Innovation Nexus Guidelines
Everything you need to know before submitting your innovation. Follow the step-by-step guidelines to ensure a successful submission.
- Congress
- FDI World Dental Congress
- Location
- Mumbai, India
- Dates
- 21 – 24 October 2027
- Tracks
- 3 independent tracks
Detailed roadmap for Innovation Nexus 2027
Innovation Nexus is a platform under the Global Research & Innovation Nexus (FDI World Dental Congress 2027) for showcasing innovative ideas, products and business models to a global audience of clinicians, academicians, industry leaders and investors.
Innovation track only — research submissions are covered under a separate guideline document.
Familiarize yourself with the platform's objective — to promote innovation in oral healthcare by connecting innovators with academia, industry and investors, and to recognize excellence across business strategy, product/clinical implementation, and digital health innovation.
Innovation domains (all three tracks)
Every submission — regardless of which of the three competitions it enters — must be classified under one of the following six domains:
Note
Innovation Nexus features three independent, parallel competition tracks. Each participant/team selects one track at the time of registration.
Since the three tracks are independent and parallel, choose the one that best matches the stage and nature of your innovation. You may only compete in one track per submission.
Track 1
Oral Pitch / Business Model Pitch
For innovators whose strength lies in the business case — a validated (or in-progress) revenue model, market opportunity and go-to-market strategy — rather than a physical or digital working demo. Delivered as an extempore oral pitch to a panel.
Track 2
Prototype / Product / Implementation Model
For innovators with a working prototype, physical product, or implementation/service model ready to be demonstrated live — devices, materials, clinic models, service-delivery models, etc.
Track 3
Digital Innovation Demonstration
For innovators showcasing a digital/software solution — AI tools, teledentistry platforms, analytics dashboards, decision-support systems, apps or other digital workflow innovations — demonstrated live.
Regardless of the track chosen, all submissions follow a common concept note format.
Concept note — required fields
Each concept note (PDF/Word) should include the following:
- 1Entry name
- 2City, State
- 3Contact number
- 4Email ID
- 5Competition track selected (Oral Pitch / Prototype–Product–Implementation / Digital Innovation)
- 6Innovation domain selected (one of the 6 domains listed above)
- 7Number of patents approved
- 8Number of patents in-process
- 9Number of approved patents to be displayed/discussed
- 10Titles & patent numbers of the selected patents (if any)
- 11Concept note / short description of the model, prototype or innovation in less than 200 words
The 200-word description must cover
- Problem statement
- Idea / innovation / prototype
- Projected impact on oral health
- Diagrams, graphs or technical drawings, if relevant, to explain the innovation
Points to consider while drafting
- Novelty — how unique is your innovation?
- Feasibility — can it be realistically implemented?
- Impact — how will it improve oral health outcomes? Back your idea with data wherever possible.
Note
While saving and submitting the PDF, ensure the file is renamed to match the entrant's name.
Once your concept note is submitted, adhere to all rules and regulations issued by the Innovation Nexus committee — including submission formats and event-day conduct.
- Comply with all stated submission formats and deadlines.
- Observe event-day conduct guidelines at the venue.
- Be prepared to submit additional supporting materials if requested by the organizing committee.
Track 1 — Oral Pitch / Business Model Pitch
| Criteria |
|---|
| Problem clarity and need validation |
| Innovation and differentiation |
| Business model and revenue logic |
| Feasibility and implementation plan |
| Market readiness and commercialization potential |
| Impact on oral health / healthcare ecosystem |
| Scalability and sustainability |
| Pitch communication and Q&A |
Pitch format
Concise, extempore pitch (no slide deck) highlighting business potential, market demand, scalability and use of funding, followed by a short Q&A / open discussion with the panel.
Track 2 — Prototype / Product / Implementation Model
| Criteria |
|---|
| Problem–solution fit |
| Functionality and proof of concept |
| Innovation and technical differentiation |
| User experience and usability |
| Feasibility of implementation |
| Impact and value proposition |
| Scalability and commercialization / partnership readiness |
| Demo clarity and Q&A |
Track 3 — Digital Innovation Demonstration
| Criteria |
|---|
| Problem and workflow relevance |
| Technical architecture and functionality |
| Digital innovation and intelligence |
| User experience and accessibility |
| Integration and interoperability |
| Data privacy, cybersecurity and ethical safeguards |
| Impact, scalability and adoption potential |
| Live demo quality and Q&A |
Facilities extended to participants at the venue may include:
- Exhibition/demonstration space and technical setup (display boards, tables, chairs)
- Access to power outlets and internet
- Presentation/demonstration slots and schedules
Note
Plan in advance for any additional equipment or resources beyond what is provided by the organizers.
A) Oral Pitch / Business Model Awards
- Best Business Model Pitch of the Year
- Best Healthcare Entrepreneur
- Best Female Entrepreneur
- Most Investment-Ready Pitch
B) Prototype / Product / Implementation Model Awards
- Best Innovative Product/Service Model
- Best Innovation Ready Institute of the Year
- Best Innovative Clinic / Implementation Model
- Best Emerging Technology in Dental Materials
C) Digital Innovation Awards
- Best Digital Innovation of the Year
- Excellence in Artificial Intelligence
- Best Dental Telehealth Innovation Award
- Most Disruptive Technology of the Year
D) Cross-Track / Overall Recognition
- Best Innovation in Dentistry (Overall)
- Best Innovative Stall/Demo Design
- Best Patient Experience
- Best Sustainable Oral Healthcare Initiative
- Best Community Outreach in Oral Healthcare
Note
Closing ceremony awards will be assessed by the judging and scientific/innovation committee. Winners will be notified and announcements shared through official Congress channels.
Following the event, participants — particularly award winners and those receiving investor interest — may be offered:
- Engagement with investors — follow-up meetings and discussions for potential funding or strategic partnerships.
- Collaboration opportunities — joint development, licensing, or additional research funding through a network of institutions and industry leaders.
- Mentorship programs — guidance from industry experts to further develop shortlisted innovations.
- Networking opportunities — continued engagement through post-event gatherings, webinars and future conclaves.
- Always check official communication channels for the latest updates on submission requirements and event schedules.
- Venue-layout and logistics specifics will be communicated closer to the event.
Innovation Submission Form
Complete the guidelines above before you begin. The submission form will be embedded in the panel below.
Submission Form will appear here
Reserved space for the embedded Innovation Nexus submission form.