Press release

Optheras selected for prestigious MedTech Innovator 2026 Accelerator Cohort

  • One of 65 startups chosen from over 1,800 global applicants

  • Selected to participate in the world’s leading medtech accelerator

 

Optheras, a medical device company focused on advancing minimally invasive bladder cancer treatment, announced today that it has been selected to join the MedTech Innovator 2026 Accelerator Cohort. Optheras is one of only 65 companies – representing the top 4% of over 1,800 global applicants – chosen for this year’s program.

MedTech Innovator (MTI) is the world’s largest accelerator for medical technology startups. The highly competitive four-month program provides participants with world-class mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a robust network of investors, providers, payers, manufacturers, and industry experts.

“We are honored to join this year’s MedTech Innovator cohort,” said Thomas Alkeskjold, CEO of Optheras. “This opportunity gives us a powerful platform to validate our technology, build key partnerships, and accelerate our path toward regulatory approval and clinical adoption.”

Optheras was selected based on its innovative laser-based approach to treating bladder cancer in procedure-room settings, without requiring an operating room or general anesthesia. The technology was spun out from Herlev-Gentofte Hospital in Denmark, grounded in more than a decade of clinical research and innovation projects funded by Innovation fund Denmark. The clinical promise – delivering minimally invasive, high-quality bladder cancer care while reducing demands on constrained healthcare resources – directly advances MTI’s mission to improve patient care through transformative technology.

Throughout the program, cohort companies will present at major industry events including The MedTech Conference powered by AdvaMed (October 18-21 in Boston) and/or the MedTech Strategist Innovation Summit (November 3-5 in San Diego), where they will compete for a share of $800,000 in funding.

In addition to joining the accelerator cohort, Optheras has been named to the 2026 MedTech Innovator Index, an exclusive recognition highlighting the most promising medtech startups selected through MTI’s rigorous global review process. Inclusion on the Index underscores Optheras’ position among the top emerging companies shaping the future of healthcare innovation.

Contact

Optheras A/S
Thomas Alkeskjold
CEO and Co-founder
Phone: +45 28 76 63 47
Email: thomas.alkeskjold@optheras.com

 

About Optheras

Optheras is a Danish medical technology company developing ATLAS platform (Automatic Targeting Laser Ablation System), an investigational assistive medical laser platform for photothermal coagulation of low-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) – designed for a procedure-room setting without general anesthesia. ATLAS has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation. Optheras’ mission is to expand patient access to minimally invasive bladder cancer care through procedure-room based laser technology. “ATLAS is an investigational device. Limited by Federal law to investigational use. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”

 

About MedTech Innovator

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 over 20,000+ applicants and fostering the growth of 838 graduates. Alumni have collectively raised $12 billion in follow-on funding, achieved 63 acquisitions, and introduced 500+ products to the market, improving the health of millions worldwide. For more information about MedTech Innovator, its annual programs, portfolio of industry-leading startups, and insights on trends, visit MTI’s website, follow MTI on LinkedIn, and subscribe to its monthly newsletter.

 

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