A year-long initiative, the 2026 Bench to Bedside program empowered students across Utah to engage in health care innovation and apply their skills to improve patient care in their communities.
ARSS automatically repositions immobile patients to prevent pressure ulcers. A disposable glide sheet with integrated inflatable chambers connects to a reusable programmable pump, delivering 30-degree lateral tilts on a customizable schedule. ARSS replaces manual patient turning effectively reducing staff injury risk, improving repositioning compliance to near 100%, and significantly lowering pressure ulcer rates in skilled nursing facilities.
FrostByte is an autonomous, biometrically gated, emergency PPE device to prevent cold injuries in the world's harshest environments. This technology is a paradigm shift from passive to active prevention for individuals who work, live or recreate in the cold. Our goal is simple: eliminate frostbite and cold injury for people everywhere.
B2B 2026 BY THE NUMBERS
50 COMPETING TEAMS
10 ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS: 5 UTAH, 5 NATIONAL
208 STUDENT COMPETITORS
$100,000+ MILESTONE FUNDING AWARDED
39 NEW PATENTS FILED
175+ PROFESSIONAL MENTORS & JUDGES
FOCUS is a field-deployable UV-C sterilization device for surgical instruments in resource-constrained settings. Using ellipsoidal geometry and dual UV-C light sources, it delivers shadow-free irradiation in a 90-second cycle without water, plumbing, or heavy infrastructure. FOCUS is designed for military medics, rural clinics, humanitarian teams, and disaster response units.
The Levator Ani Device (LeAD) is a simple, affordable, and clinically validated device that accurately measures the force of the pelvic floor muscles in women. One in three women will experience a pelvic floor disorder, caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles. These disorders are not caught early because no accessible, objective diagnostic tool exists. The LeAD is that tool.
A scale system that removes visible weight metrics, automatically and securely transmits weight data to the EMR, and eliminates patient exposure to potentially distressing/irrelevant information. Weight data remains fully accessible to clinicians when clinically indicated.
CathSecure is a novel neurosurgical device designed for CSF shunting in hydrocephalus. It uses a simple, calibrated locking mechanism to create a more secure and consistent catheter–valve connection, reducing failures from over- or under-tightening seen with traditional silk sutures. Its adaptable design also allows for easy modification and use in other surgical procedures requiring secure tubing connections.
TroponinPatch is a wearable microneedle patch designed to continuously monitor troponin levels in high-risk cardiac patients at home. By providing early alerts for worsening heart injury, it helps patients and clinicians respond sooner, with the goal of reducing delayed treatment, preventable complications, and hospital readmissions.
FoldSight Bio has developed a diagnostic tool for ATTR. Currently diagnosis is long, up to 15 years, and expensive, $500,000, and 53% of patients die before they are diagnosed. With a simple blood test in our laboratory, we can diagnose a patient with ATTR disease in 48 hours for $2000, and early enough for evade symptoms.
Evoke NeuroMed is developing a first-of-its-kind, non-invasive neural-haptic wristband to restore digit-specific touch for 500,000 Americans with partial-hand loss. Utilizing state-of-the-art current steering and multi-channel TENS, our wearable interface provides high-fidelity fingertip sensations. We bridge the sensory gap in prosthetics, restoring natural embodiment and functional utility without the need for invasive surgery.
A Cardiac Rhythm Monitor for Pediatric Patients with no Adhesive-Skin Contact.
Elevāre is redefining pectus excavatum treatment with a breakthrough implant that gradually reshapes the chest over time. Unlike the current methods which use painful abrupt corrections, Elevāre delivers controlled, patient-specific adjustments that reduce reliance on pain management strategies like cryoablation and opioids. Elevāre is transforming patient outcomes and setting a new standard of care.
Expand the Teams Gallery Box below to learn more about each of the teams in this year's competition
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All teams from the 2026 Bench to Bedside competition listed alphabetically.
