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Strategic Initiative Strengthens Berlin as Europe's Hub of Digital Cardiology
BERLIN, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BIOTRONIK, die Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the German Heart Center Foundation today announced a research and innovation partnership focused on advancing digital and translational cardiology. The collaboration will bring together world-class clinical cardiovascular expertise at Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC) with BIOTRONIK's strength in active cardiac devices, artificial intelligence, and connected health technologies.
The partnership builds on existing projects in cardiovascular healthcare, including publicly funded initiatives. The cooperation framework will span from early-stage ideation to joint development and contract research. Initial projects will focus on developing AI‑driven tools and advanced simulation environments to improve device-based therapies.
Digital Cardiovascular Care
"The future of cardiovascular care is digital, connected, and predictive," said Dr. Volker Lang, Senior Vice President Research & Development, BIOTRONIK. "By integrating advanced AI, telemonitoring, and implantable technologies with clinical research, we are transforming heart care and enabling better outcomes for patients worldwide."
"This strategic partnership demonstrates how academic medicine and industry research can work together to pave the way for data-driven cardiology," emphasized Prof. Heyo K. Kroemer, Chairman of the Board of Charité. "It is particularly important to us that this collaboration advances innovation while also training the next generation of heart specialists to meet the challenges of digital medicine."
Prof. Gerhard Hindricks, Interim Head of the Department Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine at DHZC and Lead Project Manager, added: "New technologies are rapidly transforming the management of cardiac rhythm disorders and heart failure. At DHZC, we pursue technological leadership and drive innovation in all major subspecialties of cardiovascular medicine. This partnership with BIOTRONIK enables us to accelerate the journey from bench to bedside, bringing scientific discoveries more quickly into clinical practice to benefit patients."
Endowed Professorship for Digital and Translational Cardiology
Beyond the scope of the collaboration, BIOTRONIK and the German Heart Center Foundation are jointly supporting the establishment and funding of an endowed professorship for Digital and Translational Cardiology at Charité.
"By attracting internationally experienced researchers from the field of digital cardiology and related disciplines, the initiative aims to accelerate innovation and help shape the future of cardiovascular care worldwide," said Andreas Portmann, Managing Director of the Foundation. "The combination of clinical excellence and technological innovation strengthens Berlin's position as a leading hub for cardiovascular research and serves as a key driver of Europe's leadership in medical technology."
About BIOTRONIK – To find out more, go to https://www.biotronik.com/en-int
About Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – To find out more, go to https://www.charite.de/en/
About German Heart Center Foundation – To find out more, go to https://stiftung-deutsches-herzzentrum.org
Strategic Initiative Strengthens Berlin as Europe's Hub of Digital Cardiology
BERLIN, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BIOTRONIK, die Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the German Heart Center Foundation today announced a research and innovation partnership focused on advancing digital and translational cardiology. The collaboration will bring together world-class clinical cardiovascular expertise at Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC) with BIOTRONIK's strength in active cardiac devices, artificial intelligence, and connected health technologies.
The partnership builds on existing projects in cardiovascular healthcare, including publicly funded initiatives. The cooperation framework will span from early-stage ideation to joint development and contract research. Initial projects will focus on developing AI‑driven tools and advanced simulation environments to improve device-based therapies.
Digital Cardiovascular Care
"The future of cardiovascular care is digital, connected, and predictive," said Dr. Volker Lang, Senior Vice President Research & Development, BIOTRONIK. "By integrating advanced AI, telemonitoring, and implantable technologies with clinical research, we are transforming heart care and enabling better outcomes for patients worldwide."
"This strategic partnership demonstrates how academic medicine and industry research can work together to pave the way for data-driven cardiology," emphasized Prof. Heyo K. Kroemer, Chairman of the Board of Charité. "It is particularly important to us that this collaboration advances innovation while also training the next generation of heart specialists to meet the challenges of digital medicine."
Prof. Gerhard Hindricks, Interim Head of the Department Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine at DHZC and Lead Project Manager, added: "New technologies are rapidly transforming the management of cardiac rhythm disorders and heart failure. At DHZC, we pursue technological leadership and drive innovation in all major subspecialties of cardiovascular medicine. This partnership with BIOTRONIK enables us to accelerate the journey from bench to bedside, bringing scientific discoveries more quickly into clinical practice to benefit patients."
Endowed Professorship for Digital and Translational Cardiology
Beyond the scope of the collaboration, BIOTRONIK and the German Heart Center Foundation are jointly supporting the establishment and funding of an endowed professorship for Digital and Translational Cardiology at Charité.
"By attracting internationally experienced researchers from the field of digital cardiology and related disciplines, the initiative aims to accelerate innovation and help shape the future of cardiovascular care worldwide," said Andreas Portmann, Managing Director of the Foundation. "The combination of clinical excellence and technological innovation strengthens Berlin's position as a leading hub for cardiovascular research and serves as a key driver of Europe's leadership in medical technology."
About BIOTRONIK – To find out more, go to https://www.biotronik.com/en-int
About Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – To find out more, go to https://www.charite.de/en/
About German Heart Center Foundation – To find out more, go to https://stiftung-deutsches-herzzentrum.org
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BIOTRONIK, Charité, and German Heart Center Foundation Announce Partnership to Advance Digital Cardiology
BIOTRONIK, Charité, and German Heart Center Foundation Announce Partnership to Advance Digital Cardiology
No Riding. Real Connection.
BALI, Indonesia, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Since January 2026, Bali Zoo has officially transitioned away from elephant riding, introducing Elephant Explorer, a guided immersive experience designed around animal welfare, education, and meaningful interaction.
Launched on 15 April 2026, the experience reflects Bali Zoo's ongoing commitment to strengthening how visitors connect with wildlife, prioritising observation, understanding, and respectful engagement in a naturalistic environment.
Through Elephant Explorer, visitors journey alongside elephants in a guided ranger car experience, allowing them to observe natural behaviours, learn about daily care routines, and interact with the animals in a calm and thoughtful setting. Rather than focusing on ride-based activities, the experience encourages visitors to observe and appreciate elephants through a deeper understanding of their behaviour and care.
The experience focuses on education, conservation, and respect, offering visitors the opportunity to better understand these gentle giants.
"Animal welfare has always been at the core of Bali Zoo's approach," said Emma Chandra, Head of Public Relations at Bali Zoo. "Elephant Explorer was created to ensure that every interaction supports the wellbeing of our elephants, while still offering meaningful and memorable experiences for our visitors."
Guided by experienced zoo educators and mahouts, visitors can participate in feeding sessions while learning more about elephant personalities, diet, enrichment routines, and the strong bond developed through long-term care. These guided moments give visitors a closer look at how elephants are cared for daily and how trust is built between the animals and their mahouts.
Home to 14 elephants, including two male calves born at Bali Zoo, the zoo continues its long-term commitment to conservation and responsible animal care. The presence of the calves reflects Bali Zoo's ongoing efforts to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where elephants can thrive.
As travellers increasingly seek more thoughtful and educational wildlife experiences, Elephant Explorer offers families and visitors a new way to connect with elephants through understanding, respect, and shared experience.
Located just 20 minutes from Ubud, Bali Zoo is easily accessible from major tourist areas across Bali, making Elephant Explorer a convenient addition to family holidays and nature-focused travel itineraries.
About Bali Zoo
Bali Zoo is home to over 600 animals and is recognised as the first zoological park in Bali, offering educational wildlife experiences and personal encounters that encourage visitors to learn more about animals and conservation.
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Bali Zoo Launches Elephant Explorer, A New Approach to Meaningful Elephant Encounters
