The names have been selected, the countdown is on, and the pressure is real. On 13 February 2026, ten standout startups will take the stage at the MedTech World Startup Pitch Competition, held during MedTech World Middle East | Dubai 2026. Sponsored by Blue Goat Cyber and Ascend CRO, the competition brings founders face-to-face with a jury of seasoned investors, where every second counts.
Each finalist will take the stage for a fast-paced pitch followed by direct questions from the jury. No second chances. Just clarity, traction, and conviction. With a diverse mix of clinical innovation, AI-driven solutions, and next-generation devices, this year’s lineup sets the stage for a tightly contested showdown.
Meet the Finalists Competing for the Trophy at MedTech World
Michael Mrochen, Co-Founder & CEO of Allotex, brings more than three decades of experience building refractive surgery platforms from concept to global adoption. A serial entrepreneur with multiple exits, his work has shaped technologies now used worldwide.
Thang Vo-Ta, CEO and Co-Founder of Calla Lily Clinical Care, is an MIT- and Oxford-trained entrepreneur with roots in investment banking and private equity. Recognised among the UK’s top industry leaders, he combines commercial discipline with healthcare execution.
Ken Mariash, CEO of Sinaptica, is advancing a personalized closed-loop neuromodulation therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, backed by Phase 2 clinical data published in Brain. With over 20 years across consulting, biotech, and medtech leadership, he brings deep experience in strategy, commercialization, and growth.
Dr. Siddharthan Rajagopal, Founder & CEO of SurgeOmniQ-X, is a surgeon-innovator focused on AI-driven surgical precision. With thousands of procedures and advanced robotic surgery exposure, his work bridges clinical practice and technology development.
Arman Nadershahi, CEO of Endiatx, comes from a multidisciplinary background spanning law, engineering, and entrepreneurship. His career includes leadership roles across companies that have completed IPOs and acquisitions.
Nicolás López de Aguileta Castaño, CTO of Opportunity Health, specialises in regulatory and clinical affairs, combining hands-on compliance expertise with strategic thinking to support patient safety and healthcare innovation.
Iman Salafian, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Imagine Devices, is a seasoned MedTech executive with over 15 years of experience across FDA-aligned programs, non-dilutive funding, and revenue growth, alongside multiple industry awards.
Akash Pai, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of ZERObrush, is working to bring AI-driven personalization into oral care. With a background spanning major tech companies and consumer products, he focuses on bridging technology, clinical validation, and market adoption.
Luiza Dobre, Founder and CEO of Komed Health, has over 15 years of experience in digital health and hospital operations. Her care-orchestration platform is clinically proven in Europe and now expanding into the GCC.
Alessandro Pizzo, CEO of TT3A, is building a first-in-class cardiovascular device, drawing on experience in early-stage venture capital and a multi-decade family background in medical device distribution.
What the Winner Takes Home
Beyond the trophy, the MedTech World Startup Pitch Competition offers tangible value for the startup that comes out on top. Along with the visibility provided by the MedTech World platform, the winning team will receive a Startup Package for MedTech Malta 2026, dedicated media exposure, and year-long PR coverage across MedTech World channels.
In addition, Blue Goat Cyber will award a special prize consisting of 10 hours of tailored consulting, focused on cybersecurity and regulatory strategy, including guidance across FDA, EU MDR, and Health Canada pathways, areas that remain critical as startups move from pilot to scale.
Building, backing, or scouting the next MedTech success story?
Join founders, investors, and industry leaders on the ground in Dubai from 11 to 13 February at the Intercontinental Festival City Hotel and experience the MedTech World Startup Pitch Competition up close, where early-stage innovation meets real capital and real decisions. Secure your place and be part of the conversations shaping what comes next.
