Elevating Innovation: Rick Greenwald Joins the TAG Awards as a Judge
The medical technology landscape has undergone seismic shifts over the years, from the integration of AI to the rise of real-time data collection and analysis. With these innovations come new opportunities—and challenges—for MedTech entrepreneurs and companies striving to gain recognition and validation in a competitive market. That’s where the TAG Awards for MedTech come in, offering a platform for startups and established companies alike to showcase their groundbreaking work.
In our latest TAG'D: Beyond the Award podcast episode, we welcomed a judge for the inaugural TAG Awards, Rick Greenwald, MedTech entrepreneur, investor, and exited founder. Rick brings a wealth of experience to the judging panel, and his unique perspective will undoubtedly add immense value to the awards process.
The Power of Recognition: Why Rick Supports the TAG Awards
Rick has worked closely with The Aebli Group in the past, so when he heard about the launch of the TAG Awards, he was intrigued. From his point of view, these awards are a valuable tool for MedTech companies at all stages. They not only provide recognition but also create opportunities for critical feedback and validation from seasoned industry professionals.
Rick explained that today’s MedTech startups face a more challenging environment than ever before. "You have to take the product further along as a startup before you can get significant investment," he noted. Early-stage companies often need to secure some traction in the market before attracting investors, and awards like TAG provide a critical opportunity for visibility.
Rick’s deep involvement in MedTech means he has seen many startups struggle to bridge the gap between an academic idea and a viable, market-ready product. That’s why he believes awards like TAG are essential—they force companies to think practically about how their product will be used and perceived in the real world.
“Anytime you can put together a package that forces you to present what you’ve done, where you’re headed, and what its value proposition is, it helps you refine your strategy,” Rick said. “The feedback from experienced judges alone is incredibly valuable, even beyond winning the award.”
ROI of Recognition: What the TAG Awards Offer
When asked about the return on investment for companies applying for the TAG Awards, Rick highlighted the multiple layers of value:
- External Validation: The awards give companies a chance to gain third-party recognition, which can be critical when approaching investors or customers.
- Team Morale: Winning or even being nominated for an award can boost internal morale, giving teams the confidence to keep pushing forward.
- Public Exposure: TAG Awards provide a platform for MedTech companies to showcase their work on a broader scale, helping them attract interest from industry peers, investors, and media.
Rick pointed out that even companies that don’t win benefit from the process. “You get great press, and the feedback you receive can help you pivot, accelerate, or do things differently,” he said. “For a relatively small investment, you gain a lot of insight that can propel your business forward.”
Joining as a Judge: Why Rick Said Yes
Rick’s decision to join the TAG Awards as a judge didn’t come lightly. As an experienced entrepreneur, he asked tough questions about the program’s goals and its potential impact before agreeing to participate.
Ultimately, what convinced him was TAG’s commitment to quality and inclusivity. He was drawn to the idea of a program that supports a wide range of MedTech technologies, from early-stage startups to established companies. Rick noted that TAG’s dedication to providing real value through high-quality judging and structured feedback made him eager to contribute.
“It’s important to me that programs like this have critical mass and genuine interest,” he said. “TAG has proven they’re ready to deliver a high-caliber experience.”
Looking Ahead: Supporting Innovation Together
The TAG Awards represent more than just a competition—they’re a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and risk-taking inherent in MedTech innovation. As Rick pointed out, success in this field rarely happens overnight. It takes years of perseverance, countless iterations, and a little bit of luck.
With judges like Rick Greenwald on board, the TAG Awards are poised to become a key milestone for companies looking to make their mark in the MedTech industry. Whether you're a startup seeking your first big break or an established player launching a new device, the TAG Awards offer a platform to gain recognition, receive valuable feedback, and accelerate your path to success. Stay tuned as we continue to feature more judges and participants in upcoming episodes of TAG’D: Beyond the Award, where we dive deep into the stories shaping the future of MedTech.