- Aloe Health
- AnTENSipate
- Apex Monitoring Systems
- ARSS
- CAAR
- CardioWear
- CathSecure
- CathTie
- CerebroFlow
- DIFRRAX
- DualFlow IV
- DuoScope
- Elevāre
- ENDOXO
- EtherLight LLC
- Evoke NeuroMed
- Exhalo
- Fieldside Neurotech
- FindMyOTC
- FlowMo
- FOCUS - Airavata Bioengineering LLC
- FoldSight Bio
- FrostByte Defense Technologies
- HandHold
- HemeSense
- Inara Health
- Infection Fighters
- insEYEght
- InterSept
- KardioGen
- Levator Ani Device
- Mate Therapeutics, LLC
- Medistant
- MERTLE
- MicroMend
- Nephrova
- NeuroNate
- Orion Biomedical
- OrthIQ
- Perfusio
- Reconcila
- Remembrance
- RUTID: Rapid Urinary Tract Infection Detector
- Tracewell
- TrialBuddy
- UV Sense
- Valguide
- Vasculis
- VeilScale
- W-ECG Group
Aloe Health
Aloe Health is building an at-home AI-powered ultrasound for monitoring musculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on rotator cuff injuries.
AnTENSipate
AnTENSipate is a wearable neurostimulation device that predicts and prevents chronic pain before it occurs. Unlike traditional TENS that treat pain after it arrives or pharmaceuticals with unwanted side effects, AnTENSipate leverages machine learning and real-time biometrics to counteract pain before it disrupts everyday life. This safe, reusable, all-in-one system is shifting pain management from reactive relief to proactive prevention.
Apex Monitoring Systems
A medical device start up developing NeoPulse, a non-adhesive, wireless, wearable cardiac monitoring system for neonatal and pediatric patients.
ARSS
ARSS automatically repositions immobile patients to prevent pressure ulcers. A disposable glide sheet with integrated inflatable chambers connects to a reusable programmable pump, delivering 30-degree lateral tilts on a customizable schedule. ARSS replaces manual patient turning effectively reducing staff injury risk, improving repositioning compliance to near 100%, and significantly lowering pressure ulcer rates in skilled nursing facilities.
CAAR
TroponinPatch is a wearable microneedle patch designed to continuously monitor troponin levels in high-risk cardiac patients at home. By providing early alerts for worsening heart injury, it helps patients and clinicians respond sooner, with the goal of reducing delayed treatment, preventable complications, and hospital readmissions.
CardioWear
A Cardiac Rhythm Monitor for Pediatric Patients with no Adhesive-Skin Contact
CathSecure
CathSecure is a novel neurosurgical device designed for CSF shunting in hydrocephalus. It uses a simple, calibrated locking mechanism to create a more secure and consistent catheter–valve connection, reducing failures from over- or under-tightening seen with traditional silk sutures. Its adaptable design also allows for easy modification and use in other surgical procedures requiring secure tubing connections.
CathTie
CathTie is a clamp designed to mechanically secure the catheter junction in ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems used in hydrocephalus management. It replaces unreliable suture-based fixation with a mechanical lock that is compatible with existing shunt hardware. CathTie addresses a preventable cause of shunt failure - disconnection. Leading to a reduction in revision surgeries, patient morbidity, and healthcare costs.
CerebroFlow
CerebroFlow is a passive, microfluidic ventriculoperitoneal shunt designed to revolutionize hydrocephalus treatment. Unlike current static devices, our pressure-responsive system provides continuous, real-time regulation of cerebrospinal fluid without requiring external clinical intervention. By dynamically adapting to fluctuating intracranial pressure, CerebroFlow minimizes complications, reduces revision surgeries, and improves the quality of life for all patient demographics.
DIFRRAX
Our project develops a non-invasive optical method to detect biofilm formation on medical implants. Using laser imaging, tissue-mimicking models, and machine learning, we analyze how biofilms alter light patterns. This approach aims to enable earlier diagnosis of implant-related infections, reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes.
DualFlow IV
At DualFlowIV, we seek to eliminate the need for traditional, repeated needlestick blood draws by decreasing pain and complications for patients, increasing healthcare worker efficiency, and reducing hospital costs and waste. We developed a catheter that maintains the capabilities of current-market PIV catheters for intravenous fluid and medication delivery, with the additional capability of effectively collecting a viable blood sample.
DuoScope
DuoScope is a dual-function endoscopic platform that converts between a flexible ureteroscope and a rigid laparoscope through a removable rigid sheath. Designed for low and middle-income countries, it eliminates the need for expensive imaging towers and sterilization infrastructure by using USB-C connectivity and a disposable sheath design. DuoScope makes minimally invasive surgery accessible where it's needed most.
Elevāre
Elevāre is redefining pectus excavatum treatment with a breakthrough implant that gradually reshapes the chest over time. Unlike the current methods which use painful abrupt corrections, Elevāre delivers controlled, patient-specific adjustments that reduce reliance on pain management strategies like cryoablation and opioids. Elevāre is transforming patient outcomes and setting a new standard of care.
