A new kind of pitch event, #MTC25 style
15 start-ups. Live pitches. Real stakes. Big energy. It’s all happening Sunday afternoon.
This October, The MedTech Conference is adding a fresh twist to Sunday afternoon with the NEW Pitch & Pour: Start-up Competition and Happy Hour—a high-energy platform for early-stage companies innovating in military health.
Sponsored by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC), this new program will take place Sunday, October 5 from 3- 6 PM in San Diego just before the Global Medtech Welcome Recpetion. 15 selected start-ups will pitch live in front of investors, strategics, and other key decision-makers during a dynamic happy hour experience. Each company will have 8 minutes total (5-minute pitch, 3-minute Q&A) to make their case.
One winner will receive
- Complimentary all-access registration for The MedTech Conference 2026
- Complimentary company presentation slot at #MTC26
- $10,000 cash prize*, courtesy of MTEC
Does your start-up qualify? Apply to pitch if you…
- Have raised less than $10M since inception
- Offer a military-focused application of medtech, diagnostics, digital health, or imaging
- Are available for an in-person pitch October 5 in San Diego, CA (if selected)
Selected Companies Will Receive:
- Discounted $750 all-access registration for the presenter
- $900 all-access registration for additional team members
Start-up Pitch FAQs
What is the Pitch & Pour: Start-up Competition and Happy Hour and who can apply?
This inaugural program will take place in the afternoon on Sunday, October 5. Up to 15 standout companies will be selected to deliver 5-minute pitches to a panel of expert judges, followed by a brief Q&A session. The winner will receive a cash award, and a complimentary all-access pass and complimentary company presentation to The MedTech Conference in 2026.
Eligible companies are companies that have raised less than $10M since inception, offer a military-focused application of their technology (for more information, see https://mtec-sc.org/focus-areas) and are available to pitch in person on October 5th in San Diego, California (if selected).
What is the deadline to submit a Start-up Pitch application?
The deadline to submit a Start-up Pitch application is July 18, 2025.
Do I need to register for The MedTech Conference to participate in the Start-up Pitch program?
If you are selected, you will be required to register and be offered a discounted All-Access pass registration for the rate of $750 for the presenter
If additional colleagues want to attend, they may do so for a discounted rate of $900 for an All-Access pass.
When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?
We will send notifications of application status the week of August 4, 2025.
What should I include in my presentation?
Suggested material for your slide deck to include is below. Note your presentation does not have to match this template, but it should include the requested information. Maximum of 15 slides.
- Company Introduction – Vision and Mission
- Ask, Use of Funds, Impact on Company
- Problem Statement/Unmet Need, and highlight military relevance. See focus areas.
- Your Solution – Product/Technology
- Current Status – preliminary data, milestones achieved, etc.
- Commercial and/or Government Market Opportunity
- Your Technology and Intellectual Property
- Your Business Model
- Competition/Competitive Edge
- Path to Market
- Key Milestones and Timeline
- Team and Expertise
Who can I contact with questions and for more information?
For specific Start-up Pitch program and application questions, contact Beth Perkins at [email protected].
For general application questions, contact [email protected].
