EL PASO, TX – October 27, 2025 – The Medical Center of the Americas Foundation and The Melinda and Marcus Meyer Foundation Innovation Center is excited to announce the third cohort of the ELEVATE Health Tech Challenge. This dynamic proof-of-concept competition showcases four regional startup companies as they present their cutting-edge health technologies and business plans. The Demo Day event takes place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cardwell Collaborative.

The four participating startups—Aurum Tech, BioCast3D, HealthAtlas, and MitoGenix Therapeutics—are completing an intensive seven-week program designed to strengthen their ventures’ investment and technology readiness levels. At Demo Day, they will present their innovative health tech solutions and strategic business plans to a panel of esteemed judges, competing for $20,000 in prizes to help fund and advance their startups. Judges will evaluate participants based on innovation, viability, and societal impact. In addition to the competition, Demo Day provides an opportunity for networking and collaboration among health tech peers, potential partners, community leaders, and investors in an engaging and forward-thinking environment.

“Innovation thrives when it’s shared,” said Nancy Lowery, Senior Director of Innovation at the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation. “These impressive startups are giving the community and investors a firsthand look at the technologies that could shape the future of health and business.”

The ELEVATE Health Tech Challenge fosters startup growth through collaboration with peers and guidance from seasoned experts. Across five structured phases, the four companies evaluate their strengths and challenges, gaining valuable insights to guide their development. Workshops and targeted sessions have promoted both innovation and strategic growth. This initiative seeks to elevate regional health tech innovation by bringing together leaders, investors, startups, and the community—offering tailored support to advance each company’s unique vision and impact.

About MCA Foundation

The MCA Foundation’s mission is to develop and catalyze the life sciences eco-system in the Paso del Norte Region. Each of the MCA initiatives and programs work towards cultivating a dynamic health industry and innovation / entrepreneurship ecosystem that competes globally. More information: www.mcamericas.org