Plug and Play Health Innovation Lounge: Advancing Military Medicine: Innovation at the Frontlines of Care
Plug and Play Health Innovation Lounge
Join us for the Plug and Play Health Innovation Lounge, a curated gathering of healthcare leaders, military professionals, founders, and investors exploring the future of military medicine.
This session will focus on how innovation is transforming care delivery, decision-making, and outcomes in frontline and operational environments. From battlefield medicine and real-time monitoring to AI-enabled decision support, we’ll highlight technologies shaping the future of care for active duty service members.
The evening will feature a keynote from a leader in military medicine, followed by startup spotlights showcasing cutting-edge solutions advancing care in high-impact environments.
This is not a traditional networking event, it’s a space designed for meaningful connection, authentic conversation, and collaboration across the military, healthcare, and innovation ecosystems.
Interested in pitching? Complete the Application Form. Applications are reviewed monthly, and selected startups will be notified via email.
Enjoy refreshments and light bites while connecting with the Plug and Play Orlando community and the ecosystem partners driving transformation across healthcare and digital health.
Be part of the conversation. Build what’s next in health.
MARCH THEME: “Advancing Military Medicine: Innovation at the Frontlines of Care”
Featured Speaker:
- Waymon Armstrong is the Founder and CEO of Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS), an award-winning global training and technology company founded in 1997. A recognized leader in the simulation and training industry, Waymon is a frequent keynote speaker at major conferences and has received numerous honors for entrepreneurship and community impact. Waymon also serves on multiple boards, including the Central Florida Foundation and University of Central Florida Research Foundation.
Founder Presentations:
- Habeel Gazi Managing Director, MedApp USA | Founder & Principal, HHG Healthcare & Life Sciences Consulting
Habeel Gazi is a healthcare technology strategist with over 20 years of experience commercializing medical devices and digital health innovations across the U.S., Europe, and MENA. As Managing Director of MedApp USA, he leads North American market entry for CarnaLife Holo — an augmented reality surgical platform that transforms 3D medical imaging into immersive holographic visualization for surgeons to use during operations, leading to superior patient outcomes. Habeel will explore the potential of AR well beyond the traditional OR. The same AR-driven anatomy visualization that enhances pre/intra-operative surgical experience holds compelling promise for frontline military medicine — equipping combat medics and Navy corpsmen with real-time, hands-free medical guidance in austere environments where specialist support is unavailable and every second counts.
Habeel's background spans FDA 510(k) clearance, patents, and full commercialization of medical devices.
- Debbie Kantor, MSN APRN, is a former faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and has been a nurse practitioner for over 25 years. Realizing an unmet need for faster and better emergency care, Debbie founded Hero Medical Technologies and built a global and multidisciplinary team to develop rapidly deployed medical devices for military and civilian care. From bootstrapping to running a government project, she's on a mission to leverage wearables and AI/ML for better patient outcomes.
- Steve Thijssen is the Co-Founder and CTO of Wavy Health, a digital health company focused on improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular conditions. A specialist in “IT for good,” he co-founded the company after winning the TechCrunch Disrupt HealthX World Series.
Wavy Health’s platform leverages wearable data, predictive analytics, and evidence-based interventions to help patients manage stress, monitor symptoms, and better understand their health. Developed in collaboration with cardiologists, the solution provides innovative support beyond traditional care.
Passionate about using technology for impact, Steve is also engaged in initiatives supporting underserved communities, including female veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Demo Table Presentations:
Evan Raketic, Founder of Rake Technologies
Robert Hoppenfeld, Chief Technology Officer, Vetavize Inc.
Agenda
4:00 PM – Check-in & Networking
4:30 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
4:40 PM – Featured Speaker
5:00 PM – Audience Q&A
5:15 PM – Startup Pitches + Audience Q&A
5:45 PM – Community Announcements & Networking
6:30 PM – Wrap-Up
Admission: Free | RSVP required
Parking: Free