A Guide to Adaptability in Medtech Startups

Adaptability is the cornerstone of innovation in medtech, where the path from concept to market is rarely linear.

Key Lessons from this Playbook

• Keep Asking “Why?” and “What If?”: Don’t fall in love with your solution—fall in love with the problem. Continuously ask, “So what?” and “What if?” to ensure your technology meets real-world needs, not just technical milestones.

• Prepare for the Unexpected: Assume nothing will go as planned. Always have a Plan B—and maybe even a Plan C. Anticipate challenges before they hit, and surround yourself with people who’ll challenge your thinking.

• Solve Problems That Actually Matter: Start with the unmet need. If your solution doesn’t make life easier for patients or providers, it’s time to go back to the drawing board. Keep your North Star locked on what truly matters.

• Turn Resistance into Opportunity: Resistance is just fear of change in disguise. Understand the concerns, address them head-on, and show how your solution complements—not disrupts—the existing system.

  
  

• The Real World is Your Best Lab: Get your prototypes into the hands of real users early and often. Their feedback isn’t just useful—it’s essential. Build for what they need, not what you think is cool.