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
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
Phases of the program
Open phase
01-09-2026
Match & Learn day
02-10-2026
Exchange dinner
04-11-2026
Grand Finale
05-11-2026
Open Phase & Expert One-on-One Sessions
Until October 2, participants can reach out to industry leaders from our partner network to schedule 1-on-1 meetings for tailored advice, feedback, and support on their growth journey.
Match & Learn day
We will gather at the UT Campus, where you will give a 3-minute pitch of your startup and value for the hospital of the future. A jury of industry experts will follow up with a Q&A session. Based on these presentations, 8 startups will be selected to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Exchange dinner
The top 8 startups will pitch to an audience of investors, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders to compete for a spot in the top 4.
Grand Finale at the TechMed Event
The top 4 will pitch live on stage to the dragons, followed by the crowning of the winner of the MedTech Twente NextGen Award 2026.
Partners & sponsors
The NextGen Awards are organized by MedTech Twente in collaboration with the TechMed Centre and Novel-T, with the help of our sponsors.
Applications are closed.
Contact
MedTech Twente (Novel-T office)
Hengelosestraat 500
7521 AN ENSCHEDE
T: +31 (0)53 483 68 00
contact@medtechtwente.nl
Privacy & Terms
The Gallery
Hengelosestraat 500
7521 AN ENSCHEDE
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