Conference Registration & Grab n’ Go Lunch

Partnering Hall

Opening Remarks

Andrea Linna and Elton Satusky, Wilson Sonsini

C-Suite Leadership Shaping the Future of Medtech and Digital Health

In this panel, seasoned medtech and digital health executives will delve into the intricacies of executive leadership. Our distinguished speakers will share their experiences and discuss proven strategies for a range of critical topics, including setting visionary goals, leading transformative change, and building dynamic teams. The panel will also explore how to foster an innovative culture, effectively incubate new ideas, and maintain a balance among diverse stakeholder expectations.  

Moderator:
Andrea Linna, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Sandeep Akkaraju, Exo Imaging
Lyle Berkowitz, KeyCare
Gabriel Jones, Proprio
Lisa Suennen, American Heart Association Ventures

Break

IP & Patent Strategies for High-Growth Companies

As medical device, diagnostics, and digital health companies scale, intellectual property strategy becomes a critical driver of valuation, competitive differentiation, and long-term growth. This panel will explore how emerging companies can build and protect robust patent portfolios, navigate freedom-to-operate considerations, and align IP strategy with fundraising, partnerships, and commercialization goals. The panel will also examine how AI is reshaping the invention process itself — from AI-assisted R&D and invention disclosures to questions of inventorship, patentability, and the risks of using open-source AI tools on confidential innovations. Industry leaders, legal experts, and operators will share practical insights on protecting innovation in fast-moving markets while preparing for expansion, acquisitions, and public market readiness. 

Moderator:
Ali Alemozafar, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Yina Dong, Veracyte
Mark Longo, Sirona Medical
Gabriel Sanchez, Enspectra Health

MTI Alumni OpenRounds Showcase

Discover 24 alumni companies actively raising pre-Seed to Series C rounds (average raise: $10M), spanning cardiology, anesthesiology, oncology, orthopedics, urology, and more. OpenRounds gives accredited investors early access to curated deal flow and detailed insights not available anywhere else.

Break

How AI is Shaping Healthcare

AI is transforming healthcare across all areas, from infrastructure to treatment. This panel brings together healthcare leaders and investors to discuss how AI will be shaping healthcare infrastructure, streamlining workflows, and reshaping the future of care delivery. Panelists will explore real-world applications, considerations in commercialization, and related themes, including how AI-powered solutions are helping providers, payers, and health systems enhance efficiency, support clinical decision-making, and improve access to care.

Moderator:
Danielle Naftulin, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Joe Cunningham, Santé Ventures
Amir Dan Rubin, Healthier Capital
Thomas Knox, VitVio

Break

The Evolving Landscape of National Security & Global Trade

As geopolitical concerns increasingly create hurdles for cross-border collaboration in biotechnology, maintaining visibility into evolving national security and trade requirements is critical for effective global partnering. During this session, we’ll discuss how developments ranging from the BIOSECURE Act and new DOJ data export rules to pharmaceutical tariffs and the FCC’s national security controls on hardware importation are impacting the medical device community—and how medical device companies are addressing those challenges.

Speakers:
Sophia Galleher, Wilson Sonsini
Joshua Gruenspecht, Wilson Sonsini
Anne Seymour, Wilson Sonsini

Break

Strategic Investments in Women’s Health

Join leaders and innovators in women’s health for a conversation on regulatory and market trends, the future of investment in women’s health and the opportunities shaping the field.  This panel features seasoned leaders and advocates shaping the future of women’s health investment through innovation, strategic partnerships, and bold ideas driving the next generation of care and impact.

Moderator:
Lianna Whittleton, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Kara Egan, Teal Health
Nada Hanafi, MedTech Strategy Advisors, LLC
Colby Holtshouse, May Health
Maneesh Jain, Mirvie

Opening Reception

Rise & Connect: A Women’s Morning at MDC

It’s time to spill the tea… because the best industry insights, career advice, and connections happen over a great cup with the right people.

Conference Registration and Continental Breakfast

Partnering Hall

Opening Remarks

Alex Key, Rob Parr, Eric Hsu, Wilson Sonsini

Keynote Interview

Stephen Levin, Editor-in-Chief of MedTech Strategist/Market Pathways, will interview Mark Leahey, President and CEO of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association, on the shifting medtech policy landscape amid the global volatility and uncertainty in Washington.

