Innovation Fair Showcased at World Orthopaedic Organization Congress in Madrid
Innovation Fair Showcased at World Orthopaedic Organization Congress in Madrid
Madrid, Spain – September 3–5, 2025 / The “Innovation Fair”, initiated and chaired by Prof. Mahmoud Hafez, IFIA representative of Egypt and Full Member of IFIA, was successfully held during the SICOT (World Orthopaedic Organization) Congress 2025 in Madrid. This pioneering initiative marked an important step in fostering a culture of innovation within the global orthopaedic community.
Fostering Innovation in Orthopaedics
The Innovation Fair was designed to:
- Promote a culture of creativity and invention
- Accelerate the development of medical technologies
- Reward innovative surgeons and researchers
- Connect inventors with industry partners
In just 10 days, the competition attracted 38 applications from 15 countries, representing a truly global engagement. Participants included 29 surgeons, 3 scientists, 3 physiotherapists, and 2 engineers. Submissions ranged from patents, utility models, software, AI applications, devices, implants, and new techniques.
Rigorous Evaluation Process
The evaluation followed WIPO and IFIA standards, ensuring transparency and credibility. The process consisted of three stages of shortlisting, leading to semifinal and final presentations.
A distinguished jury, comprising Prof. Hafez (academic and IP expert), an experienced surgeon, the Program Director, and an industry representative, carefully assessed each pitch. The panel evaluated creativity, feasibility, and potential impact, while engaging in discussions with the inventors.
The competition highlighted interdisciplinary collaboration between surgeons, scientists, physiotherapists, and engineers showcasing the power of cross-sector partnerships in advancing healthcare.
Awarding Excellence
At the Congress Closing Ceremony, the Top 3 innovations were honored with gold, silver, and bronze medals. Winning projects included:
- An implant
- A software application
- A medical device
These recognitions underscored the importance of applied innovation in improving patient outcomes and advancing orthopaedic science.
Global Context and Future Vision
SICOT (World Orthopaedic Organization) is a leading non-profit scientific body dedicated to advancing orthopaedic surgery and traumatology worldwide. Its mission is to promote excellence in patient care through education, research, and international collaboration.
Prof. Hafez has played a pivotal role in advancing SICOT’s activities in Egypt and the region. As National SICOT Delegate and International Council Member, he successfully hosted the Annual SICOT Congress in Cairo (2023) and secured SICOT endorsement for educational initiatives, training programs, and diploma examinations in Egypt.
Looking ahead, Prof. Hafez expressed his commitment to making the Innovation Fair a recurring feature in SICOT and other medical societies, reinforcing the role of innovation in shaping the future of healthcare.
About IFIA Egypt
IFIA Egypt, a full member of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations, actively promotes innovation and invention across Egypt, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the global innovation community.