The TAG Awards Return for a Second Year with Expanded Focus on BioTech and Life Sciences, in Partnership with MD&M South

TAG_Awards_Logo-TAGd

Second annual program strengthens recognition of innovation at the intersection of MedTech, BioTech, and Life Sciences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lauren Damon
Email: Lauren@tagawards.co
Phone:  207.536.8989

Auburn, ME & Santa Monica, CA – January 8, 2026 – The TAG Awards, a national recognition program celebrating technology innovation, achievement, and growth in MedTech, today announced the launch of its second annual awards program, returning in partnership with MD&M South, part of the Informa Markets portfolio.

Building on a successful inaugural year, the 2026 TAG Awards expand their scope to more clearly reflect the convergence of MedTech, BioTech, and Life Sciences, recognizing the technologies, teams, and companies shaping the future of healthcare, from early-stage innovation to scalable, market-ready solutions.

“MedTech no longer exists in a silo,” said Justin Starbird, Founder of the TAG Awards and CEO of The Aebli Group. “The most impactful innovations today live at the intersection of medical devices, life sciences, diagnostics, therapeutics, and advanced manufacturing. The TAG Awards are designed to reflect that reality and to celebrate the companies doing the hard work of moving ideas into real-world impact.”

A Program Designed for a Converging Industry

The TAG Awards were created to recognize excellence across the full innovation lifecycle, including product development, clinical and translational science, manufacturing, commercialization, and go-to-market execution.

For 2026, the program places increased emphasis on:

  • BioTech and Life Sciences innovation
  • Diagnostics, imaging, and AI-enabled platforms
  • Therapeutics and non-traditional treatment modalities
  • Manufacturing, scale-up, and commercialization readiness

This evolution aligns closely with the MD&M audience and the broader life sciences ecosystem across the country, where collaboration between MedTech, BioTech, and Life Sciences organizations continues to accelerate.

Strengthened Partnership with MD&M and Informa

The second annual TAG Awards will once again be integrated into MD&M South, one of the country’s premier events for medical device manufacturing and healthcare innovation, with TAG Award Winners being announced live during an in-event awards ceremony at the show.

“The TAG Awards are a natural fit for MD&M South because they celebrate the work happening at the intersection of MedTech, BioTech, and Life Sciences,” said Steve Everly, Group Event Director, Manufacturing, Informa Markets. “While MD&M South serves as the physical gathering point for this recognition, the partnership is designed to extend well beyond the show floor, providing innovative companies from across the country with a national platform for visibility, storytelling, and meaningful connection within the broader healthcare manufacturing ecosystem.”

As part of the expanded partnership, the TAG Awards will be supported through coordinated marketing efforts, on-site programming, and content initiatives designed to elevate award participants and showcase innovation happening across the MD&M community.

Nominations Opening January 8

Nominations for the 2026 TAG Awards will open January 8, 2026, welcoming submissions from companies operating across:

  • MedTech and medical devices
  • BioTech and translational science
  • Life Sciences, diagnostics, and therapeutics
  • Advanced manufacturing and commercialization platforms

Finalists and winners will be recognized through the TAG Awards platform and during MD&M South, providing visibility among industry peers, partners, and investors.

Start Your Nomination.

 

What It Means to Be TAG’D

Being TAG’D as a nominee or winner of The TAG Awards signifies that your technology, product, service, or leadership stands out in a competitive marketplace. It is more than just a title... it is a prestigious acknowledgment that your work is making a significant impact and shaping the future of your industry.

All nominees will receive the exclusive TAG’D seal, a trademark of the TAG Awards that serves as a powerful symbol of excellence and innovation. Displaying the TAG’D seal on your product, website, or marketing materials instantly communicates credibility, distinction, and leadership to customers, partners, and stakeholders.

But the recognition doesn’t stop there. As part of the TAG Awards’ commitment to amplifying the voices of innovators, all nominees will be featured on the new podcast, TAG’D: Beyond the Award. This exclusive series will dive into the stories behind the nominees, exploring the innovations, challenges, and successes that earned them their nomination. In addition to the podcast, nominees will receive an article spotlighting their achievements, which will be posted on the TAG Awards Blog and can serve as a valuable PR and marketing asset.

Winning or being nominated for a TAG Award positions your brand at the forefront of your industry, offering unparalleled opportunities to build credibility, attract new partnerships, and stand out in a crowded marketplace. With TAG’D recognition, you not only join a distinguished group of leaders but also gain the tools to elevate your brand and inspire trust in your innovation.

For more information about The TAG Awards, the judging process, and how to apply, visit www.TAGAwards.co!

About the TAG Awards

The TAG Awards recognize Technology, Achievement, and Growth across healthcare innovation. Founded by The Aebli Group, the program was created to celebrate not just breakthrough ideas, but the teams and execution behind bringing those ideas to market.

About MD&M South

MD&M South, part of the Informa Markets MD&M portfolio, is a leading event for medical device manufacturing and healthcare innovation, bringing together professionals across MedTech, BioTech, Life Sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

 

Media Contact:
Lauren Damon
“I Bring Nominations to Life.”
Lauren@tagawards.co
207.536.8989