What is MDOC?
The Medical Device Opportunity Challenge is an industry-driven innovation program powered by Epicenter and ZeroTo510.
Rather than asking startups to pitch general ideas, MDOC begins with real operational challenges identified by local medical device manufacturers and suppliers. These challenges are shaped through problem discovery sessions, refined with industry experts, and shared with startups that may have solutions.
The goal is simple:
Connect real medical device operations problems with innovative solutions that can lead to pilots, partnerships, customer pathways, and long-term industry adoption.
Proven Results, Industry-Driven Innovation
MDOC is a different kind of innovation program. Rather than asking startups to pitch ideas, we assemble real operational challenges identified by local medical device manufacturers and suppliers through Problem Discovery sessions.Experts in Residence, known as EIRs, help refine challenge statements, review applications, and identify the most promising solutions. These industry veterans bring deep experience in operations, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain. This process ensures startups are evaluated not only on their technology, but on their ability to solve meaningful business challenges. Manufacturers gain access to a curated pipeline of innovative solutions, while startups receive valuable industry insight, feedback, and direct engagement with potential partners and customers.
MDOC Success
2025 MDOC Impact :
6 industry-defined operational challenges identified by medical device leaders
Nearly 50 startup applications submitted
Applications reviewed by ZeroTo510’s network of medical device Experts in Residence
Semi-finalists received industry review, feedback, and mentorship opportunities
6 finalists selected to present solutions
Each finalist received $5,000
The 2025 winner received a $25,000 award
MDOC in the News
How the Program Works
Local medical device companies identify operational pain points through problem discovery.
Epicenter translates those pain points into challenge statements
Startups apply nationally with potential solutions.
Industry experts review and vet applicants.
Selected finalists receive support to prepare for Demo Day.
Companies and experts provide feedback, connections, and potential customer pathways.
This Year’s focus
Strengthening the Medical Device Ecosystem
The 2026 Medical Device Opportunity Challenge continues to build stronger connections between medical device manufacturers, suppliers, and innovative startups.
This year's program focuses on identifying operational challenges across the medical device industry and matching them with practical, scalable solutions that improve manufacturing, quality, logistics, supply chain operations, and collaboration between OEMs and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Through direct engagement with industry leaders, startups gain valuable insight into real market needs while manufacturers gain access to emerging technologies with implementation potential.
Get Involved
Whether you're an industry leader looking to solve operational challenges or a startup building innovative technologies, MDOC provides an opportunity to collaborate with the people shaping the future of medical device operations.
For Innovation Partners
Support the growth of the medical device ecosystem by helping connect industry challenges with emerging technologies and entrepreneurial talent.
For Startups
Apply to solve one of this year's published industry challenges and present your solution directly to medical device manufacturers and suppliers.
For Industry Partners
Participate in Problem Discovery sessions, provide feedback during the evaluation process, and connect with startups developing solutions for today's operational challenges.
Participating Organizations
The Medical Device Opportunity Challenge brings together manufacturers, suppliers, innovation partners, and ecosystem leaders through our Problem Discovery sessions and Demo Day.
Representatives from organizations including:
2025 MDOC Demo Day Impact
Experience MDOC
See how medical device manufacturers, startups, and industry experts came together to solve real operational challenges during last year's Medical Device Operations Challenge.
Medical Device Operations Challenge Demo Day
November 10, 2026
The Medical Device Opportunity Challenge culminates with Demo Day, where selected finalists present their solutions directly to participating manufacturers, suppliers, industry experts, and ecosystem partners. Each finalist selected to participate in Demo Day will receive a $5,000 award in recognition of their innovative solution and participation in the program.