Optional informal networking reception for early arrivals. Fellows and trainees meet mentors and industry contacts in a relaxed setting.

Conference Co-Directors welcome participants, acknowledge sponsors, and outline collaborative goals. Highlight 2026 enhancements: Fellows Track, industry integration, Growth Company category.

Early-stage startups (Series A+ / FDA pathway) pitch cutting-edge GI innovations (8–10 min each) addressing key clinical challenges. Each pitch preceded by a 1-minute product video and followed by 5-min Q&A with an expert panel including industry R&D leader, physician innovator, and regulatory representative. Growth-stage companies may present in this track with appropriate positioning.

Dedicated track modeled on Hopkins SABIT and Stanford Biodesign. Interactive mini-lectures and small-group exercises: Innovation 101, Building Your Innovation Team, Networking with Industry. Faculty includes experienced innovators, KOLs (including junior faculty), and industry leaders.

Structured round-robin meetings between industry leaders and physician innovators/KOLs. Strategic partners (Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Olympus, etc.) host dedicated stations. Groups rotate every 10–15 minutes. Each participant engages with multiple industry leaders, initiating relationships that extend beyond FIESTA. Addresses 2025 feedback for more direct industry engagement.

Regulatory & FDA Pathways session (10:45–11:15 AM) covering device classification, 510(k), PMA, and De Novo pathways. Group pitch presentations to faculty panel (11:15 AM–12:00 PM): fellows present 5–7-minute pitches of decks developed during morning workshop. Best pitch recognized at Saturday awards ceremony.

Dynamic fireside chat exploring the business side of innovation. Panelists include a healthcare VC partner, ASGE CPT/RUC lead, health network medical director, supply chain leader, and a strategic industry corporate development leader. Discussion covers investment criteria, reimbursement challenges, and adoption decision-making. Includes real examples and audience Q&A. Short video clips of successful startup case studies interspersed.

Refreshments served. Attendees regroup.

Six startup stations with 10-minute rotations in the IT&T bioskills lab. Innovators demonstrate devices and receive direct feedback from attendees and expert faculty. Growth-stage companies may also demonstrate.

KOL experts spotlight the most pressing innovation needs across gastroenterology including robotics, AI-assisted endoscopy, and drug-device combinations. Each topic paired with an industry leader co-moderator for balanced physician/non-physician perspective. Extended Q&A and panel discussion to synthesize cross-cutting themes.

Key takeaways summarized by moderators. Preview of Day 2.

By invitation.

Six EndoEdison finalists present new endoscopic technologies, receiving direct feedback from investors, ASGE leaders, and industry representatives. Attendees deepen understanding of emerging technologies while startups refine products based on expert insights.

Candid discussion of how inventors navigate challenges growing promising technologies, including common pitfalls and critical success factors. Key innovators share personal experiences from both successful exits AND success stories alongside lessons from failed projects. Panel pairs physician innovators with industry leaders for comprehensive perspective.

Casual lunch with discussion tables hosted by morning session faculty. Unstructured time for deeper conversation on regulatory strategy, startup fundraising, and mentorship.

Finalist teams set up stations in the IT&T bioskills lab. All attendees circulate freely, getting hands-on time with prototypes and viewing demonstrations under inventors’ guidance. Judges assess each innovation’s practical merit. Live video feeds from lab stations displayed on monitors.

Attendees cast votes for the People’s Choice Award while judges convene to determine final scores.

Judges provide constructive feedback on each innovation. Winners announced: EndoEdison Champion, Runner-Up, People’s Choice, and Fellows Track Best Pitch. The EndoEdison Champion advances to represent ASGE at the DDW Shark Tank.