Plug and Play Expo Panel Discusses Evolving Landscape of Medtech
Pictured, from left, are Cristina Piecuch, Jillian Turner, Liz Wiederhold and Eileen Alberding on the panel ‘The Evolving Landscape of Medtech and Healthcare in 2025: Challenges, Opportunities and the Path Forward.’ InkFreeNews photo by Madison Hart.
By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews
WINONA LAKE — The Plug and Play Warsaw Medtech Expo spotlighted the latest innovations in medical technology on Wednesday, March 5, at Grace College’s Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.
The event commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Drew Flamm, president of Grace College, and Jim Lancaster, senior vice president and head of global product development at Zimmer Biomet. Both speakers emphasized the significance of fostering innovation within the medtech sector.
Brandon Noll, director of Plug and Play Indiana, reviewed the history and accomplishments of Plug and Play as an investor in start-up companies before introducing the event.
“This event embodies our commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where entrepreneurs, investors and corporations come together to drive progress in medtech,” said Noll.
A focal point of the expo was a panel titled “The Evolving Landscape of MedTech and Healthcare in 2025: Challenges, Opportunities and the Path Forward.” The panel was led by Plug and Play Program Manager Eileen Alberding, and panelists included Cristina Piecuch, director of new product development at Zimmer Biomet; Jillian Turner, vice president for strategy and operations at IU LAB; and Liz Wiederhold, senior program manager at Paragon Medical.
Piecuch discussed the increasing role of artificial intelligence in orthopedic devices and the need for companies to balance innovation with patient safety.
“AI is already influencing how we approach surgical planning and implant design, but we have to ensure that automation enhances rather than replaces the clinician’s expertise,” she said.
Turner focused on supply chain vulnerabilities, explaining how the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the medtech industry.
“We’ve had to rethink everything—from sourcing raw materials to distribution logistics. The medtech sector can no longer afford to rely on a ‘just-in-time’ model,” she said.
Wiederhold addressed the regulatory hurdles that slow the adoption of new medical devices, pointing out the differences in global approval processes.
“The U.S. regulatory landscape is shifting toward requiring more real-world clinical data before approval, which is creating additional time and cost challenges for companies trying to bring new products to market,” she said.
Following the panel, startups from Plug and Play’s Batch 2 accelerator program presented their innovations. These nine companies will be evaluated Thursday, March 6, to determine which will be selected.
The expo concluded with a networking reception, allowing attendees to engage directly with innovators and explore potential collaborations.