Incision Assist is a digital assistant that gives surgical and anesthesia teams access to relevant procedural information. According to Incision, this improves preparation, confidence, and knowledge while reducing stress. The company also reports shorter turnover times and fewer door movements in operating rooms, enabling more procedures per room. Femke van der Gaag, Managing Director Benelux at Incision, said the win confirms the practical impact of the product and supports the company’s mission to connect operating rooms globally so teams can learn from each other.

The jury panel included Patrick van Eekeren (chair), Jenny Tsin, Anna van der Hulst, and Lies van Berkel. All candidates were questioned on growth strategy, business model, and intellectual property. The panel selected Incision in part because this was seen as the right stage for scale-up. Jury members also pointed to the operational reality of operating rooms, where standardization and customization need to coexist, and where Incision Assist can offer concrete value. For the national final, the jury advised Incision to make the business case more explicit in the pitch.

The other candidates reflected a broad innovation landscape. Runner-up Floow.ai presented a platform for flexible, practice-based professional training that connects caregivers, educators, and employers. myTomorrows presented its platform that links physicians and patients to experimental treatments and clinical trials, where AI is already used in matching workflows. ReachMate demonstrated a 3D-printed aid that helps wheelchair users perform daily tasks, with plans to scale production rapidly. The original source also includes interviews with the candidates and a full photo report.

The National Healthcare Innovation Award 2026 final will take place on 12 March at the Health Valley Event in Nijmegen. The jury award includes €10,000 and support for further development. A public award of €5,000 will also be available, with voting opening on 12 March and winners announced on 15 April during Zorg & ict in Utrecht. As regional winner, Incision also receives one year of free membership in Amsterdam Economic Board’s partner network and two tickets to Innovation for Health on 26 March in Utrecht. The regional qualifier was organized by Zorg2040 partners Amsterdam Economic Board, ROM InWest, Sigra, and Amsterdam AI, within a broader collaboration that also includes Rabobank around health and prevention. Read more at the Amsterdam Economic Board website.