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MTEC's Promising Start to 2026: Events and Funding Opportunities

As we approach the new year, the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) is gearing up for an exciting start to 2026 with key funding opportunities and national events. These initiatives are aimed at tackling some of the most pressing needs in the medical technology landscape.

Upcoming Events

12th Annual Partnering Forum

The flagship event, the 12th Annual Partnering Forum, is scheduled to take place from January 12–15, 2026, at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. This gathering is co-hosted by MTEC and QNova LifeSciences, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including investors, innovators, and service providers to facilitate strategic networking.

Following the in-person event, there will be a virtual partnering period from February 2–6, 2026. Last year's Forum was remarkably successful, attracting over 1,500 participants from over 600 companies across 30 countries. The expanded agenda for 2026 will feature prominent leaders from the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. military, and various international trade organizations. Noteworthy additions to this year's program include an Investment Brunch hosted in collaboration with CONNECTpreneur, aimed at fostering high-quality introductions during JPM Healthcare Week.

Platelet Technology Meeting

In another significant endeavor, MTEC will collaborate with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the Defense Health Agency for the Platelet-like Products State of Technology Meeting. This event is set to occur from February 17–19, 2026, in Washington, D.C. It seeks to unite researchers and developers to explore the latest advancements in technologies such as extracellular vesicles, synthetic nanoparticles, and next-generation platelet substitutes. Discussions will also cover government funding priorities and clinical development pathways. Registrations for this critical meeting are already open.

Funding Opportunities

In addition to these events, MTEC has announced a pre-encouragement for its “Single Blood Donor Collection and Storage Bags Manufactured in CONUS” Request for Project Proposals. This initiative, on behalf of the Defense Health Agency, is focused on bolstering the domestic manufacturing capacity for blood collection and storage products, which are vital given the ongoing shortages faced by the U.S. military.

The U.S. Government has made available up to $4 million for this project, with expected Phase I awards ranging between $1 million to $3 million. Organizations interested in participating must be members of MTEC, and further membership details can be found on their official website.

The Vision Ahead

MTEC's concerted efforts through these events and funding opportunities illustrate their commitment to fostering innovation in medical technology. By connecting various stakeholders from different sectors, MTEC aims to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and its practical application, thereby enhancing healthcare outcomes.

For those interested in learning more about MTEC's initiatives and opportunities, visit their official website for further information. As 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on MTEC as they lead advancements in medical technology, paving the way for innovations that could transform patient care for years to come.