BIOTRONIK, Charité, and German Heart Center Foundation Announce Partnership to Advance Digital Cardiology

BIOTRONIK, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the German Heart Center Foundation launched a research partnership on May 19, 2026, to advance digital and translational cardiology. The collaboration combines BIOTRONIK’s expertise in active cardiac devices, AI, and connected health technologies with the clinical expertise of Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC). Initial projects will focus on developing AI-driven tools and advanced simulation environments to improve device-based therapies for heart care. The partnership spans from early-stage research to joint development and contract research, building on existing publicly funded initiatives. Dr. Volker Lang, Senior Vice President Research & Development at BIOTRONIK, stated that integrating AI, telemonitoring, and implantable technologies will transform cardiovascular care and improve patient outcomes globally. Prof. Heyo K. Kroemer, Chairman of Charité’s Board, emphasized the importance of data-driven cardiology and training future specialists in digital medicine. Prof. Gerhard Hindricks, Interim Head of the Department of Cardiology at DHZC, highlighted how the partnership accelerates the transition from scientific discovery to clinical practice. The collaboration aims to address cardiac rhythm disorders and heart failure with cutting-edge technologies. Beyond research, BIOTRONIK and the German Heart Center Foundation will fund an endowed professorship for Digital and Translational Cardiology at Charité to attract international researchers and foster innovation. The initiative strengthens Berlin’s position as a leading hub for cardiovascular research and reinforces Europe’s leadership in medical technology. Andreas Portmann, Managing Director of the German Heart Center Foundation, noted that the combination of clinical excellence and technological innovation will shape the future of global heart care.