MTI Showcase 1 – Surgical & Materials Innovations

Break

Medtech & Digital Health by the Numbers

Join Jonathan Norris from HSBC Innovation and Jennie Xue from Goldman Sachs for an upbeat look at the momentum building in medtech and digital health. They will highlight 2025’s strong fundraising and deal activity and share why 2026 is expected to present exciting opportunities for companies to secure venture capital, form strategic partnerships, and successfully enter the public markets.

Speakers:
Jonathan Norris, HSBC Innovation
Jennie Xue, Goldman Sachs

MTI Showcase 2 – Orthopedics & Physiotherapy Innovations

Break

IPO Landscape: State of the Market and Fireside Chat

Join Matthew Strom from Morgan Stanely to hear the state of union regarding the public markets and IPO landscape in medtech and digital health. This will be followed by a fireside chat with Matt and John Farquhar, CEO of Heartflow, to speak about Heartflow’s recent IPO. They will share firsthand perspectives on preparing for public markets, building investor confidence, and managing the transition from private to public company leadership.

Moderator:
Eric Hsu, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
John Farquhar, Heartflow
Matthew Strom, Morgan Stanley

MTI Showcase 3 – Neurotech & Ophthalmology Innovations

Break

Navigating AI Risks and Considerations

As AI adoption accelerates across healthcare and life sciences, companies face growing questions around governance, compliance, security, bias, and patient trust. This panel will examine certain risks and considerations organizations must address when developing and deploying AI-driven technologies.

Moderator:
Rob Parr, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Sean K. Mehra, HealthTap
Jonathan Stevens, Anterior

MTI Showcase 4 – Monitoring, Diagnostics, and Preventative Medicine Innovations

Lunch

Enhancing Patient Care with Digital Health Platforms

Digital health platforms are transforming patient care through telehealth, remote monitoring, AI-driven insights, and connected healthcare systems. This panel will explore topics including FDA engagement, reimbursement, data rights and commercialization, and the growing role of platforms and adjacent technologies. Hear how healthcare executives are leveraging technology to improve patient engagement, care coordination, access, and patient outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights into emerging trends, implementation strategies, and gain insight into the future of patient-centered digital care.

Moderator:
Alex Key, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Caitlin Cameron, OtoNexus Medical Technologies
Leo Petrossian, Kandu, Inc.
Noel Pugh, Lōvu Health
Sameer Jafri, Avive Solutions, Inc.

MTI Showcase 5 – Cardiovascular Implants & Surgical Innovations

Break

The State of Medtech Investing: Strategic and Venture Perspectives

This panel brings together leading venture investors and strategic partners to discuss the current state of medtech investing, including where capital is flowing, how investment priorities are evolving, and what differentiates companies that receive funding. Drawing from both venture and corporate perspectives, the discussion will also explore how strategics evaluate partnership and acquisition opportunities, and what it takes for companies to position themselves for long-term success.

Moderator:
Brian Appel, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Tamir Meiri, Johnson & Johnson – JJDC
Tracy Pappas, Treo Ventures
Suchira Sharma, Elevage Medical

MTI Showcase 6 – Cardiovascular Diagnostics Innovations

Break

Keynote Fireside Chat

Christian Howell, CEO of Cognito Therapeutics, will discuss the responsibility that comes with hope in neurodegenerative disease, and why innovation must be measured not just by discovery but its ability to deliver durable, real-world impact for patients. Moderated by Mark Fitzgerald, partner at Wilson Sonsini, the discussion will explore how emerging approaches are redefining what meaningful progress looks like in brain health.

MTI Showcase 7 – Urology, GI, & Oncology Innovations

Break

2026 MTI Vision Award Competition

The MTI Vision Award is a peer-voted competition, recognizing medtech startups that possess the vision and qualities most admired by their industry peers. Five companies from the MTI US Accelerator will compete for the annual Vision Award. The winner will be determined by audience vote, so you can have a role in selecting the next MTI Vision Award winner!  

Judges:
Heather Wilder, Managing Director, AHA Ventures, Studio Red, American Heart Association
Swathi Ravi, Director, Exploration, Exploration at Edwards Lifesciences
Vyechi Low, Senior Manager, Business Development, LivaNova

Venture Capital Uncorked: Wine Tasting