ENDOXO
Team Hyrax has developed an esophageal SpO2 probe that solves the limitations of current devices on the market. The device offers accurate readings across different skin tones in surgical opperations and intensvie care units of the hospital without problems of poor peripheral perfusion
EtherLight LLC
Cardiac point-of-care blood testing using optics instead of reagents.
Evoke NeuroMed
Evoke NeuroMed is developing a first-of-its-kind, non-invasive neural-haptic wristband to restore digit-specific touch for 500,000 Americans with partial-hand loss. Utilizing state-of-the-art current steering and multi-channel TENS, our wearable interface provides high-fidelity fingertip sensations. We bridge the sensory gap in prosthetics, restoring natural embodiment and functional utility without the need for invasive surgery.
Exhalo
Exhalo is a wearable device for nocturnal asthma that continuously monitors exhaled biomarkers and automatically delivers rescue medication when early signs of an attack are detected. By combining real-time sensing with automated intervention, Exhalo reduces nighttime symptoms, improves disease management, and helps prevent costly emergency events while patients sleep.
Fieldside Neurotech
We make reliable concussion screening accessible anywhere - from military operations to athletic sidelines. A new clinically-proved testing algorithm coupled with an affordable, portable, and durable device brings hospital-grade screening tools to patients wherever they need it.
FindMyOTC
FindMyOTC uses comprehensive patient assessment to provide individual guidance for medication options.
FlowMo
The FlowMo seeks to improve post-operative wound drain care with remote patient monitoring. The device is a wearable device that digitally records and reports drain fluid volume output and flow rate with modularized sensors, seamlessly connecting patients with their care team through a user-friendly mobile application - ultimately increasing efficiency and optimizing post-operative care.
FOCUS - Airavata Bioengineering LLC
FOCUS is a field-deployable UV-C sterilization device for surgical instruments in resource-constrained settings. Using ellipsoidal geometry and dual UV-C light sources, it delivers shadow-free irradiation in a 90-second cycle without water, plumbing, or heavy infrastructure. FOCUS is designed for military medics, rural clinics, humanitarian teams, and disaster response units.
FoldSight Bio
FoldSight Bio has developed a diagnostic tool for ATTR. Currently diagnosis is long, up to 15 years, and expensive, $500,000, and 53% of patients die before they are diagnosed. With a simple blood test in our laboratory, we can diagnose a patient with ATTR disease in 48 hours for $2000, and early enough for evade symptoms.
FrostByte Defense Technologies
FrostByte is an autonomous, biometrically gated, emergency PPE device to prevent cold injuries in the world's harshest environments. This technology is a paradigm shift from passive to active prevention for individuals who work, live or recreate in the cold. Our goal is simple; eliminate frostbite and cold injury for people everywhere.
HandHold
HandHold is a low-cost solution for hand surgery that stabilizes fingers and enables incision retraction, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on additional personnel.
HemeSense
Developing implantable hemodyanmic monitor
Inara Health
Inara Health is making continous pregstrone monitor to help increase access for women's fertility health.
Infection Fighters
Our team is developing a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) designed for surgical use that adds source control. It redirects airflow away from the sterile field to help prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) while still giving clinicians strong protection and better comfort.
insEYEght
insEYEght screens for concussion in under 60 seconds in any condition. It is a portable pupillometer that delivers objective, quantitative pupillary light reflex measurements using a proprietary three-camera system and machine learning. Designed for sidelines, military, and emergency settings, it reduces liability exposure and helps protect athletes’ brains.
InterSept
The InterSept team has developed an innovative wearable system that aids in the diagnosis of sepsis by combining continuous biochemical and physiological monitoring to detect early signs of risk. Designed for rapid, real-time insight, the device aims to improve patient outcomes by alerting clinicians to critical conditions like sepsis faster than traditional methods.
KardioGen
A wearable and modular device for the detection of supraventricular tachycardia in neonates and infants, designed to improve long-term health outcomes in neonates and provide peace of mind to caregivers.
Levator Ani Device
The Levator Ani Device (LeAD) is a simple, affordable, and clinically validated device that accurately measures the force of the pelvic floor muscles in women. One in three women will experience a pelvic floor disorder, caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles. These disorders are not caught early because no accessible, objective diagnostic tool exists. The LeAD is that tool.
Mate Therapeutics, LLC
Mate Therapeutics is developing IntiMate, a first-line, non-invasive conception-supporting vaginal gel designed to improve the biological conditions required for fertilization. Used seamlessly during intercourse as a lubricant, IntiMate actively supports the vaginal-cervical microenvironment, the critical point where sperm must survive, move, and transport through cervical mucus to reach the egg.
