Gepromed

What Gepromed does

Gepromed (formerly GEPROVAS) is a Strasbourg-based non-profit association founded in 1993 to investigate complications of vascular prostheses, now operating as an integrated medical-device research, testing, and training organization. Its core offering is the "Implant Cycle," a four-platform framework comprising Technological Engineering (ISO 13485/9001 certified mechanical testing of implantable medical devices and component materials), Education (simulation-based surgical training at the eXplora simulation center), Clinical Research (CRO services for MDR EU 2017/745-compliant pre- and post-CE marking studies), and Explant Analysis (maintaining the world's largest database of vascular explants, ISO 9001 certified since 2012).

The organization runs an annual portfolio of vascular and ophthalmology training programs including the 20-resident Vascular Bootcamp, industry-branded workshops with W.L. Gore, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Horus Pharma, and HelpMeSee VR-based ophthalmic surgery courses (phacoemulsification, MSICS, vitrectomy, suturing, complications). It hosts the biennial European Symposium on Vascular Biomaterials (ESVB) since 2001, expanded internationally with ISVB 2026 in Tampa, Florida, and supports 20+ active clinical research studies.

Gepromed generates revenue from training fees (EUR 500-5,000 per participant depending on course and seniority), independent third-party testing and custom test-bench design for medical device manufacturers and start-ups, industrial sponsorship of workshops and the symposium, an annual EUR 50 membership, and institutional funding led by a EUR 4M ERDF grant (2023-2027). The team of approximately 14 staff plus clinical-research personnel is led by Prof. Nabil Chakfé (President) and CEO Annik Borcos, with academic and clinical hosts at the University of Strasbourg and Strasbourg University Hospitals, and ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and Qualiopi certifications in force.

Name

Gepromed

Legal name

Gepromed

Website

https://gepromed.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gepromed is a Strasbourg-based non-profit that runs an integrated four-platform Implant Cycle of medical-device testing, simulation-based surgical training, clinical research, and explant analysis, serving healthcare professionals, medical-device manufacturers, and academic researchers across vascular, ophthalmology, and other surgical specialties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Device Testing and Surgical Simulation Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Healthcare & Clinical Simulation (Surgery, Nursing, EMT, Patient Interaction) (EDAFAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Open & Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments (Handheld, Laparoscopic, MIS) (HLAHADAA)

Keywords

• Medical device testing
• Surgical simulation training
• Explant analysis services
• Clinical research services
• Implantable medical devices

Headquarters

HQ city

Strasbourg

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Training fees for healthcare professionals: Revenue from simulation-based training courses, workshops, and bootcamps delivered to healthcare professionals (residents, surgeons, nurses). Courses span vascular surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, hand surgery, neurosurgery, and nursing specialties. Participants receive certificates of completion or attendance upon finishing.
2. Testing and evaluation services for medical device manufacturers: Independent technical platform offering mechanical performance testing of IMDs and component materials for manufacturers, start-ups, and academic researchers. Services include standard tests (ISO 7198, ISO 25539) and custom test configuration design. Total sales of approximately EUR 400,000 generated over the past 10 years with major industrial partners.
3. Industrial sponsorship and participation: Industrial partners and companies in the health sector participate through financing of equipment and co-organization of training activities. Sponsors include W.L. Gore, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Horus Pharma, Terumo Aortic, Medtronic, Vygon, and others who provide devices, simulators, and financial support for workshops and the biennial symposium.
4. ERDF institutional funding: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) co-financing for the 'Imaging and Monitoring of Implantable Medical Devices and Artificial Intelligence' project. Total project cost EUR 7,096,430.37 with ERDF grant of EUR 4,013,741.02 (56.56%), covering September 2023 to December 2027.
5. Membership and donations: Annual membership fee of EUR 50 supports organizational independence, sustainability, and mission. Members receive information on activities, projects, and participate in the statutory assembly.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Gepromed delivers an integrated "Implant Cycle" platform for implantable medical devices combining four interconnected services: (1) ISO 13485/9001-certified mechanical testing of medical devices, (2) ISO 9001-certified explant analysis maintaining the world's largest vascular explant database, (3) clinical research/CRO services for MDR EU 2017/745 compliance, and (4) simulation-based surgical training (vascular, ophthalmology, orthopedics, neurosurgery) using VR simulators at the eXplora center in Strasbourg. The organization serves medical device manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and academic researchers through fee-based services, industrial sponsorship, and EU/regional grants.

