Knoxville, Tennessee – Winter Innovations Inc. is proud to announce its selection for the 2025 MedTech Innovator Accelerator, the industry’s premier program for early-stage medical technology startups. Chosen as one of just 65 breakthrough companies from a pool of over 1,500 applicants, Winter Innovations joins a highly competitive cohort focused on accelerating commercialization and patient care.

The MedTech Innovator Accelerator connects high-potential medtech startups with investors, strategic partners, and healthcare leaders. The four-month program provides mentorship, exposure, and resources to help bring innovative technologies to market faster.

“We’re honored to join this year’s MedTech Innovator cohort and grateful for the opportunity to further our mission of improving surgical outcomes through innovative suturing technology,” said Lia Winter, co-founder and CEO of Winter Innovations. “This program will be invaluable as we continue scaling our flagship product, EasyWhip®, and developing new tools and techniques for orthopedic and sports medicine procedures.”

EasyWhip® is an FDA-cleared and patented two-part needle system that simplifies and strengthens soft tissue stitching in orthopedic surgery, helping surgeons work efficiently with fewer steps.

Winter Innovations was selected following a rigorous evaluation process, including a competitive application review and an in-person pitch during the 2025 MedTech Innovator Road Tour. The program officially kicks off at the invitation-only Innovator Summit and MedTech World Conference in Mountain View, California from June 25–27, 2025. It will conclude at the AdvaMed MedTech Conference in San Diego in October, where participants will showcase progress, engage with potential partners, and compete for $800,000 in non-dilutive funding.

“We’re entering the accelerator at a pivotal time,” said Preston Dishner, co-founder and COO of Winter Innovations. “Our goal is to build on our early traction by strengthening our commercialization and sales strategy, forming key partnerships, and generating the clinical evidence needed to support adoption. MedTech Innovator offers the right resources to help us scale our impact and bring EasyWhip® to more surgeons and patients.”

Upon completion of the accelerator, Winter Innovations will join an elite network of more than 700 MedTech Innovator alumni, who have collectively raised over $10 billion in follow-on funding, with 93% still in business or acquired.

This milestone builds on Winter Innovations’ strong track record of accelerator participation, including ZeroTo510 (2019), Tampa Bay Wave (2020), Springboard Enterprises Life Sciences (2021), and Creative Destruction Lab (2022). These programs have played a significant role in advancing the development and commercialization of the company’s proprietary suture needle technology. Winter Innovations is eager to join MedTech Innovator’s expansive network to continue driving growth and adoption.

About MedTech Innovator:

MedTech Innovator is the world’s largest accelerator of medical device, digital health, and diagnostic companies. Its mission is to improve human health by accelerating the growth of companies transforming patient care. MTI has been a catalyst for groundbreaking healthcare solutions, sourcing nearly 14,000 applicants and fostering the growth of over 700 graduates. Alumni have collectively raised $10 billion in follow-on funding and introduced 400+ products to the market, improving the health of millions worldwide. For more information about MedTech Innovator, its annual programs, portfolio of industry-leading startups, and insights on trends, visit MTI’s website, follow them on LinkedIn, and subscribe to its monthly newsletter.

About Winter Innovations:

Winter Innovations is a medical device company developing simple, impactful tools that address unmet needs in orthopedic soft tissue surgery. Its flagship product, EasyWhip®, is a patented two-part needle system that simplifies suturing, enhances biomechanical strength, and reduces tissue trauma in ligament and tendon surgeries. EasyWhip® enables both whip and locking stitches with a single device, offering unmatched versatility across sports medicine, foot & ankle, and other orthopedic procedures. With more than 1 million soft tissue surgeries performed annually in the U.S. alone, Winter Innovations is working to improve outcomes and surgical efficiency at scale. Following strong early growth and clinical adoption, the company is expanding the EasyWhip® product family and accelerating commercialization as a member of the MedTech Innovator 2025 Accelerator. For more information about Winter Innovations, visit their website and follow them on LinkedIn.

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