MERTLE
MERTLE, the Medical Robot Training and Learning Environment, is a medical manikin benchmarking ecosystem for early stage training and testing of robotic surgical systems
MicroMend
Intravenous (IV) therapy is one of the most common hospital and outpatient procedures, yet IV priming lacks a standardized containment method. Fluid is currently flushed into improvised containers which is inconsistent, technique-dependent, and increases potential contamination and splash exposure. We at MicroMend have developed a closed system collection bag that is pre-attached to IV tubing to safely capture priming fluid.
NeuroNate
NeuroNate is developing the first automated EEG background classification software to aid in predicting developmental outcomes — built specifically for bedside use in neonates and integrated into the EEG software already used by teams. For the first time, clinicians don't have to wait days for answers. NeuroNate delivers them from hour one.
Orion Biomedical
Orion Biomedical’s Smart Knee Sleeve is a sensor-enabled rehabilitation wearable that tracks knee range of motion, exercise adherence, and recovery trends during daily activity and home therapy. It pairs with patient and clinician apps to deliver real-time feedback, remote monitoring, and actionable recovery data, helping improve outcomes while reducing unnecessary follow-up visits.
OrthIQ
OrthIQ builds smart wearables for musculoskeletal rehab, giving patients real-time feedback on form and progress while helping clinicians monitor recovery remotely.
Perfusio
Perfusio is tackling preventable maternal and trauma mortality through early shock and hemorrhage detection. Our wearable temporal PPG sensor provides continuous, non-invasive monitoring of arterial waveform trends. By detecting hypovolemic shifts before traditional vitals deteriorate, Perfusio empowers clinicians in obstetrics and EMS with the critical lead time needed to intervene, stabilize patients, and save lives.
Reconcila
Reconcila is a software application that improves the medication reconciliation process. Due to a lack of pharmacists, training, and available technology, healthcare providers are not always able to get the most accurate medication history, resulting in costly and dangerous medication errors. Reconcila addresses this problem by reducing the cognitive burden on providers and safeguarding the medication reconciliation process.
Remembrance
Remembrance is an AI-powered, phone-based cognitive screening platform that detects early signs of cognitive decline through voice analysis. It enables scalable, low-effort screening for seniors and connects at-risk individuals directly to brain health providers, allowing earlier intervention, better outcomes, and increased access to care.
RUTID: Rapid Urinary Tract Infection Detector
The goal of our team is to offer healthcare providers a much faster and cost efficient way to diagnose UTIs. RUTID is a portable, easy to use, point of care device. It works without the need for expensive equipment or technical lab training. Do away with the expensive and long turnaround times for urine cultures. Root for RUTID!
Tracewell
Tracewell is an AI-powered prior authorization platform for chronic pain, starting with migraine. Patients log symptoms through daily voice notes in any language; our platform automatically generates payer-ready documentation, eliminating 14 hours of weekly physician paperwork and cutting treatment delays from months to days. We start with migraine and expand to all chronic pain.
TrialBuddy
The TrialBuddy team has developed a product to enhance medication adherence among individuals participating in clinical trials.
UV Sense
UV Sense develops wearable UV sensing technology that transforms real-time exposure data into simple, personalized guidance. By translating invisible UV into actionable insights, the technology helps individuals better understand their risk, change behavior, and prevent long-term skin damage and skin cancer.
Valguide
Valguide focuses on developing a tool to standardize the Valsalva maneuver during echocardiography to help diagnose pathologies such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Vasculis
We are developing a rapid, intraoperative intravascular repair system for emergency arterial injuries during open neurosurgery. The solution combines a foldable, self‑expanding covered stent with a compact deployment device, enabling fast placement through vessel tears to stop bleeding and restore blood flow without systemic anticoagulation.
VeilScale
A scale system that removes visible weight metrics, automatically and securely transmits weight data to the EMR, and eliminates patient exposure to potentially distressing/irrelevant information. Weight data remains fully accessible to clinicians when clinically indicated.
W-ECG Group
We are the W-ECG team, creating a reusable and more efficient 12-lead ECG electrode sling designed to be washable, signal reliable and simpler to use for minimally trained professionals. This solution provides a more efficient and practical way for rural areas to measure heart health, plugging into electrocardiogram instruments that clinics and hospitals are already familiar with.
GENEROUSLY SPONOSRED BY:
