10 Accelerators and Incubators Revolutionizing Medical Device Innovation
The medical device industry thrives on innovation, with startups driving advancements that redefine healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. However, the medical device industry has a high barrier to entry and the path from idea to market-ready solution is filled with challenges, including regulatory hurdles, funding limitations, and the need for specialized expertise. That’s where accelerators and incubators come in—acting as catalysts to turn promising concepts into impactful medical technologies, they are pivotal for medical device development.
Medical device accelerators and incubators offer invaluable support to entrepreneurs, including mentorship from industry leaders, access to cutting-edge facilities, and connections to investors and healthcare stakeholders. These programs not only provide the resources needed to navigate complex development and commercialization processes but also foster collaboration and innovation within the medtech ecosystem. Whether you’re looking to refine your prototype, secure regulatory approvals, or scale your business, finding the right program can make all the difference.
Below, we explore 10 standout medical device accelerators and incubators. These organizations are empowering medtech startups to revolutionize healthcare and create solutions that address unmet clinical needs.
1. Austin Technology Incubator
Located at the University of Texas at Austin, the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) supports startups in various industries, including healthcare. ATI provides medical device entrepreneurs with resources and industry experts in areas like market access, intellectual property, regulatory strategy, and reimbursement. Their focus on collaboration ensures that companies are well-positioned for success in the competitive medtech market.
2. World Upstart
World Upstart supports international medical device and life sciences startups to build a roadmap to enter and scale in the U.S. market. They offer mentorship, funding opportunities, and business development resources. Their tailored programs focus on addressing the unique challenges of medtech entrepreneurs, from regulatory hurdles to market adoption. The Accelerator has graduated 74 companies from 18 countries in the last three years, and 25 of them are now in the U.S. and growing, with 9 FDA approvals, and 3 have completed successful exits/ been acquired.
3. ExploraMed
ExploraMed is a venture-backed incubator dedicated to creating transformative medical devices. Founded by medtech veteran Josh Makower, ExploraMed has been instrumental in launching successful companies like Acclarent and NeoTract. The incubator focuses on identifying unmet clinical needs and developing innovative solutions, often partnering with experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Since it’s focused on early stage it’s a great option for medical device development.
4. Fogarty Innovation
Named after Dr. Thomas Fogarty, a prolific inventor in the medtech field, Fogarty Innovation is a nonprofit educational incubator dedicated to advancing medical innovation that improves human health that supports early-stage companies developing impactful medical devices. Located in Silicon Valley, this incubator offers a collaborative environment, mentorship from seasoned industry professionals, and access to a robust network of investors and clinicians.
5. Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2)
M2D2 is a joint initiative by the University of Massachusetts Lowell and UMass Medical School. It provides startups with access to engineering and clinical expertise, as well as state-of-the-art prototyping facilities. M2D2’s comprehensive support system helps startups navigate the complex process of medical device development and commercialization.
6. MedTech Innovator
Probably the most known on this list, MedTech Innovator is the world’s largest accelerator of medical device startups. Their mission is to improve human health by accelerating the growth of companies transforming healthcare. Their global competition and accelerator program provide startups with unparalleled visibility, mentorship, and access to leading stakeholders in the medtech ecosystem, as well as significant funding for their prize winners.
7. mHUB
Based in Chicago, mHUB is a leading innovation center focused on physical product development. Its MedTech cohort supports startups in creating, prototyping, and scaling medical devices. With resources like state-of-the-art fabrication labs, mentorship, and industry connections, mHUB fosters an ecosystem where medtech innovation can thrive.
8. The Foundry
The Foundry has been a powerhouse in the medtech space for over two decades. This incubator is known for its hands-on approach to building companies from the ground up. By focusing on identifying significant clinical problems and developing practical solutions, The Foundry has successfully launched numerous medical device companies.
9. Dreamit Healthtech
Dreamit Healthtech is a renowned accelerator for healthtech and medtech startups. They focus on scaling companies that have a minimum viable product (MVP) and some traction. Dreamit offers access to a vast network of investors, healthcare systems, and payers. Their specialized curriculum equips founders with the tools to overcome regulatory, commercialization, and market-entry challenges specific to medical devices.
10. Zero to 510
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Zero to 510 is a nationally recognized accelerator specializing in medical devices. The program is designed to help startups navigate the FDA’s 510(k) clearance process, a critical step for bringing devices to market. With its focus on regulatory pathways and commercialization strategies, Zero to 510 has helped many companies achieve market success. This is a great program for medical device development.
These 10 medical device accelerators and incubators are pivotal in shaping the future of the industry. By providing startups with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need, these programs help bridge the gap between innovation and market readiness. For entrepreneurs in the medtech space, partnering with the right accelerator or incubator can be a game-changer in their journey toward transforming healthcare.