MedTech Twente: NextGen Award

The future of healthcare depends on bold innovation. In Twente, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship converge to create solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Backed by the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, healthcare providers, top-notch companies, policymakers, and a thriving R&D-driven MedTech ecosystem, Twente is where innovative ideas grow into real-world impact.

The MedTech Twente NextGen Award shines a spotlight on promising MedTech startups, giving them the opportunity to showcase their innovations, expand their network, and accelerate their growth journey. During the annual TechMed Event, startups, healthcare professionals, researchers, investors, and industry leaders come together to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of healthcare.

Together, we are building the future of healthcare.

About the NextGen program and award

Is your MedTech startup ready to take the next leap towards impact? Take the stage at the MedTech Twente NextGen Award and win €10K.

Apply for the NextGen Award

The MedTech Twente NextGen Award exists to give the most promising MedTech solutions a stage and a push forward. We support startups at the critical moment between prototype and real-world impact (TRL 4-6), helping innovation move from lab to practice.

What’s in it for you?

> 10K grand prize
Fuel your business growth, help you develop a prototype, or even secure your first customers.

> Access to the MedTech Twente network
Connect with investors, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders

> One-on-one sessions with experts
Sharpen your technology and your story before you take the stage

For who?

This competition is especially for MedTech startups who’re ready for the next step.

You have a prototype or validated concept (TRL ±4–6)
You have a demonstrable relevance to healthcare practice
You’re located in the Netherlands or Germany (North-Westphalia)
You’re working on themes such as: reducing healthcare burden, more efficient deployment of staff, quality & accessibility of care

What to expect?

The NextGen Award offers a full trajectory, making it worth joining even if you don’t win. Mark the following dates in your calendar.

August 27 | Meet the other participants during the pitch circles in the TechMed Centre (side-event of FUSE Enschede)
September | One-on-ones with experts who can support you in your journey to impact
October 2 | Q&A + Selection Day where eight startups will be selected to continue
November 4 | MedTech Twente Exchange Dinner where the top 8 will pitch to an audience of investors and industry leaders
November 5 | Grand finale during the TechMed Event. Top 3 will pitch and one winner is selected

Apply for the NextGen Award

Partners

How to apply for the MedTech Twente: NextGen Award?

To participate, you need to submit a pitchdeck or one-pager about your startup before August 21. This document should highlight:

Your startup or spin-off and the healthcare challenge you address.
The current status of your innovation, including a working prototype (TRL 4–6).
Your team, goals, and next development milestone.
Your roadmap, key challenges, and funding received to date.
How you would use the €10,000 award and supporting services.
The expected impact on healthcare, sustainability, and/or well-being.
The measurable progress you aim to achieve within 3–6 months.
Your contact details.

Applicants must:

Be an established startup or spin-off with a registered legal entity.
Have a working prototype (TRL 4–6).
Not yet have MDR or FDA approval.
Demonstrate a clear next development step.
Show strong healthcare impact, feasibility, and execution potential.
Have a committed team capable of delivering results.

Apply for the NextGen Award

After the application deadline, we will carefully review all submissions. As the program is specifically designed for startups that meet the eligibility criteria and development stage outlined above, only qualifying applicants will be invited to join the NextGen Award trajectory.

We aim to create the best possible experience for participating startups and will inform all applicants of the outcome by email no later than August 24.