Winter Innovations one of 65 companies selected for 2025 MedTech Innovator Accelerator
The creator of the EasyWhip® for orthopedic surgery jojns a cohort for which more than 1,500 applicants were vetted.
Winter Innovations Inc., creator of the EasyWhip® for orthopedic surgery, has been selected as one of 65 start-ups to participate in the 2025 MedTech Innovator Accelerator, the industry’s premier program for early stage medical technology start-ups.
Chosen from a pool of more than 1,500 applicants, Winter Innovations joins a highly competitive cohort focused on accelerating commercialization and patient care. The MedTech Innovator Accelerator connects high-potential MedTech start-ups with investors, strategic partners, and healthcare leaders. The four-month program provides mentorship, exposure, and resources to help bring innovative technologies to market faster.
“We’re honored to join this year’s MedTech Innovator cohort and grateful for the opportunity to further our mission of improving surgical outcomes through innovative suturing technology,” said Lia Winter, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Knoxville-based company. “This program will be invaluable as we continue scaling our flagship product, EasyWhip®, and developing new tools and techniques for orthopedic and sports medicine procedures.”
EasyWhip® is a Food and Drug Administration-cleared and patented two-part needle system that simplifies and strengthens soft tissue stitching in orthopedic surgery, helping surgeons work efficiently with fewer steps. Winter Innovations was selected following a rigorous evaluation process, including a competitive application review and an in-person pitch during the 2025 MedTech Innovator Road Tour.
The program officially kicks off at the invitation-only Innovator Summit and MedTech World Conference scheduled for June 25-27 in Mountain View, CA. It will conclude at the AdvaMed MedTech Conference in San Diego in October, where participants will showcase progress, engage with potential partners, and compete for $800,000 in non-dilutive funding.
This milestone builds on Winter Innovations’ strong track record of accelerator participation, including ZeroTo510 (2019), Tampa Bay Wave (2020), Springboard Enterprises Life Sciences (2021), and Creative Destruction Lab (2022). These programs have played a significant role in advancing the development and commercialization of the company’s proprietary suture needle technology.
Winter and Co-Founder Preston Dishner, who serves as the start-up’s Chief Operating Officer, launched the company while graduate students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
MedTech Innovator is the world’s largest accelerator of medical device, digital health, and diagnostic companies. Its mission is to improve human health by accelerating the growth of companies transforming patient care. MTI has been a catalyst for groundbreaking healthcare solutions, sourcing nearly 14,000 applicants and fostering the growth of more than 700 graduates. Alumni have collectively raised $10 billion in follow-on funding and introduced 400+ products to the market.
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