News
Economy
29 July 2025
From July 16 to 20, 2025, Strasbourg hosted the annual congress of the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS), welcoming over 2,500 surgeons from 70 countries and around 100 innovative companies in the field. Held at IRCAD and the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, this international event highlighted recent major breakthroughs in telesurgery, including several world-first procedures broadcast live.
Among the standout demonstrations were a bariatric surgery performed between Strasbourg and India, a robotic cardiac operation, and a groundbreaking procedure using a quadruple console that connected four continents simultaneously. These showcases illustrated the technological maturity of surgical robots and the transformative potential of telesurgery to improve access to healthcare in medically underserved regions.
IRCAD, a global leader in surgical research
Founded in 1994 in Strasbourg by Professor Jacques Marescaux, IRCAD (Research Institute Against Digestive Cancer) is now recognized as a world-leading center for minimally invasive and robotic surgery. With nearly forty surgical robots on its Strasbourg campus, the institute trains thousands of practitioners from across the globe each year.
IRCAD also pioneered the Lindbergh Operation, the first remote surgery, successfully performed in 2001 between New York and Strasbourg. This milestone marked a turning point in the history of telesurgery. Today, IRCAD’s international network, with branches in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, reflects its global influence and commitment to accessible, cutting-edge medical care.
A thriving life sciences ecosystem
Strasbourg has emerged as a major European hub for life sciences. The Alsace region is home to over 250 companies in the sector, supporting 15,000 jobs and hosting several internationally renowned research centers. The University of Strasbourg plays a central role in this ecosystem, offering a wide range of programs in biotechnology, medicine, and biomedical engineering, along with numerous research facilities.
The city also benefits from the presence of BioValley France, a competitiveness cluster dedicated to medical technologies, which fosters collaboration between research, industry, and innovation.
Strasbourg, a top destination for business tourism
With over 675,000 visitors attending nearly 250 events in 2024, Strasbourg continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for business tourism. Its strategic location at the heart of Europe, excellent accessibility, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure make it an ideal venue for international congresses.
The Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, in partnership with Strasbourg Events, is pursuing an ambitious strategy to support this momentum, backed by initiatives such as Helloptimist, which provides dedicated support for major events.
