Description

• MedTech Innovator supports companies from prototyping through early commercialization and fundraising stages, including startups that have raised up to Series C. 
  
  
• The flagship 4-month accelerator is designed to accelerate growth, de-risk clinical and commercial pathways, and amplify visibility with key ecosystem players. 
  
  

• In addition to the U.S. program, MedTech Innovator runs Asia Pacific and BioTools accelerator tracks tailored to regional and life-science tools startups. 
  
  

• MedTech Innovator does not take equity in participating companies; it is equity-free and fee-free. 
  
  
• Companies compete for non-dilutive cash prizes and awards — e.g., Grand Prizes and Execution Awards totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in major accelerator years. 
  
  
• For example, finalists in the 2025 Grand Prize competition compete for $350,000 in non-dilutive funding with additional smaller awards for finalists. 
  
  

• In many cohorts, total prize pools exceed $500K–$800K+ in non-dilutive awards dispersed through competitions and milestone awards. 
  
  

• None by MedTech Innovator itself — participation and awards do not require giving up company equity. 
  
  

• While MedTech Innovator doesn’t invest capital directly as a VC, participation significantly increases exposure to investors, strategic partners, and corporate partners, often leading to follow-on rounds raised by companies (reported alumni have raised billions in follow-on funding). 
  
  

• MedTech Innovator does not receive equity or ownership from participating startups as a condition of program participation or funding awards. 
  
  
• Any investor participation, board seats, or terms from outside investors arise through separate negotiations between founders and those third parties, not as part of the MedTech Innovator framework. 
  
  

• Founders apply via the online MedTech Innovator application portal during open campaign windows (annual cycle). 
  
  
• Companies typically submit overview materials about team, product, clinical validation plans, and market potential.
  
  
• Early-stage companies (with prototypes and some proof of concept) are encouraged to apply. 
  
  

• A series of regional, hybrid, and virtual pitch events serve as the initial screening and feedback mechanism for applicants. Roughly 20% of applicants are invited to pitch at road tour events. 
  
  
• ~50+ companies are then selected each year to join the accelerator cohort. 
  
  

• Accepted companies commit senior leadership to attend key events like the Innovator Summit and the MedTech Conference showcase & finals. 

Eligibility

• Medical Devices
  
  
• Diagnostics
  
  
• Digital Health / Health IT
  
  
• Life Science Tools (via sister BioTools Innovator program) 
  
  

• Early to Mid-Stage: Preferably with prototype and clinical/market validation underway but can include companies up through Series C. 
  
  

• Global — applications accepted worldwide; accelerator programming is largely virtual with key in-person events in the U.S. market. 
  
  

• Founders and leadership with healthcare domain expertise, regulatory strategy insight, and a clear roadmap for clinical impact and commercialization.

Process

1. Application & Pitch Screening: Online submission → pitch events with corporate and investor judges. 
   
   
2. Cohort Selection: ~50+ companies chosen for the main accelerator. 
   
   
3. Accelerator Phase (Jun–Oct): Virtual curriculum, mentorship sessions, and industry connections. 
   
   
4. Showcase & Final Competitions: Live presentations at major conferences to compete for awards and gain visibility. 
   
   
5. Post-Program Follow-On: Continued alumni engagement and ecosystem access.

What an Applicant can Obtain