MedTech Spotlight: New Impact Korea 2026

Your Stage to Showcase Korea’s MedTech Innovation to the World

19-20 March 2026 | Seoul, South Korea

Held in conjunction with KIMES 2026 at COEX and in collaboration with KHIDI and KMDIA – live pitching and global exposure to help Korean medtech innovators scale internationally.

Part of the Road Tour Phase of the APAC Accelerator Experience 

About the Event

Korea’s medtech sector is rapidly gaining global attention, with increasing demand for innovative K-Medtech solutions in international markets. To help Korean startups showcase their potential and connect with global partners, Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), in collaboration with MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific, will launch MedTech Spotlight: New Impact Korea 2026 this March in Seoul.

 Held alongside KIMES 2026 and supported by the Korea Medical Devices Industry Association (KMDIA), this program brings together Korean innovators, global strategics, international investors, and hospital leaders for a day of live pitching, expert feedback and meaningful connections. 

What to Expect

Pre-Event Pitch Coaching Sessions
19 March 2026

Before the main event, selected startups will receive dedicated coaching to refine their presentations for an international audience.

Format: One-on-one coaching sessions

Live Pitch Sessions
20 March 2026

Selected Korean startups will pitch to groups of global industry experts, investors, and strategics. 

Format: Startups will engage in roundtable-style pitch sessions where judges rotate between rounds to hear from startups that match their areas of interest. Pitches will be conducted in English.

What this means for startups: 

  • Present using your own laptop/screen for maximum flexibility.
  • Bring demo products to showcase your technology hands-on.
  • Engage in intimate, focused conversations rather than one-way presentations.
  • Connect multiple times with judges who are particularly interested in your innovation.
  • Adapt your pitch based on judge’s background and questions.

Beyond the Pitch, Startups Can Also Expect:

Real-Time Expert Feedback

Receive immediate practical, actionable insights and feedback from judges with deep expertise in your clinical areas and target markets on scaling internationally.

Global Networking

Connect directly with decision makers who can open doors to partnerships, pilots, funding, and market access across Asia Pacific and beyond.

Pathway to MTI APAC Accelerator

Companies demonstrating strong global potential may be invited to join the MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific 2026 Cohort.

How to Participate: The Journey 

Step 1

Apply to MedTech Innovator APAC 2026

Korean medtech startups apply to the MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific 2026 Accelerator Program. 

Eligibility: 

  • Korean medical device, diagnostic, or digital health companies
  • Early to mid-stage development (prototype through early commercialization)
  • Innovative solutions addressing significant unmet clinical needs
  • Ready to scale internationally

Application Instructions

  • Visit the MedTech Innovator Application Portal
  • Select “MedTech Innovator APAC – Accelerator 2026 Program”
  • Under Pitch Event Location, select “MTI APAC Pitch Event II (Korea)”
  • Complete all required sections of the application

Application Deadline: 1 December 2025

16 January 2026 (Specially for Korean Startups applying into MTI APAC Program)

Step 2

Selection & Invitation

Applications are evaluated by industry experts based on innovation, clinical impact, market opportunity, team strength, and traction. 

 

16 Korean startups will be invited to pitch at MedTech Spotlight: New Impact Korea 2026.

Selection Notification: February 2026

Step 3

Pitch at MedTech Spotlight: New Impact Korea 2026

19-20 March 2026 | Seoul

Selected Korean startups will receive pre-event pitch coaching and preparation support on 19 March 2026, followed by live pitch sessions to international judges, and networking with global ecosystem partners on 20 March 2026.

What’s included for selected startups:

  • On/offline promotional support at KIMES 2026 

  • Pre-event pitch coaching and preparation support
  • Access to MTI networking events and panel discussions at KIMES
  • Detailed feedback summary from judges post event

Step 4

Post-Event Outcomes & Accelerator Selection

Accelerator Pathway: Companies demonstrating strong global potential may be invited to join the MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific Accelerator cohort of 20 startups selected from across the Asia Pacific region.

If selected for the Accelerator, you gain access to a Four-Month Intensive Program:

  • Customized 1:1 mentorship from global industry experts matched to your specific needs 

  • Strategic guidance on regulatory, clinical, commercial and fundraising challenges
  • Strategic introductions to investors and partners across Asia Pacific
  • Competition for up to USD $300,000 in cash prizes at Grand Finals
  • Ongoing support to accelerate commercialization and regional expansion

Selection Notification: May 2026

Even if not selected for the Accelerator cohort, you’ll benefit from: 

  • Valuable connections made with judges, investors, and strategic partners
  • Actionable feedback to refine your international expansion strategy
  • Increased visibility in the Korean and international medtech ecosystem
  • Potential follow-on conversations with interested judges and attendees
  • Eligibility to apply again for future MedTech Innovator programs
  • Ongoing support to accelerate commercialization and regional expansion

Agenda

  • 10:00 – 10:10Opening

  • 10:10 – 10:30MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific Presentation to Pitching Startups

    • How to make the best out of the MedTech Spotlight: New Impact Korea 2026
    • Presentation on Pitching to Judges in the MTI APAC Format

  • 10:30 – 12:00Pitch Coaching Batch Group 1

    • 20-min per company

  • 12:00 – 13:00Networking Lunch

  • 13:00 – 14:30Pitch Coaching Batch Group 2

    • 20-min per company

  • 14:30 – 15:30Additional Coaching (Optional)

    Time to refine and edit presentations

  • 16:00 – 16:30KIMES 2026 Guided Booth Tour (For International Judges)

  • 17:30 - 18:30 K-Healthcare, Unlocked (For International Judges)

    Sharing and Introduction to Korea's Healthcare System

  • 18:30 onwardsVIP Dinner (For International Judges)

    Venue: Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas

*Agenda subject to change. Final schedule will be announced closer to the event date.*

Questions? 

Check out our Info Session to understand more about the event format, application process, and what judges look for in startups. 

Info Session #4

Date: 26 November 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM SGT // 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM KST
Topic: How to Prepare for MedTech Spotlight: New Impact Korea 2026

Watch Replay!

Pitching Companies (Coming Soon)

Selected companies will be announced in February 2026. Stay tuned!

Pitching Companies

Selected companies will be announced in [Month 2026]. Logos will appear here.

In collaboration with

KHIDI is a government agency advancing Korea’s bio-health industry by supporting innovation, global expansion, and connections across research, industry and markets. 

The KMDIA is the leading organization and collective voice of medical device, manufacturers, importers, and innovators in S. Korea.

Partnering for Korea’s Global MedTech Future

This collaboration brings together Korea’s leading healthcare innovation institutions with the world’s largest medtech accelerator to create unprecedented opportunities for Korean startups to scale internationally.