MTI Radar Forum 2026

APRIL 7-9, 2026 | MANHATTAN BEACH, CA

part Conference

part Partnering

part Pitch

The MTI Radar Forum was where MedTech Innovator’s evaluation process came to life—bringing together vetted startups and the investors, strategics, and ecosystem leaders who were actively deciding what moves forward.
Deal flow is only as good as the companies in the pipeline.

Radar Forum was built to improve that signal. In a market crowded with noise, MTI’s Radar process filters for quality. Radar Forum was the validation stage—where curated companies were tested through live pitches, real diligence, and informed discussion.

It was where:

  • Insight replaced speculation
  • Context replaced cold outreach
  • Conversations led to real next steps
  • A founder pitching from a laptop at an MTI pitch table
  • Two women in conversation at an MTI pitch event
  • A woman listening at an MTI pitch event
  • People at round tables at an MTI pitch event

What Happened at the MTI Radar Forum

Unfiltered Insights on how deals actually get done in medtech

Attendees went beyond polished narratives and panel soundbites.
They heard directly from investors, strategics, providers, and ecosystem leaders about:

  • How opportunities are really evaluated
  • What drives internal buy-in—and what stops it
  • Why some deals move quickly while others stall

These were the conversations that don’t happen on traditional conference stages.

Curated Partnering Not speed dating. Not random meetings.

Every interaction was intentional and grounded in:

  • Strategic relevance
  • Clear context
  • Mutual interest

Radar Forum prioritized quality over volume—respecting everyone’s time and increasing the likelihood of meaningful follow-up.

Pitch Sessions MTI’s diligence-driven format

Startups featured in Radar Pitch Sessions were:

  • Actively moving through MTI’s evaluation process
  • Vetted for quality, readiness, and relevance
  • Presented with the context stakeholders need to engage intelligently

It wasn’t about performance.
It was about understanding which companies belong on your radar—and why.

“We really appreciated all of the opportunities to speak to mentors, also meet VCs, meet industry... even during the selection process, you already had industry, you had VCs, you had physicians."
Martin HermanCEO & Co-Founder, Powerful Medical
A woman pitching from a laptop at an MTI pitch event

The Result

A forum where:

  • Startups gained clarity on how they’re truly perceived
  • Stakeholders gained confidence in who to engage
  • Everyone left with sharper focus and better signal
“The fact that you're connected to these strategics that maybe you wouldn't have a chance to even talk to and have consecutive meetings with them, actually listen to what they're looking for in the field, that's just super valuable for us as we're developing."
Angel EnriquezCEO, Emboa Medical

MTI Radar Forum wasn’t about seeing more.
It was about seeing what matters.

Keynote Address: Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, FDA

Agenda at a Glance


+ 1:1 PARTNERING RAN ALL DAY

Pitch Companies


Radar Forum 2026 Pitch Companies — a wall of the logos of the 140+ companies selected to pitch

Read about the 140+ companies selected to pitch

View companies
Group photo of the judges at the 2025 East Coast pitch eventFounders and judges at round tables during a 2025 MTI pitch event

Judges

Deep Engagement. Direct Influence.

Judges played an active role in shaping which startups rise within the MTI ecosystem.

Judges:

  • Engaged deeply with vetted startups actively moving through MTI’s diligence process
  • Evaluated companies based on technology, readiness, and real-world viability
  • Contributed perspective that helped determine who advanced—and why
  • Participated in high-context discussions alongside other decision-makers

Judges gained:

  • Early, structured insight into companies worth serious attention
  • A clearer view of how innovation is evolving across medtech
  • Meaningful influence on the next generation of MTI-backed startups

It was hands-on evaluation—not passive observation.

Judge FAQs

Attendees

High-Signal Access. Strategic Perspective.

Attendees engaged as informed participants—learning, observing, and connecting within a highly curated environment.

Attendees:

  • Gained exposure to high-quality startups already filtered through MTI’s process
  • Heard candid insights from judges and stakeholders on how decisions are made
  • Participated in deal-focused conversations designed for relevance and efficiency
  • Built context around which companies, teams, and trends deserve attention

Attendees gained:

  • Early visibility into emerging companies and themes
  • Sharper understanding of what decision-makers are looking for
  • A focused environment that respected their time and strategic goals

It wasn’t volume deal flow.

It was precision discovery.

Sponsorship

Radar Forum sponsorships are designed for organizations seeking meaningful engagement, not just brand exposure.

Sponsors gain:

  • Visibility within MTI’s evaluation and selection process
  • Early access to vetted, diligence-ready companies
  • Direct engagement with founders and decision-makers
  • Opportunities to lead conversations at a critical validation stage

Contact Us for Sponsorship Opportunities


Judge FAQs

How long is Radar Forum?

Radar Forum is a 2.5-day event. Judges may choose to attend for 1.5 days, if preferred.

Is attendance required for every judging session?

No. Judges may opt out of up to two judging blocks and use that time for partnering, meetings, or networking.

Who receives complimentary registration?

Complimentary registration may be extended to long-time MTI judges, key opinion leaders, and strategic stakeholders aligned with MTI partnerships. Support may be available for individuals whose participation is valuable but where cost is a barrier.

Who is expected to pay to attend?

Non-sponsor service providers who do not fall into the strategic or KOL categories are expected to register at the standard rate.

How is Radar Forum different from past Road Tour or pitch events?

Previously known as the MTI Road Tour, the Radar Forum consolidates MTI’s evaluation, diligence, and partnering into a single, decision-focused experience.