Blog > Programs > The Global Innovation Center’s Third Innovation Challenge Targets Next-Gen Eye Care Solutions
The Global Innovation Center is launching the third 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 at Vision Expo 2026, the optical industry’s largest gathering of vision care professionals and executives.
Topcon Healthcare, Inc. is supporting the 2026 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.
“Winning the 2025 VSP Innovation Challenge has been a pivotal moment for our company. It put us on the radar of several industry leaders and sparked an unprecedented amount of interest and business development opportunities,” said Alessandro Grillini-Kromm, CEO & Founder of Reyedar and late-stage winner of the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge.
Who Should Apply
As technology advances and new care models emerge, there is growing interest in the eye care experience as an accessible entry point into the healthcare system. The 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge is designed to identify, support, and scale solutions that address the needs of both providers and patients.
This Challenge is seeking solutions that:
Unlock provider efficiencies to help private practice optometrists thrive
The application deadline is December 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT. Finalists will be announced in January, the four-week startup bootcamp will take place in February, and the finalists will present their solutions in person at Vision Expo in Orlando on March 13.
To apply, please visit the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge website.