From AI-powered healthcare solutions to advanced diagnostics, surgical robotics and regenerative medicine, innovation is taking many forms at MedFIT 2026!
This year’s applications to the Start-up Slams and Research & Licensing Partnerships pitch sessions highlight the diversity of emerging MedTech technologies, the international reach of the innovation ecosystem and the opportunities for investment and collaboration.
Let’s take a closer look at the innovations shaping this year’s applications.
A broad spectrum of technologies and therapeutic applications
The Start-up Slams applications showcase innovative technologies across multiple fields:
- AI, medical imaging & digital health, with applications in precision oncology, rheumatology, orthopaedics and clinical decision support.
- Advanced diagnostics & biosensors, addressing kidney diseases, infectious diseases, haematology and respiratory conditions.
- Surgical robotics & advanced intervention, targeting neurovascular procedures, stroke treatment and ophthalmic surgery.
- Implantable devices, biomaterials & regenerative medicine, supporting bone reconstruction, cardiovascular care and neurological applications.
An international innovation ecosystem
The applications reflect MedFIT’s international reach, bringing together innovators and research organisations from across Europe and beyond.
- The Start-up Slams attract companies from countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Hungary, Greece, Israel and Canada, alongside other international ecosystems.
- The Research & Licensing Partnerships applications further strengthen this geographical diversity, with research-driven projects originating from Canada, Spain and Italy.
This international representation creates opportunities for cross-border investment, clinical collaboration, technology transfer and industrial partnerships.
Innovations at different stages of maturity
Among the all the Start-up Slams applications:
- 69% are in clinical development or market validation.
- 31% are in preclinical development.
Investment opportunities across the funding spectrum
All SUS applicants have indicated funding needs, with:
- 31% targeting Pre-seed funding.
- 50% targeting Seed funding.
- 23% targeting Series A funding.
Some applicants are targeting more than one funding stage.
From research to industry: licensing and co-development opportunities
The four Research & Licensing Partnerships applications complement the start-up pipeline with research-based technologies in:
- Genomics and computational bioinformatics, supporting advanced genomic analysis.
- Antimicrobial materials, exploring innovative solutions for infection prevention.
- Printed biosensors, including technologies for detecting hospital-associated pathogens.
- Precision oncology, through patient-specific 3D-printed solutions connecting medical imaging and pathology.
These projects demonstrate opportunities for research collaboration, technology transfer, licensing and industrial co-development.
Connecting innovation across borders and development stages
Together, the SUS and RLP applications illustrate MedFIT’s role in connecting international MedTech start-ups, research institutions, investors and industrial partners.
From early-stage scientific breakthroughs to technologies progressing towards market adoption, MedFIT offers a platform to explore investment opportunities, establish cross-border partnerships and accelerate healthcare innovation.
Discover the next generation of MedTech innovation
and connect with its key players at MedFIT 2026!
