Driving Innovation in Medical Device Operations

Alchemist X + ZeroTo510

The Inaugural Medical Device Operations Challenge is Here!

We’re excited to announce the first-ever Medical Device Operations Challenge, designed specifically for the local medical device industry. Organized by ZeroTo510 (powered by Epicenter Memphis) and the Alchemist Accelerator's Memphis hub, this initiative is set to improve operations, logistics, and supply chain efficiency in the medical device sector. This is an opportunity for industry leaders, startups, and experts to collaborate on solving real‑world challenges in medical device operations.

Why It Matters

The medical device industry is one of the top economic drivers in the Memphis region, contributing $4 billion in economic impact and hosting 50+ MedTech companies. However, the industry faces operational inefficiencies costing millions of dollars annually.

MDOC identifies real pain points, matches them with innovative startup solutions, and fosters direct engagement between startups and established corporations, creating win‑win opportunities for both.

How It Works

Join a series of competitive workshops, pitches, and demos to get your ideas seen and heard by industry movers and shakers!

  • Problem & Discovery

    April 9, 12–4 pm
    April 10, 8–11 am

    Representatives from local medical device companies will present operational challenges, which will be presented to startups and entrepreneurs.

  • Startup Applications & Mentorship

    Early June

    Applications are now closed

    Entrepreneurs submit solutions to the identified problems, with applications open in June. Up to 15 selected applicants will receive one-to-one coaching from medical device industry experts to help refine their solutions.

  • Demo Day

    November 4

    The top six finalists will pitch their solutions to industry leaders and decision-makers. Companies will have the opportunity to pilot and adopt cutting-edge innovations!

    Each finalist will receive a $5,000 prize. The winning company will have the opportunity for a $25,000 equity investment to help bring their solution to market.

Challenge Statements

From mismanaged inventory to inefficient kit assembly, operational inefficiencies in medtech can cost more than money—they can impact patient care. The Medical Device Operations Challenge, led by ZeroTo510 in partnership with the Alchemist X, brought together operations leaders from Memphis-based medtech companies to identify shared challenges and drive industry-wide solutions. In this two-day Problem Discovery Workshop, we surfaced critical pain points in logistics, packaging, supply chain management, and more. These problem statements will now be shared with startups across the country, who will compete to solve them in the next phase of this groundbreaking initiative.

  • Challenge #1: Receiving/Inspection

    How might we streamline the process for receiving manufactured goods into inventory—inspection, data and missing info, clearing to finished goods.

    In a way that quickly and accurately captures inspection data, missing info, and identifies whether the product is cleared to move into finished goods—regulatory compliance; no additional labor; document that meet criteria.

    So that product can move to finished goods faster and reduce staff workload. 

  • Challenge #2: ASC Instrumentation

    How might we reduce the number of instruments needed in ASC surgery.

    In a way that a majority of surgeons believe the instruments fully support a surgery, as performed, in a cost-constrained ASC, and allows rapid turnover of cases; surgical outcomes and customer experience do not drop.

    So that instrument costs and shipping costs and instrument turnovers are reduced by X%. 

  • Challenge #3: Continuous Improvement

    How might we implement constant continuous improvement in our manufacturing, assembly and repair processes.

    In a way that requires no additional ME and QE or regulator burden/documentation changes and accommodates changing COO/tariffs and other regulations.

    So that process/organizations can save at least 1% daily, minimize production lead time, allow flexibility at manufacturing partners, maximize product margins. 

  • Challenge #4: Instrumentation Use Feedback

    How might we receive more/comprehensive performance-based feedback on our instrumentation usage, experience and feedback (not just complaints).

    In a way that is timely [within hours/days], no additional headcount, reasonable cost, properly differentiates between “Complaints” and feedback.

    So that issues can be fixed before they escalate/customers leave; we receive feedback for future systems; remove things that aren’t used. 

  • Challenge #5: Inventory Tracking

    How might we track sets/inventory in the field.

    In a way that allows sharing of inventory and inventory optimization, avoids hiring local inventory managers.

    So that we know what we have, where it is, meets customer expectations, meets inventory targets, reduces set build needs, reduces inventory investment. 

  • Challenge #6: Field Inventory Management

    How might we manage expired field inventory.

    In a way that allows for on-time shipment of new inventory, streamlined product flow and prevents back-orders.

    So that expired product is sent back to warehouse (and replacement product is shipped) prior to (potential) accidental use. 

Why We Know It Works

MDOC builds on the success of last year’s Logistics Industry Opportunity Challenge, which received over 70 startup submissions addressing 15 critical issues identified by corporate leaders. Our goal is to create the same impact for the local medical device industry in Memphis, fostering efficiency, cost savings, and technological advancement.

Optimize Operations

This is your chance to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and be part of a transformative initiative that drives MedTech innovation forward. We’re looking for medical device industry leaders overseeing operations functions, including:

  • Purchasing

  • Supply Chain

  • Warehousing

  • Shipping

  • Kit Assembly/Inspection

  • Returns

Get Involved

  • illustration of an engineer

    Local Medical Device Companies

    Figure out where the friction is with problem discovery: help identify the biggest operational challenges faced by corporations in real‑world settings. Then become a corporate partner by listening and providing feedback to potential suppliers, such as startups.

  • illustration of an entrepreneur

    Startups & Entrepreneurs

    Once our corporate partners have identified problems in discovery, you can apply to solve for efficiencies. You will gain direct access to major medical device companies, including mentorship and funding opportunities. Your solutions will open doors!

  • illustration of an industry expert

    Industry Experts

    With your deep background in Operations, you can mentor promising startups and help drive innovation in medical device operations. This is your chance to have a hands‑on impact on both established clients and up‑and‑coming growth companies!