forge valuable contacts and leverage synergies. Through this exchange, we and other members can benefit from each other’s experiences and expertise.”
Frank-Martin Rammelt, Managing Director of seleon GmbH
Together, we are strong.
Together we are strong—That is why we value the strong network and the open and excellent collaboration within the association, which allows us, as one of the leading manufacturers, to work together on solutions to the modern challenges in the contact lens industry, to collaborate on joint campaigns, and to capitalize on identified trends.
Johannes Zupfer, General Manager for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, CooperVision GmbH
Advancing Photonics
Photonics is one of the most innovative key industries and places high demands on the organizations that represent its interests. SPECTARIS meets these demands in a compelling manner. As a strong industry association, SPECTARIS effectively represents the interests of its members in the political, business, and social spheres, while also promoting exchange and networking within the industry. We thank SPECTARIS for this commitment and greatly value our trusting collaboration.
Dr. Ralf Kuschnereit, JENOPTIK AG
OBE relies on high-quality products “Made in Germany.”
OBE relies on high-quality products “Made in Germany.” Thanks to innovation and automation, spring hinges and security screws can be manufactured in large quantities at the Ispringen facility. This goes hand in hand with increased productivity and a division of labor for simple products at our facility in China. In this way, we secure jobs in Germany.
Peter Specht / Erik Schäfer - Managing Directors, OBE
Community makes us strong!
For us as medium-sized companies, the SPECTARIS association serves as a bridge between the government and our interests—our collective strength makes us stronger! We appreciate the very helpful continuing education program in the field of medical technology and benefit from the organization of a wide variety of delegation trips. Our membership in SPECTARIS also ensures that we receive regular updates on new regulatory requirements.
Maik Greiser, Managing Partner / CEO, ATMOS MedizinTechnik GmbH & Co. KG
The association offers services that are perfectly tailored to our needs.
Our industry association, SPECTARIS, is a strong advocate for the interests of medium-sized, owner-managed companies like ours. It is just as important to us that the association provides a platform for open dialogue among member companies and offers services—such as industry reports and events focused on specific topics—that are perfectly tailored to our needs.
Managing Partners of Jüke Systemtechnik GmbH, Martin Hovestadt (left) and Heinrich Jürgens (right)
A Voice for Medical Technology
For us as a medical technology manufacturer, SPECTARIS serves as an important voice in our dealings with policymakers. Especially in light of the current MDR, it is immensely important to have a strong and effective association to represent our interests. We are very satisfied with our collaboration and feel well represented.
Regina Kirchner-Gottschalk, Managing Director of KaWe – KIRCHNER & WILHELM GmbH + Co. KG
Innovation drives us forward
Demands are growing, markets are changing—but innovation opens up new paths for us. With digital progress, bold ideas, and modern processes, we are shaping the standards of tomorrow. As a SPECTARIS member, we leverage the strength of the network to actively shape the future in this dynamic environment.
Fabian Bohnen, COO / Stephan Börner, CEO, Ofa Bamberg GmbH
What we particularly appreciate about SPECTARIS is its technical expertise.
As a medium-sized medical technology company, Richard Wolf benefits greatly from SPECTARIS’s extensive network. We particularly value their technical expertise.
Management of Richard Wolf GmbH: Mr. Pfab, Mr. Steinbeck
It's worth getting involved!
In times of rapid and far-reaching changes in the medtech industry and a challenging regulatory environment, SPECTARIS is an important partner for our company and plays an indispensable role as an advocate for our interests in Berlin and Brussels. It’s worth getting involved!
Bert Sutter, Managing Director, Sutter Medizintechnik GmbH
We want to be a trusted partner for our laboratory customers, both today and in the future.
SPECTARIS’s in-depth information on industry and technology trends, as well as the regulatory landscape, is just as important to us as its advocacy work in Berlin and Brussels. The dedicated SPECTARIS team is always a great point of contact for us.
Dr. Christoph Schöler, Managing Partner, BRAND GMBH + CO KG, VACUUBRAND GMBH + CO KG
A voice for the industry
In a diverse and specialized industry such as analytical technology—which is highly technical and subject to numerous regulatory requirements—small specialists compete with large technology conglomerates. SPECTARIS succeeds in uniting the interests of all its members and serves as the industry’s collective voice and advocate.
Albrecht Sieper, Managing Director of Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH
SPECTARIS is the ideal platform.
SPECTARIS provides us with the ideal platform for constructive dialogue with member companies and serves as a reliable voice for the laboratory industry in the realms of politics and science.
Dr. Gunther Wobser, Managing Partner of LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG
SPECTARIS fosters collaboration in our industry.
“The very informative discussions at SPECTARIS in Berlin and here at our office convinced me of SPECTARIS’s commitment and the quality of its work. In particular, the opportunity to combine topics from analytical, biotechnology, and laboratory technology with the field of medical technology is very interesting for Sigma,” I wrote upon joining in 2011. This has been confirmed, and today we are actively involved in several working groups.
Dr. Michael Sander, Managing Director of Sigma Laborzentrifugen GmbH
National advocacy group puts the spotlight on the industry
Laser Components benefits from the industry association in a variety of ways. As a company, we value the broad exchange of information within the working groups—whether in human resources, marketing, or export control, customs, and foreign trade practices. For our industry, Spectaris also serves as a political voice—the Photonics Trade Association not only maintains constant communication with the BMWi and BMBF ministries but also provides information on European initiatives.
Patrick Paul, Managing Director of LASER COMPONENTS GmbH
A Voice for Innovative Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
In the century of the photon, we need an advocacy group that is both strong and responsive. For us, as providers and consultants for the most innovative products on the global photonics market, this institution is particularly important. We know our interests (e.g., in the area of foreign trade) are in good hands, and we can focus on what matters most: satisfying our customers.
Andreas Börner, Managing Director of Laser 2000 GmbH
Our membership in the SPECTARIS industry association is of great value to us.
It not only gives us access to a strong network of leading companies across various high-tech industries, but also provides an important platform for professional exchange and continuing education. In addition, we benefit from the association’s strong advocacy with policymakers, the business community, and society at large, which plays a crucial role in creating a sustainable framework for the future. Through our membership in SPECTARIS, we can contribute our expertise, address current developments at an early stage, and jointly drive innovation and sustainable growth.
Frank Billhardt, Laser Protection Division EMEA, LASERVISION GmbH & Co. KG
