Healthcare is entering a new phase, where technology is no longer layered onto existing systems, but fundamentally reshaping how care is delivered. Medtech sits at the center of this shift, blending devices, software, and data into integrated platforms that extend far beyond the hospital. From AI-driven diagnostics to robotic-assisted surgery and continuous patient monitoring, the industry is redefining both access and outcomes.
What stands out in 2026 is not just innovation, but execution at scale. Companies are moving from pilots to widespread deployment, supported by growing regulatory clarity and investor confidence. As artificial intelligence, robotics, and connected care converge, a new generation of founders and executives is driving the sector forward, building platforms that are increasingly indispensable to modern healthcare systems.
Daniel Perez
Co-founder & CEO, Hinge Health
Daniel Perez co-founded Hinge Health to tackle one of healthcare’s most costly challenges: musculoskeletal conditions. By combining wearable sensors, computer vision, and clinical care teams, the company delivers digital therapy programs that reduce the need for surgeries and long-term pain management interventions.
Under his leadership, Hinge Health has grown into a category leader in digital MSK care, serving millions of patients globally. Perez’s focus on outcomes-based care and scalable delivery models reflects a broader shift toward value-driven healthcare, making him one of the most closely watched founders in digital medtech.
Maria Artunduaga
Founder & CEO, Samay
Maria Artunduaga founded Samay to address gaps in respiratory diagnostics. The company develops non-invasive tools designed to detect lung conditions earlier, particularly in underserved populations.
Beyond product innovation, Artunduaga is helping expand representation in medtech as a Latina founder scaling a high-impact company. Her work combines clinical relevance with accessibility, two factors increasingly critical in the industry.
Punit Soni
Founder & CEO, Suki AI (Redwood City, CA)
Punit Soni founded Suki AI to reduce administrative burden for clinicians through voice-enabled AI assistants.
By improving documentation workflows, Suki is addressing one of healthcare’s most persistent operational challenges, clinician burnout.
Gary Guthart
Chair of the Board of Directors, Intuitive Surgical
Gary Guthart helped scale robotic surgery into a global standard through Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system. His tenure marked a turning point for minimally invasive procedures, making robotics a core part of surgical workflows.
Guthart’s influence continues to shape the industry, particularly as robotics becomes increasingly integrated with AI and advanced imaging.
Dave Rosa
CEO, Intuitive Surgical
Dave Rosa now leads Intuitive Surgical into its next phase, focusing on expanding access to robotic-assisted procedures and integrating new technologies into surgical systems.
His leadership represents continuity and evolution, building on a strong foundation while pushing toward more intelligent, data-driven surgical platforms.
Xingjuan (Jane) Chao
CEO, Ceribell
Xingjuan Chao leads Ceribell, a company focused on rapid neurological diagnostics using AI-powered EEG technology.
Her work is helping bring critical diagnostic capabilities closer to the point of care, reducing delays in treatment for neurological conditions.
The Convergence Era of Medtech Innovation
Across these leaders, a clear pattern emerges: medtech is becoming an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of standalone products. AI is enhancing diagnostics and decision-making, robotics is transforming surgical precision, and connected devices are extending care into the home.
As these technologies converge, the defining companies of the next decade will be those that successfully integrate hardware, software, and data into cohesive platforms. The founders and executives highlighted here are not just participating in that shift; they are actively shaping it.
For more on emerging healthcare innovators, explore our latest breakdown of biotech founders and leaders building the next generation of care platforms.
