Experiencing Global Medical and Healthcare Innovation Technologies
Learning from the European Urban Anti-aging Ecosystem
Dong-Eui Science College (President Kim Youngdo) has successfully completed an overseas training program as part of Busan’s RISE project, AHIA (Anti-aging Healthcare Innovation Academy), which included a visit to 'MEDICA 2025,' the world’s largest medical device exhibition held in D?sseldorf, Germany, as well as tours of local institutions.
Dong-Eui Science College is concluding the Busan RISE AHIA program 'MEDICA 2025' overseas training and taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Dong-Eui Science College
This program focused on providing students with direct experience of global medical and healthcare technologies and industrial ecosystems, while also enabling them to gain practical insights necessary for designing the domestic anti-aging industry and Busan-style urban regeneration models in the future.
The eight-day program, held from November 15 to 22, included nine students from four universities in the Busan region, including students from Dong-Eui Science College’s Department of Physical Therapy, as well as faculty and staff, officials from Busan’s Biohealth Division, Busan Technopark, Busan Economic Promotion Agency, and representatives from local industries, totaling 34 participants. The delegation concentrated on gaining a deep understanding of the European healthcare ecosystem, where industry, policy, urban planning, and education are organically connected.
At MEDICA 2025, the world’s largest medical device exhibition, the participants experienced a wide range of innovative technologies that will drive the future healthcare industry, including AI-based disease prediction and early diagnosis solutions, digital health platforms, remote monitoring systems, biosensors and wearable devices, anti-aging and wellness product lines, and smart hospital technologies.
They also learned about strategies for European cities to address aging, health, and industrial challenges in an integrated manner, as well as urban-based new industry development models, through a meeting with the NRW state government and a visit to D?sseldorf City Hall. D?sseldorf, which faces urban challenges similar to those of Busan, is cited as a leading example of transforming these challenges into opportunities for healthcare industry transition and successfully attracting global companies. The dense concentration of hospitals, universities, research institutes, and startups throughout the city exemplifies the European model of “cities designing industries.”
The delegation also visited key sites such as Medienhafen, STARTPLATZ, Alnatura, Oxfam, and Cologne Media Park, experiencing firsthand how the anti-aging industry is expanding beyond medicine to encompass urban environments, architecture, startup culture, and overall consumer structures.
Shin Iseo, a participating student, shared her thoughts, saying, “I realized that anti-aging is not just a concept of treatment, but a trend that changes the atmosphere of a city and people’s consumption habits.”
Kwon Yoojeong, a professor in charge of the program from Dong-Eui Science College’s Department of Physical Therapy, commented, “Germany has established an urban healthcare ecosystem where hospitals, universities, companies, and administration are organically connected, allowing students to broaden their perspectives beyond their majors to consider both cities and industries. This experience is especially meaningful as it has prompted students to reflect on what roles they can play in Busan’s future anti-aging and healthcare industries and local communities.”
Dong-Eui Science College is advancing initiatives based on the RISE project, including cultivating local anti-aging specialists, enhancing industry-linked educational curricula, operating global field experience programs, and fostering local youth talent. This MEDICA overseas training program serves as a representative example of “experience-based innovative education” where participants directly observe and learn from industries and cities. The college plans to further expand RISE-based innovative programs that connect industry, city, and education, accelerating the development of future-oriented talent who will grow alongside the local community.
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