Product overview

Gepromed is a non-profit organization offering an integrated platform of medical device research, testing, and training services built around the "Implant Cycle" concept. The core offering consists of four interconnected platforms: Technological Engineering (ISO 13485/9001 certified testing services for medical device mechanical performance), Explant Analysis (maintaining the world's largest vascular explant database), Clinical Research Services (CRO for MDR EU 2017/745 compliance), and Simulation-Based Training Programs. Training programs include HelpMeSee VR simulator courses for ophthalmic surgery, Vascular Bootcamps, industry workshops (Johnson & Johnson, W.L. Gore, Horus Pharma), and specialty surgical training. The organization also hosts the biennial ESVB and upcoming ISVB international conferences. Founded in 1993 as GEPROVAS and rebranded in 2020, Gepromed serves healthcare professionals, medical device manufacturers, and research institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Technological Engineering / Mechanical Testing Platform Independent, ISO 13485 and ISO 9001-certified platform for mechanical performance testing of implantable medical devices (IMDs) and their component materials. Services include standard tests (ISO 7198, ISO 25539) plus custom test bench design for medical device manufacturers and start-ups. Uses MTS extension testers, BOSE fatigue testers, BLOCKWISE stent radial force testers, KEYENCE optical microscopes, and permeability measurement equipment.
• Explant Analysis Service Standardized, ISO 9001-certified (since December 2012) service for collecting, macroscopically analyzing, washing, and performing additional analyses on explanted vascular implants. Builds and maintains the world's largest database of vascular explants over years of systematic analysis.
• Clinical Research Services (CRO) CRO services for clinical investigations on medical devices, including study design, regulatory submissions (MDR EU 2017/745), study management, data analysis, and report writing for pre- and post-CE marking studies, compliant with ISO 14155 and GCP.
• Vascular Bootcamp Immersive 3-day hands-on simulation training for vascular surgery residents covering open surgery, endovascular procedures, pre-operative planning, and team skills using Surgical Science AngioMentor Flex, Mentice VIST G7+ simulators, and synthetic models. Limited to 20 participants per edition.
• HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator Training Program VR-based ophthalmic surgery simulation training including phacoemulsification (5 days), MSICS (4 days), vitrectomy, suturing (1 day), and complications management courses using HelpMeSee simulators with certified mentors and standardized curriculum, with tiered pricing for residents vs. experienced surgeons.
• Vascular Workshop (W.L. Gore) Specialized 2-day workshop focused on aortic endovascular procedures using W.L. Gore devices, including endovascular simulators, clinical case masterclass, and hands-on simulation training. Max 4 participants per session.
• Ophthalmology Workshop (Johnson & Johnson) Practical 2-day interactive workshop for ophthalmology residents covering cataract surgery, contact lens fitting, blepharitis management, and ocular suturing using HelpMeSee simulators, phacoemulsifiers, and synthetic eye models. Max 12 participants.
• Ophthalmology Workshop (Horus Pharma) 2-day interactive training on retinal and corneal pathologies, amniotic membrane grafting, and corneal suturing for ophthalmology residents, using the Upility e-learning platform, HelpMeSee simulators, synthetic eyes, and amniotic membranes. Max 30 participants.
• European Symposium on Vascular Biomaterials (ESVB) Biennial international symposium (since 2001) bringing together physicians, researchers, and medical device companies to share knowledge on cardiovascular biomaterials, including a Translational Research Meeting (with ESVS), Vascular Bootcamp, and Young Researcher Prize.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,150+ healthcare professionals trained since 2018
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual collaboration on the ESVS Translational Research Meeting held in conjunction with the biennial ESVB symposium. ESVS co-organizes the Young Researcher Prize and contributes scientific committee members to the ESVB program. This partnership is fundamental to Gepromed's academic credibility and international reach in vascular surgery.
• HelpMeSeecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGepromed is an official HelpMeSee training center offering simulation-based ophthalmic surgery courses using HelpMeSee Eye Surgery VR simulators. HelpMeSee provides simulators, certified curriculum, and global network branding. Training covers phacoemulsification, MSICS, vitrectomy, suturing, and complications management.
• CEA (Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic research and technological development partnership. CEA provides expertise in research and technological development, contributing to Gepromed's innovation capabilities in imaging and AI for medical devices.
• University of StrasbourgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGepromed has been located since 2019 within the medical campus of the University of Strasbourg. The university provides academic environment, research collaboration, and institutional support. Collaborations established with the Physics and Mechanical Textiles Laboratory (LPMT) of Haute Alsace University.
• Strasbourg University Hospitals (HUS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical host institution. Gepromed's Technological Engineering platform is located on the HUS site since 2009. Close collaboration with the Vascular Surgery, Renal Transplantation and Innovation Department. Clinical research support provided through dedicated staff embedded in the department.
