Call for Abstracts:
Translational Technology Pitch Competition
Overview
The Translational Technology Pitch Competition will be hosted at the 10th World Congress of Biomechanics. This competition puts the spotlight on groundbreaking innovations emerging from our biomechanics community and showcases technologies with high potential for real-world clinical, industrial, or societal impact. Finalists will deliver rapid-fire pitches to a panel of leading experts spanning engineering, medicine, industry, venture capital, and regulatory science.
Purpose and Vision
This competition is designed to elevate early-stage translational technologies—medical devices, diagnostics, digital health tools, biologics, advanced materials, software-enabled platforms—and other innovations rooted in biomechanical science. Submissions should clearly articulate the unmet need, the novelty of the proposed solution, and a credible path toward real-world implementation. Unlike traditional scientific abstracts, submissions must focus on product concept, user requirements, feasibility, and the translational pathway rather than experimental data alone.
Why Submit?
Expert Feedback:
All submissions will be reviewed by evaluators with backgrounds in clinical practice, industry R&D, regulatory strategy, and technology commercialization. Feedback will emphasize impact, feasibility, market fit, and translational readiness.
Visibility to Leaders in the Field:
Selected finalists will present a 5-minute pitch during a dedicated session at WCB 2026. Presenters will then participate in a fast-paced Q&A with the expert panel.
Networking Opportunities:
A networking forum following the competition will connect innovators with potential mentors, collaborators, funders, and industry partners.
Recognition:
First and second place winners will be publicly presented with a certificate at the WCB 2026 awards ceremony.
Scope of Submissions
The scope is intentionally broad to encourage participation across the spectrum of the biomechanics community. Abstracts must:
- Propose a novel medical or biomechanics technology
- Go beyond presenting scientific results alone
- Emphasize translational relevance, novelty, feasibility, and path to impact
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions and finalist presentations will be evaluated on:
1. Unmet Need & Market Potential
2. Technology Novelty & Utility
3. Technical Feasibility
4. Translational Pathway (regulatory, manufacturing, risk, adoption)
5. Clarity of Writing & Communication
Questions?
For inquiries regarding scope, eligibility, or submission guidelines, please contact:
Competition Co-Chairs
Lyle Hood, PhD:
lyle.hood@utsa.edu
Ethan Kung, PhD:
ekung@ag.clemson.edu