As healthcare systems face increasing pressure to evolve, leaders like Dr. Carsten C. Mahrenholz are at the forefront of transforming patient care through scientific innovation. By being fully dedicated to enhancing health results, Dr. Mahrenholz, recent winner of the MedTech CEO of the Year award, has established himself as a crucial individual leading the transformation of the treatment of chronic wounds. In his role as CEO and co-founder of Coldplasmatech GmbH, a company leading the way in cold plasma technology for wound care, he is molding the direction of medicine towards concrete, transformative outcomes. He showcases his leadership skills by merging his scientific knowledge with business acumen, demonstrating a dedication to addressing crucial healthcare issues through innovative solutions.
The journey of Dr. Mahrenholz testifies to a firm belief in science and its role in bringing practical solutions. After earning a PhD in chemistry, along with an MBA from universities in Berlin and Cambridge, he spent years consulting for SMEs and scientific institutions. His broad academic knowledge and extensive practical experience finally led him to co-found Coldplasmatech in 2015, where he is now driving the company’s mission to revolutionize wound care. “I’ve always been passionate about making science applicable so that it can be used to effectively address real-world problems and create meaningful solutions,” he reflects, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to using innovation for patient benefit.
Let’s learn how Dr. Mahrenholz and Coldplasmatech GmbH are pioneering a new era in wound care innovation!
A Mission to Transform Wound Care
Coldplasmatech GmbH was founded with a clear mission: to shift the focus of wound treatment from management to healing. Unlike traditional treatments that often manage the symptoms of chronic wounds, the company’s cold plasma technology actively promotes wound closure. Coldplasmatech’s flagship product, the CPT®patch, is designed to eradicate infections, stimulate tissue regeneration, and improve circulation—addressing the root causes of chronic wounds and promoting real healing.
Dr. Mahrenholz highlights the unique approach of his company: “Our goal is to not just manage wounds but to close them. We’ve developed a solution that helps the body heal itself by targeting both infection and inflammation.” This emphasis on comprehensive, patient-centered care aligns with broader trends in healthcare that focus on improving outcomes and reducing costs.
The CPT®patch represents a significant advancement in wound care. Through the generation of cold plasma—an ionized gas rich in reactive species—the gas interacts with the wound surface to eradicate bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, while simultaneously promoting blood flow and tissue regeneration. This multi-pronged approach to wound healing, which reduces infection and accelerates tissue growth, is especially beneficial for chronic and hard-to-heal wounds.
“The beauty of cold plasma technology,” Dr. Mahrenholz notes, “is that it works on multiple fronts: reducing infection, promoting tissue regeneration, and enhancing blood circulation. This combination makes it a powerful tool for healing wounds that conventional methods have struggled to address.”
Navigating the Challenges of Healthcare Innovation
One of the key challenges Dr. Mahrenholz identifies is the difficulty in integrating new innovations into legacy healthcare structures and reimbursement models. Many healthcare systems are built around long-standing practices and technologies, which makes the incorporation of new methods a slow and complex process.
“Healthcare is complex, and integrating new technologies often means navigating outdated systems,” he explains. “Aligning these advancements with current reimbursement models and regulatory standards requires innovation not only in technology but in operational processes as well.”
This complexity is further compounded by the need for continuous education and training for healthcare professionals, who must stay updated on the latest advancements to provide effective care. The rapid pace of technological development, particularly in fields like plasma medicine, requires an ongoing commitment to education, both in terms of understanding new tools and managing their implementation in patient care.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Mahrenholz remains optimistic. He emphasizes that the benefits of cold plasma technology—improved patient outcomes, reduced reliance on antibiotics, and shorter healing times—make the effort worthwhile. His leadership approach, which is centered around responsibility, integrity, and bold vision, enables him to navigate these challenges while remaining focused on the company’s mission to improve patient lives.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Responsibility and Vision
At Coldplasmatech, Dr. Mahrenholz’s leadership style is characterized by a strong sense of purpose and accountability. He fosters an environment where his team understands how their daily efforts contribute to the company’s broader mission of transforming patient care. “I believe in mobilizing people toward a shared vision, and ensuring they feel connected to our larger goals,” he explains. His approach balances clear expectations with an openness to autonomy and creativity, which he sees as key drivers of employee engagement and innovation.
He is also guided by the principle of taking responsibility for the company’s impact on society. “As a leader, I believe in being accountable for our actions—not just for the success of our company, but for the difference we make in the world.” This focus on integrity and responsibility aligns with his commitment to making a positive impact through Coldplasmatech’s innovative solutions.
At the same time, Dr. Mahrenholz encourages bold thinking and visionary approaches, always looking for new ways to push boundaries. However, he remains humble and open to learning, knowing that healthcare is an ever-evolving field that requires constant adaptation. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, he ensures that Coldplasmatech stays ahead in a fast-paced industry.
Key Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare
Looking to the future, Dr. Mahrenholz identifies two major trends that will shape healthcare in the coming years: the shift toward value-based care and the increasing need and integration of advanced technologies. Both trends reflect a growing emphasis on improving patient outcomes through more personalized and efficient care.
“The future of healthcare is moving toward value-based care, where the quality of treatment and patient outcomes take precedence over volume of services. It has to be ensured, that the human being is placed at the centre of attention – not pure profit,” he notes. This shift aligns financial incentives with the goal of delivering personalized care that leads to better health outcomes, reduced costs, and more efficient healthcare systems. Coldplasmatech’s cold plasma technology, which focuses on achieving faster and more effective wound healing, fits perfectly into this evolving model.
At the same time, Dr. Mahrenholz sees the growing role of advanced technologies, such as wearable devices, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and non-invasive therapeutic interventions like cold plasma therapy, as critical to the future of healthcare. “These technologies allow for continuous monitoring and early intervention, which can significantly improve the management of chronic conditions,” he explains. “By integrating these innovations, healthcare becomes more proactive and patient-centred. We will see more paradigm shifts in the future – the transformation of the wound care market is just the beginning.”
Advice for Emerging Healthcare Leaders
For emerging leaders in healthcare, Dr. Mahrenholz offers valuable advice based on his own experience. His primary message is to stay adaptable and patient-centered, as the field is constantly evolving and requires flexibility. “Healthcare is a rapidly changing field, and those who can integrate new technologies while keeping patient outcomes at the forefront will have the greatest impact.”
He also stresses the importance of building a motivated, empowered team. Creating a culture where team members feel connected to a larger vision and understand the importance of their work is crucial for driving innovation and maintaining high levels of engagement. “Empower your team with autonomy and foster a culture of continuous learning,” he advises. “This not only helps your organization stay competitive but also creates an environment where people are excited to contribute.”
Achievements and Continuing Motivation
Dr Mahrenholz has received many honours and awards over the past decade, but looking back on his career, Dr Mahrenholz is most proud of the tangible impact that Coldplasmatech’s technology has had on patients. “Seeing patients with chronic wounds regain their quality of life—sometimes after years of suffering—is incredibly rewarding,” he says. These successes keep him motivated to continue pushing boundaries and developing new solutions that can change lives.
His ongoing dedication to improving patient outcomes drives him to explore new possibilities in plasma medicine and beyond. “Every time we help a patient heal, it reinforces why we do what we do,” he shares. This focus on making a meaningful difference in people’s lives is what fuels his passion for healthcare innovation and keeps him at the forefront of transformative change.