• Karolinska Institut (Sweden)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic research collaboration. Prof. Ulf Hedin, Head of the Vascular Surgery Research Group at Karolinska Institut, serves on the ESVB 2025 Scientific Committee.
• Haute Alsace University (Mulhouse)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding academic collaboration through the Physics and Mechanical Textiles Laboratory (LPMT). Prof. Bernard Durand (mechanics of flexible materials, ENSISA - Mulhouse) co-founded the organization in 1993.
• NextmedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal innovation ecosystem partner. Gepromed benefits from connections with Nextmed, a Strasbourg-based medical innovation cluster.
• Biovalley FranceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiovalley France is a competitiveness cluster for health and biotechnology in the Alsace region. Gepromed is connected through this network for regional innovation and collaboration.
• W.L. GorecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustrial sponsor for vascular surgery workshops (e.g., W.L. Gore Vascular Workshop sessions). W.L. Gore provides devices and financial support for hands-on training. Listed as a premier sponsor of ESVB 2025. Satisfaction rate of 94% and 100% success rate reported for Gore workshops.
• Johnson & Johnson Vision CarecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustrial sponsor for ophthalmology training workshops (e.g., Johnson & Johnson Ophthalmology Workshops covering cataract surgery, contact lens fitting, blepharitis management, and ocular suturing). Listed as a sponsor of the Translational Research Meeting and ESVB events.
• Horus PharmacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustrial sponsor for ophthalmology training workshops (Horus Pharma Ophthalmology Workshops covering retinal and corneal pathologies, amniotic membrane grafting, and suturing techniques). Sponsor of the Translational Research Meeting.
• Terumo AorticmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a sponsor of ESVB 2025. Provides support for vascular surgery training and symposium activities.
• MedtronicmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a sponsor of ESVB 2025. Supporting vascular surgery education and symposium activities.
• VygonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a sponsor of ESVB 2025. Active industrial partner for vascular medical devices, contributing to training support.
• Perouse MedicalmajorTechnology or IntegrationIndustrial partner for whom Gepromed has provided independent testing and evaluation services. Perouse Medical is a manufacturer of medical devices for which Gepromed conducted mechanical performance testing.
• Lemaitre VascularmajorTechnology or IntegrationIndustrial partner having utilized Gepromed's independent testing platform for mechanical performance evaluation of vascular implants. Contributed to approximately EUR 400,000 in total sales generated with industrial partners over 10 years.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IRCAD: Lyon-based institute offering minimally invasive surgery training across multiple specialties. Comparable as a European non-profit surgical training center with strong industry sponsorship and an international faculty, but with broader specialty coverage and larger scale.
• Mentice: Provider of endovascular simulation solutions (VIST G7+) used in Gepromed's programs. Mentice sells directly to hospitals and industry for procedural training, overlapping directly with Gepromed's vascular surgery training offering in the same specialty.
• HelpMeSee: Non-profit providing simulation-based cataract surgery training globally; Gepromed is one of its certified training centers. HelpMeSee directly competes in the same eye-surgery simulation training niche while also functioning as Gepromed's curriculum and simulator supplier.
• VirtaMed: Swiss-based medical simulation company providing high-fidelity simulators for various surgical specialties. Comparable as a peer delivering simulator-based surgical training with similar customer base of residents, surgeons, and medical device companies.
• NAMSA: Independent medical device testing, clinical research, and regulatory consulting organization. Directly comparable to Gepromed's Technological Engineering and Clinical Research platforms, but with global reach and far larger commercial scale.
• Surgical Science: Swedish-based endovascular simulator manufacturer whose AngioMentor Flex is used in Gepromed's Vascular Bootcamp. Surgical Science also offers its own training and assessment services, making it a partial competitor as well as a supplier in surgical simulation education.
• Orbis International: Non-profit focused on eye care education and training globally, including ophthalmic surgery capacity building. Comparable to Gepromed's ophthalmology training programs as a non-profit clinical education provider serving the same specialty.

Broad incumbents

• CAE Healthcare: Healthcare division of CAE Inc. offering a broad portfolio of simulation-based training solutions across multiple specialties. Larger and more diversified than Gepromed, with global commercial reach overlapping in surgical and procedural simulation.
• 3D Systems (Simbionix): Through its Simbionix division, 3D Systems provides a wide range of surgical simulation and training products. Larger commercial entity serving similar healthcare professional audiences with broader portfolio than Gepromed.

Emerging players

• FundamentalVR: VR-based surgical training platform with haptic feedback and multi-specialty curriculum. Emerging competitor addressing similar surgeon training needs but with a scalable cloud-delivery model rather than Gepromed's center-based approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/gepromed
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gepromed
• Instagraminstagram.com/Gepromed

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gepromed