SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 8, 2025 – Alcon, the global leader in eye care, has announced its continued partnership with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) for the Eye Pitch live event, set to take place at the ARVO 2025 annual meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 3, 2025. This event will serve as a platform for entrepreneurs and researchers within the ophthalmic community to present groundbreaking ideas aimed at transforming eye care.
The Eye Pitch event allows ARVO members to pitch their innovative drug, device, or research proposals to a distinguished panel from both ARVO and the Alcon Seed Fund. The competition aims to spotlight early- and mid-stage innovations in the ophthalmic field, offering participants the chance to advance to the next phase of investment.
A Platform for Innovation
In a bid to support and foster the next wave of innovation in the eye care industry, Alcon is once again collaborating with ARVO to provide a stage for promising entrepreneurs. The Eye Pitch live event encourages the presentation of research proposals backed by preliminary data, focusing on areas aligned with Alcon’s strategic priorities, including:
- Cataract and intraocular lenses (IOL)
- Myopia and retina health
- Glaucoma and ocular health
- Pharmaceutical solutions and dry eye disease
- Contact lenses and digital technologies
- White space, which invites groundbreaking and novel technologies
"ARVO attracts some of the brightest minds in the ophthalmic community, making it the perfect venue for Alcon to support innovative researchers,” said Franck Leveiller, Senior Vice President of Global Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer at Alcon. “Our partnership with ARVO reflects our commitment to advancing ocular disease management and discovering novel approaches that complement our ongoing initiatives.”
Key Details of the Eye Pitch Event
Selected participants will be given the opportunity to pitch their proposals in a 5-6 minute session, followed by a Q&A with the panel. This live event will offer substantial visibility for researchers and entrepreneurs in the field of ophthalmology.
The stakes are high, with three cash prizes up for grabs. The grand prize winner will enter the Alcon Seed Fund’s diligence stage, where Alcon will evaluate the technical merits and development plan of the proposal. This process could result in an investment of up to $1 million to further develop and scale the innovation.
Supporting Future Visionary Leaders
Since its inception in 2022, the Alcon Seed Fund has been at the forefront of identifying and nurturing transformative innovations in the ophthalmic sector. Through this initiative, Alcon has been able to bolster the development of groundbreaking technologies that promise to make a significant impact on eye care globally.
Leveiller noted, “We are eager to meet the next generation of innovators at the Eye Pitch event and look forward to discovering the next breakthrough in ophthalmic technologies.”
About Alcon
Alcon is a global leader in eye care, offering an extensive portfolio of products aimed at enhancing sight and improving quality of life. With a legacy spanning over 75 years, Alcon’s surgical and vision care products are trusted by over 260 million people in more than 140 countries each year. From cataracts and glaucoma to retinal diseases and refractive errors, Alcon continues to advance eye care through innovative products and partnerships with eye care professionals worldwide. Learn more at www.alcon.com.