Day OneTuesday, 29 April 2025

In an industry worth over £400B globally, innovation is plentiful and fast moving. Our panel of medtech executives and investors discuss the emerging trends in groundbreaking technology, strategies for developing technology on the cutting edge of science, and what therapeutic areas are next to grow.

• Emerging technologies including robotics, AI, neurotech and regenerative medicine
• Areas generating the most optimism among investors
• Aligning emerging technology with existing strategies of strategic partners

As investment continues to be scarce from traditional VC firms, many medtech startups are looking to the venture arms of large medtech companies to obtain investment and partnerships. Hear from our panel of CVC executives on successful strategies they have seen from SMEs when approaching larger companies and what they are looking for from startups.

• Insight into the importance of strategy alignment

• Strategies for getting in front of key decision makers

• Benefits of partnering with major corporations, beyond capital

IP strategy is an often-overlooked aspect on the road to success, however, it presents a genuine chance of failure for startups. Join intellectual property experts as they discuss case studies and highlight the risks encountered when obtaining IP protection, and the benefits which can be enjoyed from an effective strategy.

• Case studies
• Due diligence red flags
• Strategies for Identifying and Overcoming Risks when Obtaining IP Protection
• A transatlantic view of IP

Get a rare insight into the scaling and portfolio opportunities available to Medtech businesses when they innovate with a strategic emphasis on design. Hear expert perspectives on innovation and design, demonstrated through rich case studies and methods gleaned from decades of experience of bringing category-defining products and services to market globally.

• Successful scaling case studies
• Innovation strategies that create value
• Holistic design methodologies that put the power of brand, innovation and design in the hands of businesses
• Reimagining brands for customers globally

Following temporary altered approval processes globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of EU MDR since its introduction, the regulatory landscape (both European and global) has proved a difficult one to traverse for medtech startups. Our panel of investors and regulatory leaders share the success stories they’ve seen and discuss what regulatory success looks like.

• Identifying the greatest barriers to CE Marking, and strategies to overcome them
• Comparing the FDA with EU MDR
• Notified body selection and global market access
• The importance of leadership in gaining regulatory approval

The United States has long been regarded as the “holy grail” for European medtech startups, due to the higher reimbursement and more attractive investment landscape. This panel reviews whether this is still the case while discussing the best strategies for moving to America.

• Benefits of the US market
• Reimbursement
• Potential pitfalls
• The benefits of strategic partnerships when leaving Europe

With EUMDR and reimbursement in Europe undermining Europe’s position as a medtech powerhouse, startups are looking further afield for commercial growth. While the United States has long been the preferred destination for medtech companies, we will be discussing the Asia Pacific, African and South American medtech landscapes and their positions in the global medtech market.

• A holistic view of medtech in emerging markets
• Differences in commercialisation processes in different regions
• Using partnerships to your advantage when accessing the global markets
• Barriers to growth when moving away from established markets

Investment is, of course, the lifeblood of medtech startups on the path to commercialisation. In an ever-evolving funding landscape, VCs remain the cornerstone of innovation and commercial growth. However, alternative financing routes are rising in popularity among startups. Our panel of investors discuss the strategic differences between different funding sources and what they look for in their investments.

• Practical differences between private equity and venture capital
• The role of family offices in medtech
• Recipe for a successful investment

A higher risk of failure for startups in the medtech space has highlighted further the necessity for experience and smart decision making along the road to commercialisation. The panel will review how effective partnerships can address challenges, improve resilience and power long-term growth for both new, and established players in medtech.

• Different types of partnerships
• Strategies for finding the right partnership for you
• What to put on a pitchdeck when approaching tier 1 companies
• Risks and common pitfalls