AO Innovation Funding
Turn your musculoskeletal innovation into a clinical reality
Get customized funding, expert mentorship, and access to the biggest global network of orthopedic surgeons who will validate and use your innovation.
The call for applications is closed.
The next intake opens in mid-October.
Proven impact: Our success stories
Clinical Study Hub
Designed as one large prospective clinical project consisting of multiple ongoing sub-projects (trials)
Biphasic Plate
Improving fracture stabilization by providing a predictable mechanical environment at the fracture
Watch: Discover how AO Innovation Funding accelerates breakthrough ideas.
How much funding can I receive? Funding is customized to each project's needs. We've provided funding from CHF 50K for early-stage prototypes to CHF 1 million+ for later-stage projects. Tell us what you need to reach your next milestone.
How do you evaluate submitted applications? For MedTech products, we consider clinical needs, patient benefits, market, IP, regulatory pathway, and overall project feasibility. For AO strategic projects, we evaluate organizational fit, feasibility and long-term sustainability.
I'm already talking to investors. Can I still apply? Absolutely. AO funding often makes companies more attractive to VCs by de-risking clinical validation and regulatory pathways. Many funded innovators use our support to improve terms with private investors.
What if I'm not affiliated with the AO? No affiliation required. We welcome applications from surgeons, researchers, start-ups, and independent inventors worldwide. Your innovation's merit matters, not your organizational ties.
How long does funding last? Project-dependent. We tailor funding duration to your development timeline—from 12 months for focused projects to 3+ years for complex clinical validation.
What happens if my project fails or pivots? Innovation involves risk. We evaluate progress at milestones. If evidence suggests pivoting or stopping, we discuss options transparently. Failed projects with integrity maintain eligibility for future funding.
How do you approach Intellectual Property (IP)? A cooperation contract will be negotiated to define the rights concerning the involved IP. Usually, any income generated by the projects will be shared between the AO and the inventor. The relative shares depend on the status of the idea when the collaboration started.
What about confidentiality? Experts will be involved only under a non-disclosure agreement. For applicants gaining funding approval, the collaboration agreement with the AO grants the right to publicly use the applicant's name, photograph, and non-confidential details about the project, agreed beforehand with the applicant.
We support innovations that address unmet clinical needs in musculoskeletal care:
- 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
Your innovation should:
- Demonstrate clear advantages over existing solutions
- Have IP protection potential (patent filed or patentable within five years)
- Show realistic path to market with strong business case
- Be suitable to scale and impact patient outcomes
Flexible funding: Customized amounts and timelines matched to your project milestones—from seed funding to clinical validation.
Expert network: Direct access to the biggest global network of orthopedic surgeons, researchers, and specialists who validate your solution and become early adopters.
De-risk your path: Navigate IP protection, regulatory approval, and clinical evidence with mentorship from leaders who have successfully brought musculoskeletal devices to market.
Industry credibility: AO backing signals quality to investors, hospital systems, and strategic partners, opening doors for commercialization.
How to apply
Simple 4-step process:
1. Submit application – Rolling submissions reviewed twice yearly (deadlines: February 28 & August 31)
2. Initial review (two months) – Expert panel evaluates diverse criteria depending on the project outcome, a medical device, or a strategic project for the AO.
3. Due diligence – If approved, we structure funding terms, milestones, and IP agreements
4. Project launch – Begin development with AO funding, mentorship, and network access
"A perfect place to look for innovation is where you see challenges."
Michael Schütz - Technology Transfer Board Former Chairperson