The Competition

The 2026 Medical Innovation Expo:
A Path to Commercialization

Finding brilliant ideas from medical students and residents and connecting them with the industry partners and investors needed to succeed.

Grant Application Window Opens

Now

Grant Application Deadline

July 15, 2026

Review Period

July 15, 2026 - August 1, 2026

Finalist Notification

August 1, 2026

Pitch Weekend

September 4-6, 2026

How To Apply

A complete grant application requires the following components, which must be submitted together via the official application portal.

Your Grant Application Package Checklist

Waiver & Acknowledgement

The Waiver confirms participation is voluntary and ideas are shared at your discretion. We encourage applicants to protect any confidential information before submitting.
Download Waiver
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Pitch Deck (Sequoia Format)

You are required to prepare and upload a pitch deck that follows the acclaimed Sequoia Capital business plan format.
Download Template
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2-Minute Video Pitch

Create a brief video (under two minutes) that introduces your team, explains your innovation, and shares your passion for the problem you are solving.
Download MNDA
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Submit Your Package

Once your MNDA is signed and your materials are prepared, you can complete the final step.
Apply Now
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How Your Idea Will Be Evaluated

A complete grant application requires the following components, which must be submitted together via the official application portal.

The Committee

All grant applications will be reviewed by your expert committee.
Dr. Michael Moreno
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering – Texas A&M University
Dr. Moreno is the Director of the Biomechanical Environments Laboratories. His research is focused on experimental biomechanics and biomechanical engineering across multiple scales.
Alexandra Farhangui
Medical Resident - EnMed
Alexandra currently has two devices undergoing IP review, with a third to be submitted in the fall of 2024. Additionally, her publications include research on AI image-based dermatologic diagnostic algorithms, edutainment for kidney transplants, and suture tensile strength in sacrocolpopexy.
Bijan Farhangui
Medical Entrepreneur
Bijan is a serial entrepreneur who has had several successful ventures (Melanoma Diagnostics, PET/CT Imaging, SAMI Services) within the medical industry. He holds an MBA focused in Finance, Marketing, and International Business from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management.

Evaluation Criteria

All grant applications will be reviewed on the following parameters.

Commercial Viability:
‍Does it have a defined market, a sustainable business model, and a practical "path to commercialization"? Key considerations include ROI, recurring revenue streams, and speed to market.

‍Innovation:
How novel is the idea compared to existing solutions?

‍Clinical Impact:
What is the potential to improve patient care or healthcare efficiency?

Waiver & Acknowledgment

All applicants must review and accept our Waiver before submission. Submissions are not confidential. While we are not here to take your idea, applicants are encouraged to protect their own intellectual property (for example, by filing a provisional patent) prior to applying. Our goal is to provide resources, mentorship, and exposure to help you bring your innovation to market.

Eligibility & Rules

Primary grant applicants must be current medical students, residents and nursing students living in the United States. Engineers and other operators may join as team members.

Scope of Innovation

Submissions should be for medical devices, digital health solutions, or diagnostics that are likely to follow the FDA 510(k) clearance pathway. Innovations requiring the Premarket Approval (PMA) process, such as pharmaceuticals or high-risk Class III devices, are not eligible for this competition

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Eligibility & Teams

Who is elgible to apply?

Our 2026 competition is open to all current medical students and residents enrolled in a U.S.-based institution.

I am a graduate student/post-doc/engineer. Can I apply?

While the primary applicant must be a medical student or resident, we strongly encourage multi-disciplinary teams. You are welcome to apply as a co-founder or team member alongside an eligible primary applicant.

Can I apply as an individual, or do I need a team?

You can apply as an individual or as a team. However, we encourage team submissions as we consider the team's combined skill set (e.g., clinical, technical, business) during evaluation.

Can we submit more than one idea?

Yes, you may submit multiple innovations. However, each submission requires a separate, complete grant application and fee.

Grant Application & Submission

Is the grant application fee refundable?

The application fee is non-refundable. It covers the administrative costs required for our multi-stage review process.

How do I submit?

Submissions are completed on our grant application form.

When Do I Have To Submit By?

August 1, 2026

Why do I need to sign the Waiver?

The Waiver ensures that participation in the Expo is voluntary and clarifies that submissions are not confidential. We are not here to take your idea — our role is to connect you with investors, partners, and resources to help bring your innovation to market. We encourage all applicants to take appropriate steps to protect their intellectual property (for example, filing a provisional patent) before submitting.

I'm having technical trouble with the application portal. What should I do?

Please reach out to us via the "Technical Support" option on our Contact Us page, and we will assist you as quickly as possible.

Can I edit my application after I've submitted it?

No, all submissions are considered final. Please review your materials carefully before completing your submission.

The Innovation & Idea

What kind of ideas are you looking for?

We are looking for innovative medical devices, digital health solutions, and diagnostics that have a clear and relatively short path to market. This typically includes innovations that would follow the FDA's 510(k) clearance pathway.

Are ideas for new drugs or pharmaceuticals eligible?

No. At this time, we are not accepting submissions for pharmaceuticals or any innovation that would require a full Premarket Approval (PMA) regulatory process. Our focus is on accelerating ideas with a more direct path to commercialization.

How developed does my idea need to be?

We accept ideas at all stages, from concept to functional prototype. However, applications that can demonstrate progress (e.g., have identified a predicate device, have a prototype, or have early data) will be more competitive.

Judging & Evaluation

What are the main criteria you use to judge submissions?

Our committee evaluates submissions based on three core criteria: Commercial Viability (market potential and path to commercialization), Innovation Level (novelty and ingenuity), Clinical Impact (potential to improve patient care)

Who will be reviewing my application?

Your application will be reviewed by our expert committee of physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, and legal advisors. You can view their full bios on our Our Mission & Team page.

When will I find out if I have been selected as a finalist?

Please refer to the timeline on The Competition page for the finalist notification date. All applicants will be notified of their status via email.

Ready to Share Your Brilliant Idea?

Brush off the idea that's been in the back of your brain. Don't wait and start your application today.
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