AO Innovation Funding

Apply before 31 August of the last day of February, each year. AO Foundation supports innovations that address unmet clinical needs in musculoskeletal care through its AO Innovation Funding.

Selected startups receive customized funding, expert mentorship, and access to the world’s largest network of orthopedic surgeons, who validate and use the innovations in practice.

Criteria

Supported innovations can include:

• Hardware medical devices (implants, fixation systems, instruments)
• Digital health technologies (apps, AI, surgical planning software)
• Biologic solutions and/or combination devices
• Medical imaging solutions for AI applications
• Strategic initiatives advancing MSK treatment or surgeon education

To qualify, the innovation should:

• Demonstrate clear advantages over existing solutions
• Have IP protection potential (patent filed or patentable within five years)
• Show a realistic path to market with a strong business case
• Be suitable to scale and impact patient outcomes

⏰ Application Deadline: 31 August or last day of February, each year | ➡️ Apply here