3 Product Innovation Trends MedTech Executives Must Be Aware of in 2025 To Succeed

2024 was a big year for MedTech, full of changes and excitement. But 2025 will be the year that makes or breaks MedTech companies. 

This year has been huge for MedTech breakthroughs in particular. The FDA approved more new medical technologies than ever before, with AI and machine-learning products hitting record highs. Notable FDA approvals included Medtronic’s expanded MRI labeling for its Percept PC and Percept RC Deep Brain Stimulation systems, expanding their use in MRI environments. We also saw the approval of AlgoDx’s NAVOY CDS, a software as a medical device (SaMD) that uses AI to support clinicians in identifying sepsis in hospitalized patients.  

But you’re here for my 2025 predictions—the trends executives have to know about to succeed. 

1. Quantum Sensing in Medical Imaging

To understand quantum sensing, consider the following analogy: in a very dark room, a regular camera might only show blackness, but a special camera that picks up tiny bits of light could take a clearer picture. That’s what quantum sensing does for medical imaging. It lets doctors see miniscule things in your body that regular sensors miss. 

In 2025, I believe we’ll see more and more companies start developing products based on this for MRI scans, brain imaging, and cancer detection. SandboxAQ is already working on these technologies, testing a prototype magnetocardiography device with a prominent research hospital. 

2. Biodegradable Implants and Sensors

People hear “biodegradable” and think “green.” Sure, that’s true, but the main benefit is sparing patients a second round of surgery. These implants and sensors do their job, then break down naturally in your body.  

In the years ahead, the medical community predicts these will be used more widely for orthopedic implants, drug delivery systems, cardiovascular stents, and biosensors. As this becomes more common, we’ll probably see them integrated with AI for predictive health monitoring. Bioretec has already got the RemeOs trauma screw out there, the first FDA-approved bioresorbable metal implant for ankle fractures. 

3. Robotic Microsurgery Platforms

Using robots for surgery isn’t new, but both robots and the surgeries they perform will continue to become smaller, more impressive, and more capable. Companies that invest in creating these platforms are setting themselves up for long-term success. 

These platforms allow surgeons to perform extremely delicate procedures at a microscopic level. They feature advanced technologies like motion scaling (translating large hand movements into precise, tiny instrument movements), tremor filtration (eliminating natural hand tremors), 3D visualization, and haptic feedback. 

Looking ahead, experts anticipate seeing AI integration for surgical planning, smaller specialized robots, improved imaging with augmented reality, and enhanced haptic feedback systems. The da Vinci 5 system that received FDA clearance in July 2024 is a prime example of where this technology is headed. 

How Should MedTech Companies Choose Technologies to Invest In for 2025 and Beyond?

AI and machine learning need to be on every executive’s mind. Big data is important, and you’ll need cloud solutions to handle it all. Let us not forget about augmented and virtual reality—they’ll change how people interact with healthcare professionals and even treatments themselves. 

When creating new MedTech, focus on making procedures as minimally invasive as possible and look for ways to robotize things. And remember, it’s all about personalized medicine now—no more one-size-fits-all approach. 

Keep an eye on quantum computing too. It’ll be a game-changer for big data and drug discovery once it’s more accessible. 

These product innovation trends will be critical for MedTech executives to consider as they plan their strategies for 2025 and beyond. 

About the Author

Gavin McCartney, a Partner at Stanton Chase London, serves as the Global Sector Leader for the Health and MedTech sector. He brings extensive experience managing executive search assignments for clients at global, regional, and local levels, conducting searches across Europe, US, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.    

Gavin’s international executive search expertise includes working with multicultural teams in the life sciences and healthcare industry. He handles mandates ranging from C-suite to VP and director positions across various functional areas. Furthermore, complementary to mature global MedTech organizations, Gavin’s experience extends to supporting early to commercialized-stage start-ups and SMEs, navigating the unique challenges of small, fast-growing, and investor-backed organizations.