ATiO Emerging Company Pitch Contest

Innovate, Inspire, Impact.

ATiO Emerging Company Pitch Contest

Empowering innovation, connecting leaders, and accelerating the future of advanced therapies.

The ATiO Emerging Company Pitch Contest spotlights early-stage ideas, products, and solutions in musculoskeletal advanced therapies. It connects founders and research spin-outs with an exclusive audience of clinicians, researchers, industry leaders, investors, and regulators at the invite-only ATiO Conference 2026 in Berlin.
Participants gain high-value visibility, rigorous feedback, and the opportunity to compete for the ATiO Best Emerging Company Award 2026.


Who Should Apply?

We invite innovative solutions that move beyond the current standard of care and hold genuine potential to transform musculoskeletal treatment. Proposals should demonstrate clear MSK relevance and a credible translational and regulatory pathway. Applications are welcome from emerging MSK companies and spin-outs across the full spectrum of advanced therapies. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
Cell & Gene Therapies
Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials
Infection: Dx & Tx
Enabling Devices & Surgery
Data-Driven & Digital
Bioelectronic Medicine
Cell-Free Biologics
Novel Delivery
Synthetic Biology
Manufacturing & Bioprocess
Rehabilitation & Functional Restoration
Immunotherapies & Inflammation Modulation


Why Join?

Momentum and Visibility:
Showcase your innovation before a distinguished audience to strengthen credibility, attract potential partners and investors, and accelerate adoption.
Expert Guidance:
Receive tailored feedback from leading clinicians, researchers, and industry executives to enhance your scientific approach, clinical strategy, and market entry plan.
Strategic Network:
Gain direct access to the exclusive ATiO Network key decision-makers in the field, opening opportunities for mentorship, pilot programs, and long-term partnerships.


How It Works

Companies apply by submitting their interest through the webform below — a brief overview and a pitch deck is sufficient.
Selected companies will receive an exclusive invitation to the prestigious ATiO Conference 2026 in Berlin to participate in the ATiO Emerging Company Pitch Contest.
In the group stage, you will deliver a focused 10-minute pitch including Q&A.
Finalists are selected using a combined audience vote and expert jury evaluation.
In the Final Round, finalists present again to compete for the ATiO Award: Best Emerging Company 2026.


Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by our Scientific and Advisory Board based on:

  • Clinical impact — potential to transform MSK care
  • Evidence and feasibility — supporting data and milestones
  • Pathway — regulatory, reimbursement, and clinical trial strategy
  • Differentiation — intellectual property or unique clinical approach
  • Team and execution — capacity to deliver


What You Receive

Invited companies receive undivided stage time on our main stage at the invite-only ATiO Conference 2026—an exclusive gathering of key opinion leaders in advanced MSK therapies and education, including leading researchers and scientists, clinicians, corporate representatives, and investors. This intentionally intimate format—and the ATiO Pitch Contest designed as a low-barrier entry point for emerging companies—provides curated introductions to clinicians, KOLs, and investors, as well as expert feedback on clinical development, evidence generation, and regulatory and commercialization pathways. Winners additionally benefit from the ATiO Award recognition, secured stage time at the next ATiO Conference, endorsement by the ATiO Alliance, and strategic media exposure.


Event Details

Date: The ATiO Conference 2026 and ATiO Emerging Company Pitch Contest will be held from 24 – 26 June 2026.
Location: The venue is the Telegraphenamt, Monbijoustraße 11, 10117 Berlin, Germany.


Questions?

For inquiries, please use the webform below or contact us at office@atioalliance.org. A detailed FAQ is also available below the webform.

FAQ

FAQ — ATiO Emerging Company Pitch Contest

Who is eligible to participate?

Emerging musculoskeletal (MSK) companies and spin-outs from robust product concept through near-market readiness and early post-market phases are eligible. Early or limited sales do not preclude participation. The contest is not intended for organizations already operating at mature, large-scale commercialization.

Do I need to be incorporated to apply?

No. Academic and clinical project teams and research spin-outs are welcome. You should be able to demonstrate MSK relevance, a credible translational path, and clear ownership or authorization to present the work.

What technology areas are in scope?

We prioritize modalities with realistic potential to move beyond the status quo of MSK care. Please, see above for some references and examples.

Where and when does the contest take place?

The Pitch Contest is part of the invite-only ATiO Conference 2026, held 24–26 June 2026 at Telegraphenamt, Monbijoustraße 11, 10117 Berlin, Germany.

What is the contest format?

Group Stage: Each company delivers a focused 10-minute pitch followed by brief Q&A. in one of two groups
Final Round: Two finalists per group present again in a live, high-impact format without a presentation deck to clearly articulate the value proposition and clinical path.

Are slides allowed?

Yes, slides are permitted in the Group Stage (16:9 recommended; video playback optional). The Final Round is intentionally slide-free. Live demos or physical samples are possible with prior approval; safety and venue rules apply.

How are finalists and the winner selected?

By a combined score of independent expert jury evaluation and audience vote. The jury is multidisciplinary (clinicians, researchers, and industry/investor representatives). Conflicts of interest are managed via recusal. We assess clinical impact, evidence and feasibility, pathway (regulatory/reimbursement/trials), differentiation, and team/execution.

What are the participation costs and what is included?

The entry fee is €2,000. It includes participation in the ATiO Pitch Contest, access to the full ATiO Conference program, on-site networking, and organizational support. Travel, accommodation, and shipping/handling for demo materials are not included. The ATiO Foundation is a non-profit; fees cover organizational costs only.

How do I apply?

Submit via the webform on this page. A concise overview is sufficient; a pitch deck (PDF) is optional. Please indicate indication area, modality, development stage, evidence to date, regulatory status/plan, and team.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early once capacity is reached. We recommend submitting by 1 March 2026 to ensure full consideration. Final confirmations are issued ahead of the Conference.

In which language are pitches delivered?

English.

Will the sessions be recorded or photographed?

Yes. Sessions are recorded and photographed. By participating, you consent to the use of recordings and images for event coverage and ATiO communications. Share only information suitable for disclosure; ATiO does not sign NDAs for this format.

What about intellectual property and confidentiality?

You retain all IP. By submitting, you confirm you have the rights to present the materials and that they are appropriate for a public forum. Do not disclose proprietary or confidential information. If in doubt, present non-confidential summaries and high-level data.

What are the AV and on-site logistics?

Standard setup includes LED-display (16:9), audio and video playback, and a clicker. Please bring your deck on a USB drive, send it to the organisation team front and have a backup PDF. Timekeeping is strict: 10-minute pitch plus brief Q&A. Contact the organizers in advance for special requirements (e.g., additional power, space for a device mock-up).

How are conflicts of interest handled?

Jury members disclose relationships with applicants. Where a conflict exists, the juror is recused from scoring that application. Audience voting is aggregated independently and combined with jury scores.

What is the code of conduct?

ATiO fosters a professional, respectful environment. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior are not tolerated. We reserve the right to take appropriate action, including revoking participation.

How are my personal data handled?

Personal data are processed solely to manage your participation in accordance with applicable data-protection laws (e.g., GDPR). For details, refer to ATiO’s privacy notice.

Whom can I contact for further questions?

Please use the webform on this page or email office@atioalliance.org. We aim to respond promptly.