Build the Next Breakthrough in Surgical Care
Apply to join the Mayo Clinic Platform Surgical Innovation Challenge, a three-day build sprint bringing together clinical, technical, and entrepreneurial startups to develop data-driven solutions to real-world challenges in surgical and postoperative care.
Event details
Challenge: Nov. 14–16, 2026
Final presentations: Nov. 17, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic Department of Surgery Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit
Prize: Category winners will be invited to present at the Mayo Clinic Department of Surgery Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit, receive expedited review for entry into the Mayo Clinic Platform's Accelerate program, 5 hours of free consultation with Mayo Clinic's Surgical Innovation team, and one overall winner will also receive a $25,000 cash prize.
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Format: In-person, startup-based build sprint.
Application deadline: September 18, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified by October 14, 2026.
What participants will do
This is more than an ideas competition. It is an opportunity to turn promising concepts into tangible, evaluated solutions.
Participants will:
- Select from surgery-focused challenge areas developed by Mayo Clinic clinicalleaders.
- Work as a team to frame a solution and build a proof of concept.
- Use de-identified data and approved tools within a secure, governed environment.
- Receive support from clinical, data, and technology mentors.
- Present their work to a judging panel of surgical and innovation leaders.
- Compete for the opportunity to present at the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit.
Who should apply
We are seeking early-stage and growth-stage startups developing technologies or solutions with the potential to improve surgical and perioperative care. Applicant companies may have expertise in areas such as:
- Data science, AI, and machine learning
- Digital health and healthcare technology
- Surgical / medical technology
- Product design, software development, and solution architecture
Startups do not need to bring a fully formed solution. We are looking for companies with relevant experience and capabilities, a collaborative mindset, curiosity, and a commitment to improving surgical care.
Why participate
By participating, you will have the opportunity to:
- Address meaningful challenges identified by surgical experts.
- Build alongside people with diverse clinical, technical, and business perspectives.
- Test an idea using real-world, de-identified health data.
- Receive direct feedback and mentorship from Mayo Clinic and technology experts.
- Develop a summit-ready proof of concept.
- Gain visibility among leaders in surgery, healthcare innovation, and technology.
How the experience works
Apply
Tell us about your experience, interests, and the perspective your startup would bring to a multidisciplinary team.
Prepare
Selected participants will receive event logistics, participation requirements, and technical onboarding information before the sprint.
Build
Teams will have three days to explore a challenge, shape their approach, and develop a proof of concept with support from mentors.
Present
Teams will present their solutions to a judging panel. One selected project from each challenge area will advance to the Department of Surgery Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit on Nov. 17. One overall winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize.
Bring your skills to the future of surgery
Applications are now open for the Mayo Clinic Platform Surgical Innovation Challenge.