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.

Apply by February 28, 2026

Begin the application

Proven impact: Our success stories

  • Tether Pedicle Screw

    Safe, effective, and easy-to-use Tether Pedicle Screw

  • Fracture Monitor

    Implantable telemetric sensor system for monitoring of bone healing

  • Clinical Study Hub

    Clinical Study Hub

    Designed as one large prospective clinical project consisting of multiple ongoing sub-projects (trials)

  • AI@AO

    Establishing an ecosystem where medical images support AI to improve patient care in MSK.

  • Biphasic Plate

    Improving fracture stabilization by providing a predictable mechanical environment at the fracture

  • liposphere news image

    CCoat by Liposphere

    Protective coating layer to reduce wear-related knee joint pain.

  • Momentum Health

    New digital health app to remotely screen scoliosis in patients

  • AO Knowledge Translation

    Accelerates the integration of new research into clinical practice

View the full portfolio

Watch: Discover how AO Innovation Funding accelerates breakthrough ideas.

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  • Why partner with the AO?
  • What we fund
  • FAQ
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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.

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

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.

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

Bring your idea to life!

Application deadline: February 28, 2026 (11:59pm CET)

  

Before applying, review the Pdf form to see what information you will need. All applications are handled confidentially.

If you have questions, contact us at e-mail —we’re here to help.

Begin the application
Michael Schütz

"A perfect place to look for innovation is where you see challenges."

Michael Schütz - Technology Transfer Board Chairperson

 

Meet the Governing teams 

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