He was appointed to this position in 1998 and has since been responsible for Research & Development as well as Quality Management at the company. In this role, Birkenbach oversees the ongoing strategic development of both existing and new technologies and products. He also manages quality assurance for the international market approval of Brainlab medical products.
Birkenbach’s core work focuses on actively connecting with primary Brainlab customers–clinicians, healthcare providers and patients. Through direct contact and collaboration with end users, he has been able to transform ideas and unmet medical needs into tangible solutions. Birkenbach’s goal is to enhance and expand existing technologies and develop the next generation of innovative medical products that support doctors and patients in the fight against cancer and a range of other diseases.
Prior to studying electrical engineering at the Saarland University of Applied Sciences, Birkenbach was a Red Cross volunteer which laid the foundation for his future career in medical technology. Building on top of that initial exposure to healthcare, during his time at university, Birkenbach met a neurosurgeon who helped him discover his interest in, and enthusiasm for, combining software and medicine to make an impact for patients.
Following the completion of his Master of Science, Birkenbach first worked for Deutsche Telekom before joining Brainlab as a software developer in 1994. Two years later, he was appointed Director of Research & Development, a position he held until 1997.
During his 25+ year tenure at Brainlab, Birkenbach has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth by leveraging his vision and passion for new, emerging technologies as well as sharing his commitment to team spirit and a collaborative company culture. As part of his efforts to inspire future innovators, Birkenbach has worked closely with many universities and is often a guest lecturer at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
