2025 TAG Awards for MedTech Fireside Chat with Host Justin Starbird and Guests Tor Alden & Omar Ford

Watch this exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation with two of the inaugural TAG Awards for MedTech judges: Tor Alden, a veteran in medical product design with over 35 years of experience, and Omar Ford, Editorial Director at MD+DI and a respected voice in MedTech journalism.

In this candid panel hosted by Justin Starbird, Co-Founder of The TAG Awards and CEO of The Aebli Group, Tor and Omar reflect on what made this year’s TAG Awards special—from standout trends in AI, digital health, and patient-centered innovation, to what companies are getting right (and wrong) when it comes to product development, branding, and reimbursement.

✔️ What made these awards feel more grassroots and authentic?

✔️ Why is user-centered design and execution now just as important as the core technology?

✔️ How can startups navigate the increasing complexity of MedTech innovation—from funding and FDA clearance to go-to-market strategy?

Tor and Omar also share insights on the future of innovation in MedTech, including the growing role of CGMs, the fusion of AR and AI in surgery, and the shift toward consumers as end-users. Plus: What’s overhyped (looking at you, AI buzzwords), and what separates a newsworthy product from a forgettable one?

As the former owner and CEO of HS Design (HSD), Tor transformed the company into a globally recognized, award-winning consultancy specializing in medical and healthcare product design. Under his leadership, HSD became synonymous with innovation and excellence, contributing groundbreaking solutions across medical, consumer, and industrial sectors. Tor also successfully guided the company through a strategic acquisition, ensuring a seamless transition and positioning it for sustained growth and global impact.

Tor's passion for advancing healthcare innovation extends to his advisory and board roles, where he empowers organizations to navigate product commercialization, unify multidisciplinary teams, and implement strategies that drive success. His contributions to design excellence are reflected in his work as a juror for international design awards and as a member of key industry committees.

With a collaborative mindset and unwavering dedication to advancing MedTech innovation, Tor continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of designers and innovators, championing impactful solutions that shape the future of healthcare.

Omar Ford is a seasoned journalist with a focus on medical technology, healthcare innovation, and the medical device and diagnostics industries. As the Editor-in-Chief of Medical Device + Diagnostics Industry (MD+DI), he has earned a reputation as a leading authority in the field, offering in-depth insights into the latest trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements shaping the future of healthcare.

Omar has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of South Carolina. He is the 2001 winner of the Judson Chapman Award from the South Carolina Press Association and the 2003 McClatchy President's Award recipient. Throughout his tenure at MD+DI, Omar has covered a wide range of topics, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare, the expansion of the wearables market, and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape in the US. Omar is also the host of the Let's Talk Medtech podcast.

This session is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors shaping the future of healthcare.

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