CMI Launches Apex, the next evolution of the Bench to Bedside Program, premiering Fall 2026
The Center for Medical Innovation (CMI) at University of Utah Health is proud to announce Bench to Bedside APEX, the next evolution of its internationally recognized student healthcare innovation competition, premiering in Fall 2026.
Since 2010, Bench to Bedside (B2B) has guided nearly 2,000 students through the process of identifying clinical needs, designing solutions, and prototyping medical technologies. With over 400 teams competing to date, it has become one of the largest healthcare innovation competitions in the country, and a model for similar programs at universities around the world.
B2B APEX builds on this legacy, creating a new platform for global collaboration and competition. This pinnacle event will bring together top-performing teams from leading student med tech competitions across the globe to compete at the highest level, with winning teams receiving over $100k in award funding and a suite of additional in-kind awards to accelerate commercialization. Each team will represent the best innovations and ideas from their home institution, showcasing breakthrough technologies aimed at transforming patient care.
“We’ve seen the Bench to Bedside model resonate far beyond Utah,” said Mark Paul, Executive Director of the Center for Medical Innovation. “APEX brings that global momentum together, creating an international stage for student-led innovation to showcase their exceptional talent and ideas.”
Applications for Bench to Bedside APEX will open in Spring 2026, with the competition premiering in Fall 2026. Institutions or teams interested in participating in Bench to Bedside APEX can contact Amanda LeMatty at amanda.lematty@hsc.utah.edu.
Learn more about Bench to Bedside at: https://uofuhealth.utah.edu/center-for-medical-innovation/programs/bench-to-bedside
