The Plug and Play Medtech Expo, a significant event for medical technology and innovation, took place at Grace College’s Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Warsaw, Indiana, on March 5. The event united industry leaders, startups, and the local community for a day dedicated to collaboration and forward-thinking solutions within the medtech field.
The expo featured a variety of noteworthy speakers, including Drew Flamm, president of Grace College; Ryan Locke, vice president of Venture Finance at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation; and Jim Lancaster, senior vice president and head of Global Product Development at Zimmer Biomet. Lancaster acknowledged the success and impact of Plug and Play Warsaw at the conclusion of its first year in operation. “There’s a part of me that thinks it’s been five years with just how much has been accomplished,” Lancaster said.
Locke, representing the state, urged attendees to continue innovating and to embrace collaboration. “This ecosystem is derived from people who like people,” Locke stated, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Warsaw community and the larger medtech network in Indiana.
Panel discussions included insights from Cristina Piecuch (Zimmer Biomet), development director, Knees; Jillian Turner (IU LAB), vice president for Strategy & Operations; and Liz Wiederhold (Paragon Medical), senior program manager-Product Development. They shared perspectives on upcoming trends, challenges, and prospects in medtech and healthcare. “We’re at a real inflection point for human life sciences and AI. Every conversation comes back to AI,” Turner noted. “We need to make sure people are aware of the ecosystem they are a part of in Indiana. We’re encouraging people to build on top of each other which lets them innovate faster.”
Eileen Alberding, program manager for Plug and Play in Indiana, announced the organization’s first investment in a Medtech startup, Predictive Healthcare, a company from the Warsaw branch’s inaugural 2024 startup batch. Brandon Noll, director of Plug and Play in Indiana, also announced the addition of new corporate and strategic partners for Plug and Play Warsaw, including Parkview Health and Launch Fishers, respectively.
A key aspect of Expo 2024 was the presentation of Plug and Play Medtech’s nine Batch 2 startups:
- Ateios Systems
- BRINTER INC
- Dimension Inx
- IndusLife
- Joint Orthopedic Solutions
- Magsorbeo Biomedical
- SDIP Innovations
- SurgeTrace Orthopedics
One of the unique aspects of Plug and Play Warsaw’s Medtech Expo was the strong participation of local businesses and community organizations, underscoring the collaborative spirit of Northeast Indiana:
- Warsaw’s MudLOVE offered custom Beacon NFC-enabled bracelets to connect attendees both in-person and online.
- iXplore presented a VR experience of potential involvement in the orthopedic development workforce.
- Grace College’s Engineering Baja SAE showcased their off-road racer, which is set to compete in May 2025.
The event also benefitted from the support of volunteers from Grace College Student CEOs, who assisted in the coordination of various aspects of the day to ensure smooth operations. These community-driven experiences added a personal touch to the event, transforming it into a celebration of the local community and the individuals who contribute to Plug and Play Warsaw’s success.
As the healthcare and technology industries continue to evolve, the Expo emphasized Warsaw’s growing reputation as a hub for Medtech innovation. The event drew not only local businesses but also national and international thought leaders, demonstrating the area’s increasing importance in the global Medtech landscape.
