Vision Expo, in collaboration with VSP Vision, has announced the 4 startups selected to participate in the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge. The global competition is designed to identify and support early-stage companies developing technologies and solutions aimed at advancing the eyecare experience.

The selected startups will take part in a 4-week virtual bootcamp in February 2026, where they will receive mentorship and resources to further develop their business models and refine their value propositions. The finalists will present their solutions during a live pitch session at Vision Expo on March 13 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. They will also exhibit within Vision Expo’s Innovation Center, a dedicated area for emerging companies and startups.

According to organizers, the 2026 competition drew applications from companies worldwide, with more than half of applicants being venture-backed and collectively representing more than $300 million in funding. In addition to industry exposure, participating startups will be eligible for a potential investment of up to $400,000 from Topcon Healthcare Inc.’s venture capital arm, Thinc Ventures.

The final pitch event and award ceremony will take place on Friday, March 13, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on the Innovation Stage at Vision Expo.

The 4 finalists selected for the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge are:

• Altris AI, a clinical-grade software platform designed to support eyecare specialists by analyzing optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans to identify retinal biomarkers and assist with treatment and care decisions.

• Alchemy Vision, a subscription-based digital training platform focused on education and professional development for eyecare teams.

• EyeCareX, an optometrist-founded artificial intelligence (AI) platform that uses computer vision and generative AI to automate and standardize elements of the optometric exam process.

• Captify, a developer of prescription-ready, AI-enabled smart eyewear that provides real-time captioning for patients with hearing loss.

The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge is part of Vision Expo’s broader Innovation Center programming, which highlights emerging technologies and new business models shaping the future of vision care.