Academic Entrepreneur­ship from TU Dresden: ActiveTEP launches cooperation with AOK Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland

Emerging from the doctoral research of Emily Hickmann at TU Dresden, a certified medical device has been developed: ActiveTEP, an app that supports patients before and after hip surgery. AOK Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland is now cooperating with the young company and has been offering ActiveTEP free of charge to its insured members since October 2025. Billing is handled directly between the provider and the health insurer.

ActiveTEP demonstrates how scientific insights from patient-centered care can be translated into a practical, real-world innovation. The app explains medical information in an accessible way, guides patients through exercises, and strengthens their active participation — a key component of care quality in orthopedic procedures. Early evaluations confirm that users feel better prepared, safer, and emotionally relieved.

The cooperation with AOK highlights the relevance of this research-driven development: “Our goal is to empower patients in the best possible way and to make their treatment pathway understandable,” the health insurer emphasizes.

With ActiveTEP Knee, launching in early 2026, the concept will be expanded to additional indications. The project is a strong example of how university-based research can produce scalable innovations — and how academic entrepreneurship can help measurably improve care, prevention, and the patient experience.