MEDICA / Innovation World Cup Series
MEDICA Start-up Competition
Digital Health
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Robotics & Drones
Overview#
The 15th MEDICA Start-up Competition, run by the Innovation World Cup Series together with MEDICA, searches for the most outstanding innovations in digital health — from health apps and healthcare data collection with AI-enabled analytics to advanced robotics, plus a new sustainability category covering green hospitals, circular economy, and waste management. Start-ups from around the globe can submit free of charge; the deadline is 10 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Focus Areas#
- AI in healthcare and health apps
- Robotics
- Lab diagnostics
- Resilience, including cybersecurity, and sustainability solutions such as green hospitals, circular economy, and waste management
Benefits#
- Pitch and award ceremony on the MEDICA Main Stage for the Top Medical Start-ups 2026 on 17 November 2026
- Cash prizes up to 3,500 EUR and placement in the Hall of Fame for winners
- International awareness among the MEDICA connected health ecosystem and 1-1 introductions to potential investors and business partners
- Free marketing packages, global media coverage, and advice from tech experts on components, go-to-market strategy, and commercial launch
How to Apply#
- Submit your solution in English via the official competition page by 10 September 2026; solutions must be available in at least one market by end of Q2 2027 and not launched before 2023, and medical device certification is not required.