Medtronic has been included in the FORTUNE 2026 Change the World list for its Touch Surgery™ ecosystem and the Healthy Neighbor initiative operated through Medtronic LABS. The annual recognition highlights companies developing solutions aimed at addressing major social and environmental challenges.
The recognition reflects Medtronic's efforts to use technology and innovative healthcare models to improve patient outcomes, both inside operating rooms and in communities with limited access to care.
Touch Surgery Brings AI Into the Surgical Environment
Medtronic's Touch Surgery ecosystem uses artificial intelligence to analyze surgical procedures and supports livestreaming for remote collaboration, allowing medical professionals to review procedures and refine surgical techniques.
The platform connects multiple stages of the surgical process, including preparation, education, training and collaboration during procedures. Touch Surgery is currently used by thousands of surgeons across more than 30 countries.
In July 2026, Medtronic introduced Touch Surgery Aide, a next-generation computing platform designed for operating rooms. The system expands the Touch Surgery ecosystem with real-time, AI-driven assistance, giving surgeons access to actionable information during robotic and laparoscopic procedures. It also enables surgical teams to review cases and use those insights to improve future decision-making.
“Our vision is to make the best surgery available to more people, regardless of where they live,” said Matt Anderson, senior vice president and president of Medtronic's Surgical business. “The Touch Surgery™ ecosystem enables surgeons to deliver upon intelligence and perform procedures with greater consistency and confidence, helping to advance Medtronic’s commitment to expand access to the best possible care around the world.”
Healthy Neighbor Targets Health Inequities in Camden
Through Medtronic LABS, Medtronic is also addressing healthcare disparities through its Healthy Neighbor program, developed in partnership with Virtua Health in Camden, New Jersey.
Camden, located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, experiences substantial health disparities. Residents have a life expectancy that is nearly 16 years shorter than people living in neighborhoods only about 6.5 miles away. The community also reports significantly higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure compared with nearby areas.
Virtua Health partnered with Medtronic LABS, a nonprofit supported by Medtronic, to provide in-home assistance to people living with high blood pressure and/or type 2 diabetes. Community health workers visit patients at home and help coordinate their ongoing care.
The workers use a digital health platform to record basic health information, monitor blood pressure and blood glucose levels over time, and identify elevated readings that may require additional attention.
After two years, data from more than 250 participating patients showed:
74% of patients with uncontrolled hypertension achieved meaningful improvement, with average systolic blood pressure falling by 15 points. 69% of patients with uncontrolled diabetes achieved meaningful improvement, accompanied by an average 1.2 percentage-point reduction in A1C. Improvements in blood pressure and hemoglobin A1C control were associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of serious long-term complications. The recognition reflects Medtronic's efforts to use technology and innovative healthcare models to improve patient outcomes, both inside operating rooms and in communities with limited access to care.
Touch Surgery Brings AI Into the Surgical Environment
Medtronic's Touch Surgery ecosystem uses artificial intelligence to analyze surgical procedures and supports livestreaming for remote collaboration, allowing medical professionals to review procedures and refine surgical techniques.
The platform connects multiple stages of the surgical process, including preparation, education, training and collaboration during procedures. Touch Surgery is currently used by thousands of surgeons across more than 30 countries.
In July 2026, Medtronic introduced Touch Surgery Aide, a next-generation computing platform designed for operating rooms. The system expands the Touch Surgery ecosystem with real-time, AI-driven assistance, giving surgeons access to actionable information during robotic and laparoscopic procedures. It also enables surgical teams to review cases and use those insights to improve future decision-making.
“Our vision is to make the best surgery available to more people, regardless of where they live,” said Matt Anderson, senior vice president and president of Medtronic's Surgical business. “The Touch Surgery™ ecosystem enables surgeons to deliver upon intelligence and perform procedures with greater consistency and confidence, helping to advance Medtronic’s commitment to expand access to the best possible care around the world.”
Healthy Neighbor Targets Health Inequities in Camden
Through Medtronic LABS, Medtronic is also addressing healthcare disparities through its Healthy Neighbor program, developed in partnership with Virtua Health in Camden, New Jersey.
Camden, located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, experiences substantial health disparities. Residents have a life expectancy that is nearly 16 years shorter than people living in neighborhoods only about 6.5 miles away. The community also reports significantly higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure compared with nearby areas.
Virtua Health partnered with Medtronic LABS, a nonprofit supported by Medtronic, to provide in-home assistance to people living with high blood pressure and/or type 2 diabetes. Community health workers visit patients at home and help coordinate their ongoing care.
The workers use a digital health platform to record basic health information, monitor blood pressure and blood glucose levels over time, and identify elevated readings that may require additional attention.
After two years, data from more than 250 participating patients showed:
Combining Healthcare Technology With New Care Models
Ruchika Singhal, president of Medtronic LABS, said the recognition reflects the company's focus on putting patients at the center of its work and creating measurable improvements in healthcare.
“Being recognized is not just an honor, but an affirmation that our work at Medtronic to put patients first in every aspect of the business is making a meaningful impact,” said Singhal. “True innovation in healthcare should be comprehensive – from developing the technology itself to rethinking delivery models – and should improve health outcomes no matter your ZIP code or income.”
Ruchika Singhal, president of Medtronic LABS, said the recognition reflects the company's focus on putting patients at the center of its work and creating measurable improvements in healthcare.
“Being recognized is not just an honor, but an affirmation that our work at Medtronic to put patients first in every aspect of the business is making a meaningful impact,” said Singhal. “True innovation in healthcare should be comprehensive – from developing the technology itself to rethinking delivery models – and should improve health outcomes no matter your ZIP code or income.”