AO's innovation funding

We drive your idea toward success with expertise and funding.

We think beyond traditional boundaries and put our researchers, surgeons, and independent industry experts to work for your idea.

The AO's four-step formula for success

1. Your idea for improving patient care or surgeon education should:

  • Provide an innovative solution to a real clinical/educational problem
  • Have the potential to be patent protected
  • Be driven by your plan, passion, and determination to make it happen
  • Be suitable to scale

2. We support you with funding and expertise to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property protection, development and manufacturing, regulatory approval, building clinical evidence, and an exit strategy.

3. You gain access to a global network of 520,000 health care professionals in the musculoskeletal field.

4. Together, we can make an impact by improving patient care and surgeon education.

We share the labor and its yield, to the benefit of all.

Bring your idea to life!

Anyone can apply for funding by August 31, 2024

Learn about the process under the FAQ and if you still have questions, drop us an e-mail!

You can review the format here before applying below.

Apply now!

Success stories

AO's dedication to innovation is evident in our success stories. Innovators supported by the AO emerge as leaders in orthopedic solutions for surgeon education and use.
Successful projects showcase how our innovation funding turns visionary concepts into impactful realities, reinforcing our commitment to successful outcomes. A selection of these projects include:

  • Digitally enhanced hands-on surgical training (DEHST), a patented optical tracking technology that is now the cornerstone for a new generation of cost-effective, transportable, and digitally augmented training station for hands-on surgical training
  • OSapp, AO’s interactive, virtual osteosynthesis software tool and learning platform
  • Momentum Health, a smartphone app empowering scoliosis patients to manage the condition
  • Biphasic Plate Distal Femur, a newly “AO Approved” plate design to improve fracture stabilization and healing
  • Distal Radius Intramedullary Nail, a solution for the fixation of unstable extraarticular fractures

  • Tether Pedicle Screw

    Safe, effective, and easy-to-use Tether Pedicle Screw

  • Fracture Monitor

    Implantable telemetric sensor system for monitoring of bone healing

  • AO's Clinical Study Hub

    Designed as one large prospective clinical project consisting of multiple ongoing sub-projects (trials)

  • AI@AO

    Leveraging artificial intelligence in two pilot projects, respectively with the University of Turin and 
    the University Hospital of Ulm

  • Biphasic Plate

    Improving fracture stabilization by providing a predictable mechanical environment at the fracture

  • liposphere news image

    Liposphere

    Protective coating layer to reduce wear-related knee joint pain.

  • Momentum Health

    New digital health app to remotely screen scoliosis in patients

  • DEHST

    Digitally enhanced hands-on surgical training

View the full portfolio
Michael Schütz

"A perfect place to look for innovation is where you see challenges."

Michael Schütz - Technology Transfer Board Chairperson

Meet the full team

Latest innovation success stories

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