Introduction

The Surgeon’s Innovation Award is designed to recognize and support young surgeons who demonstrate exceptional creativity and problem-solving in advancing surgical techniques, technology, education, and patient care. This award will encourage innovation that improves patient outcomes, surgical efficiency, and accessibility to medical care.

Objectives

• Encourage Innovation: Inspire young surgeons to think creatively about improving surgical procedures, tools, and patient experiences.

• Recognize Talent: Highlight ground-breaking contributions in surgical advancements.

• Foster Collaboration: Promote interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving in surgery.

• Improve Patient Care: Support innovations that enhance patient safety, recovery, and overall outcomes.

SIA 2025

Areas of innovation considered

1. Surgical Technique Innovation

   Development of new or improved surgical procedures for better patient safety and efficiency.
   Example: A novel minimally invasive approach to a complex surgery.

2. Medical Device or Instrument Design

   Creation or modification of surgical instruments that enhance precision or ergonomics.
   Example: A new suturing device for faster wound closure.

3. Digital & AI Integration in Surgery

   Use of artificial intelligence, robotics, or augmented reality in surgical planning and execution.
   Example: AI-powered real-time surgical guidance system.

4. Sustainability & Cost-Effective Solutions

   Ideas that reduce costs, surgical waste, or increase accessibility to surgical care.
   Example: Low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic implants.

5. Patient-centered Innovation

   Innovations that improve post-operative care, pain management, or patient recovery.
   Example: A wearable device for post-op monitoring and early complication detection.

Evaluation criteria

A panel of experienced surgeons, medical researchers, and industry experts will evaluate submissions based on weightage as below:

• Innovation and creativity - 30%

• Feasibility and practicality - 25%

• Impact on patient care - 25%

• Scalability and future applications - 10%

• Presentation and clarity - 10%

Assessment method

Live Innovation Pitch: Top 8 finalists present their innovations in a "Shark Tank"-style event in the month of December, 2025.

Award

🏆 Winner: Exciting cash prize

🥈 Runner-Up: Exciting cash prize

Timeline

• Last date to submit innovation proposal – July 30th, 2025.

• Date of announcement of top 8 finalists – November 8th, 2025.

• Date of live innovation pitch – December 1st, 2025