The TAG Awards: A New Era in MedTech Innovation – Meet Robert Austring
At The Aebli Group (TAG), we are constantly looking for new ways to celebrate innovation, recognize excellence, and showcase the leaders driving change across industries. One of the most exciting initiatives we’ve launched recently is the TAG Awards, an event that celebrates cutting-edge MedTech innovation, shining a light on the products and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
As we kick off the inaugural TAG Awards, we’re thrilled to introduce Robert Austring, a seasoned MedTech professional, as one of our first judges. With decades of experience in the field, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be invaluable in recognizing groundbreaking innovations. In a recent conversation, Robert shared his insights on the current state of MedTech, the opportunities and challenges in the field, and his excitement for the future of innovation.
Robert Austring: A Wealth of Experience in MedTech
Robert’s journey in MedTech spans many years, during which he’s been involved in both the design and commercialization of numerous medical technologies. As Robert explains, one of the most significant challenges in MedTech is navigating the complex landscape of regulatory requirements and funding. Without adequate funding and a solid development plan, even the most promising innovations can falter before they reach the market.
“Funding, funding, funding,” Robert emphasizes. “Without funding, you don’t go anywhere.” For Robert, the planning phase is key to overcoming these challenges. This involves understanding the costs and reimbursement rates associated with medical procedures and products, designing products that are manufacturable within those constraints, and developing a clear roadmap from ideation to commercialization.
The Importance of Planning and Strategy
According to Robert, effective planning is essential for MedTech entrepreneurs. It’s not enough to have a great idea – you need to understand the entire process, from regulatory approvals to commercialization. Robert’s advice to entrepreneurs and product developers is clear: take the time to strategize and educate yourself on the process.
“You need patience, you need tolerance,” Robert advises. “Don’t go out of the gate before you’re ready to go out of the gate.” A key component of that readiness is creating a well-thought-out plan that demonstrates not only the benefits of the product but also how the entrepreneur will navigate the challenges ahead.
The funding process, according to Robert, is closely tied to this planning. Investors and funding groups want to see that entrepreneurs have a clear strategy for success. “Laying out that full strategy and showing how well thought out it is only adds to your credibility,” Robert says. This approach is crucial for securing the funding needed to bring MedTech innovations to life.
Exciting Opportunities in MedTech
While MedTech presents its share of challenges, Robert is also excited about the opportunities on the horizon. One area where he sees tremendous growth is in the role of universities and their biomedical and bioengineering programs. “The programs now – the biomedical programs, bioengineering programs – getting into the lab and guys putting together their thesis and really bringing those concepts forward is huge,” Robert notes.
In addition to academic innovation, Robert is also enthusiastic about the potential of AI and longevity technologies. “It’s incredible where AI is going, and some of the advancements I’m seeing today are mind-blowing,” he says. As advancements in technology continue, Robert is excited about the possibilities for revitalizing the body and mind through medical innovation.
The TAG Awards: Recognizing the Innovators
The TAG Awards are designed to honor the groundbreaking achievements in MedTech that reflect Robert’s passion for innovation. Whether it's through regulatory milestones or innovative design, the TAG Awards aim to recognize those who are transforming the MedTech landscape. With Robert’s deep understanding of the field, he is poised to play a key role in identifying the most deserving innovators.
Winning a TAG Award isn’t just about recognition – it’s also about gaining access to valuable resources, including the funding that’s necessary to move a product from concept to commercialization. As Robert notes, “Winning this award only helps facilitate getting additional funding to support commercialization.” The awards are an essential step in the journey of bringing MedTech products to life.
Looking Ahead: The Future of MedTech Innovation
Looking forward, Robert is excited about the future of MedTech, especially as funding opportunities increase and the regulatory landscape becomes more navigable. However, he’s also passionate about the role of young entrepreneurs in shaping that future.
“My encouragement to entrepreneurs is to differentiate yourself,” Robert advises. “It’s not just about the product – it’s about your ability to lay out a clear strategy and demonstrate how you’ll navigate the challenges ahead.”
We are incredibly excited to have Robert as part of the TAG Awards panel, bringing his expertise and passion for MedTech to the forefront. With his guidance, we’re confident that the TAG Awards will become a hallmark of excellence in the industry, helping to elevate the next generation of MedTech innovators.
Stay tuned for more updates on the TAG Awards as we gear up for 2025 and celebrate the trailblazers shaping the future of healthcare.