The Global Innovation Center and MATTER Launch Second Innovation Challenge to Source, Advance Eye Care Solutions 

The Global Innovation Center and MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, are teaming up for the second annual VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, a global competition to source and advance solutions enhancing the eye care experience.  

Up to six startups will be selected to receive expert mentorship and exclusive resources to refine their solutions and present them live on stage during Vision Expo West, the optical industry’s largest gathering of vision care professionals and executives.  

Topcon Healthcare, Inc. is supporting the 2025 program, offering selected early-stage startups the potential to secure a $400,000 investment from their THINC Ventures corporate venture capital arm, or for growth-stage startups to present directly to THINC Ventures.  

New Solutions Needed to Scale Access, Enhance Patient Experience 

A comprehensive eye exam offers more than just an assessment of vision—it provides a non-invasive window into overall health.   

Recent studies show that external eye imaging can reveal biomarkers associated with various conditions, including liver and kidney function, cognitive health, thyroid health, blood disorders, and more. In addition, eye care providers can detect signs of numerous systemic diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune issues, and even certain cancers, during routine eye examinations. 

However, despite 84 percent of people ranking vision as their most important sense and 97 percent recognizing the importance of healthy eyes, only half schedule an annual eye exam.   

“For 70 years, VSP has been helping people see. As next-gen technologies and research continue to elevate the role the eyes play in preventive care and overall health, it is essential that we continue exploring emerging solutions that can help scale access to care and enhance patient and provider experiences,” said Ruth Yomtoubian, Vice President and Head of the Global Innovation Center. “We’re looking forward to year two of the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, to continue to find ways we might enhance the eye care experience for years to come.” 

Who Should Apply 

The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge is seeking the following companies, startups, and technologies to apply: 

Early and late-stage vision care companies enhancing the eye care experience.  

Digital health companies that have recently launched a new vision care feature, functionality, or vertical.  

Startups and technologies with a connection to a trend in VSP Vision’s ‘Future Eye: 10 Vision Trends Transforming Healthcare’ report, such as a digital therapeutic addressing myopia or smart eyewear with built-in health tracking. 

"Winning the first VSP Vision Innovation Challenge had a dramatic impact on our company,” said Yair Yahav, CEO & Founder of RevitalVision, winner of the 2024 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, “The entire process helped us to refine our brand story. The event also exposed our business solution to top industry leaders, which resulted in accelerating our commercialization into the U.S. market." 

The application deadline is June 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT. Finalists will be notified on July 25, the four-week startup bootcamp will take place between August 11 and September 5, and the finalists will present their solutions in person at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas during the week of September 15.  

To apply, please visit the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge  website.