Innovation, Insight, and Connection at the 2025 Michigan Medical Device Summit 

More than 150 medtech professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and industry leaders gathered in Grand Rapids on September 25 for the 2025 Michigan Medical Device Summit, hosted by MichBio. Held at Grand Valley State University’s L.V. Eberhard Center, the event showcased strategies, emerging trends, and the growing strength of Michigan’s medical device community.

The Summit opened with remarks from Stephen Rapundalo, PhD, President and CEO of MichBio, highlighting the sector’s vital role in Michigan’s economy and healthcare landscape. Sessions that followed tackled leadership pressures, commercialization hurdles, and regulatory complexity. A “C-Suite Unplugged” dialogue and engineering design panel offered candid insights into balancing innovation with real-world constraints.

Key themes throughout the day included regulatory alignment, risk management, and the growing importance of early evidence generation. U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-3) reinforced federal support for medtech innovation, while rapid-fire pitches spotlighted Michigan’s inventive talent.

Afternoon tracks explored cybersecurity, payer evidence, supply chain resilience, and translation from lab to market. A manufacturing panel showcased how Industry 4.0 tools —robotics, automation, and digital analytics — are reshaping production.

The day closed with a fireside chat featuring Mark Leahey, President & CEO of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association, who addressed global competitiveness, reimbursement pressures, and strategies for navigating a volatile healthcare market.

Attendees praised the Summit as “packed with actionable insights” and a rare chance to connect with regulators, investors, and peers. From first-time founders to seasoned executives, participants left energized and better equipped to drive innovation forward.

As planning begins for 2026, this year’s Summit set a strong foundation — reinforcing Michigan’s position as a hub for medical device innovation and collaboration.