Plug and Play Health Innovation Lounge: Advancing Military Medicine - Innovation at the Frontlines of Care

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 by a leader in military medicine, followed by startup spotlights showcasing cutting-edge solutions that advance 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 and Computer Simulations, an award-winning global training and technology company founded in 1997. A recognized leader in the simulation and training industry, Armstrong is a frequent keynote speaker at major conferences and has received numerous honors for entrepreneurship and community impact. He also serves on multiple boards, including the Central Florida Foundation and the University of Central Florida Research Foundation.

Founder Presentations: 

• ​Habeel Gazi, managing director at MedApp USA, founder and principal at HHG Healthcare and 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 (AR) surgical platform that transforms 3D medical imaging into immersive holographic visualization for surgeons during operations, resulting in superior patient outcomes. Gazi 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. His background spans FDA 510(k) clearance, patents and full commercialization of medical devices. 

• Debbie Kantor is CEO of Hero Medical Technologies and a former associate scholar at the Center for Global Health at Penn Medicine, as well as a former clinical faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She is a nurse practitioner, medical device inventor and nursing educator with a passion for delivering efficient, compassionate patient care. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Kantor brings a unique perspective shaped by her work across academic, clinical and industry settings. She leverages this diverse background to develop innovative solutions that address unmet patient needs and improve healthcare delivery.
• ​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, Thijssen is also engaged in initiatives supporting underserved communities, including female veterans transitioning to civilian life.

​Agenda

• ​4:00 PM – Check-in and Networking

• ​4:30 PM – Welcome and 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

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