Dolphin Tank @EYENOVATE | FLORetina-ICOOR 2026
Where Visionary Ideas Meet Strategic Capital - APPLICATION OPEN - DEADLINE: 18 October 2026 | hrs 0:00 CEST
The Dolphin Tank is EYENOVATE's premier innovation showcase, created to identify and accelerate breakthrough technologies in ophthalmology and vision science.
Inspired by the collaborative spirit of dolphins, this platform replaces traditional pitch competitions with expert-driven dialogue, connecting early-stage innovators with global leaders in retina, industry, investment, and clinical research.
Hosted as part of FLORetina-ICOOR 2026 in Florence, Italy, the Dolphin Tank offers founders a unique opportunity to validate their innovation, build strategic partnerships, attract early-stage investment, and accelerate the path to clinical and commercial success.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from:
- Early-stage startups
- Academic spin-offs
- Research teams
- Clinician innovators and entrepreneurs
developing solutions in:
- Therapeutics, medical devices & surgical technologies
- Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence
- Diagnostics & Imaging
Event Overview
We welcome applications from:
- Event: EYENOVATE @FLORetina-ICOOR 2026
- Date: 3 December 2026
- Location: Florence, Italy
- Format: Live, on-site
- Selected showcase projects: up to 12
- Innovation Award Finalists: 3
The Pitch
Selected innovators will deliver a 3-minute high-impactpresentation highlighting:
- The unmet clinical need
- The Innovation
- Clinical and commercial potential
Each presentation is followed by live feedback from the“Dolphins”—an international panel of:
- Retina specialists and key opinion leaders
- Industry executives
- Investors and venture partners
- Regulatory and commercialization experts
Why Participate?
For Innovators:
- Present to one of the world’s leading retina communities
- Receive strategic feedback from international experts
- Connect with investors, industry partners and clinical collaborators
- Explore pilot studies, licensing and funding opportunities
- Become part of the EYENOVATE innovation ecosystem
For Industry & Investors:
- Discover high-potential technologies before they reach the market
- Meet founders and scientific innovators
- Identify investment, licensing and co-development opportunities
For Clinicians & Researchers:
- Experience the next generation of ophthalmic innovation
- Contribute expert insight to emerging technologies
- Help shape the future of retinal care
Showcase & Innovation Award
Applicants may participate through one of two pathways:
Innovation Showcase
- Selected projects present live, receive expert feedback, and compete for the Best Innovation Presentation recognition
Dolphin Tank Innovation Award:
- Three finalists, selected by the Scientific Review Committee, compete for the EYENOVATE @ FLORetina Innovation Award.
The winning project may receive:
- International recognition
- Access to strategic partners and investors
- Combined awards, including potential seed investment of up to US$50,000 to support development or commercialization.*
*Investment awards are subject to the program’s Terms & Conditions and execution of applicable investment agreements.
Selection process
STEP 1
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Submit a concise 2-3 page overview describing:
- The innovation
- Clinical need
- Scientific rationale
- Development stage
- Market opportunity
- Team
STEP 2
Innovation Showcase Selection
- Applications are reviewed by the “Dolphin Committee”, with selected projects invited to present at FLORetina.
STEP 3
Innovation Award Selection
- Shortlisted applicants submit an expanded proposal and investment information. 12 finalists are selected to compete live during the Dolphin Tank.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Clinical relevance
- Scientific quality
- Innovation and differentiation
- Potential patient impact
- Commercial opportunity
- Regulatory feasibility
- Strength of the team
Be Part of the Future of Retina Innovation
Whether you are building the next breakthrough therapy, AI platform, surgical technology or diagnostic solution,the Dolphin Tank is your opportunity to connect with the people who can help bring your innovation to patients.