In a Web Summit first, day two was cancelled following government advisories on Storm Charles. The final went ahead at the Atlis Grand Hotel, where all finalists were staying, with Austria’s AURIMOD winning the 2026 KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition for its pioneering approach to treating chronic pai. Its CE-marked wearable, VIVO®, activates the body’s own pain-regulating mechanisms, offering a drug-free, non-invasive alternative to medication or surgery.
On 11 November, 18 national winners pitched to five industry-leading judges. KPMG Private Enterprise named AURIMOD the 2026 Global Tech Innovator winner before a select audience in Lisbon, Portugal, recognising its expertise in developing wearable technology for chronic pain treatment through auricular vagus nerve stimulation and its ambition to expand access to drug-free, non-invasive care.
“We are honoured to be recognised on the global stage for our work in chronic pain treatment. This award reflects our team’s dedication to developing a drug-free, non-invasive approach to care,” said Stefan Kampusch AURIMOD CEO & Founder. “At AURIMOD, our ambition is to make our technology available to more patients and expand access to auricular vagus nerve stimulation.”
AURIMOD is a Vienna-based, commercial-stage MedTech company treating chronic pain through auricular vagus nerve stimulation. Its CE-marked wearable, VIVO®, activates the body’s own pain-regulating mechanisms, offering a drug-free, non-invasive alternative to medication or surgery. By the end of the year, nearly 4,000 patients will have been treated with VIVO®. Reimbursement is already established in Austria, with active expansion across nine countries.
“Our approach uses auricular vagus nerve stimulation to activate the body’s own pain-regulating mechanisms through our wearable technology, VIVO®,” said Kampusch. “With reimbursement established in Austria and expansion under way across more countries, this recognition encourages us to keep working to broaden access to our technology.”
Leonardo Peikoff, Manager KPMG Austria added, “We’re proud to see AURIMOD recognised as this year’s Global Tech Innovator winner. Its work in chronic pain treatment showcases Austria’s strength in MedTech innovation and the potential of technology to expand access to care. Congratulations to the AURIMOD team on bringing this global recognition to Austria’s innovation community.”
First runner-up Brazil’s TissueLabs combines 3D bioprinting, tissue-specific biomaterials and AI-powered software to engineer human tissues, with its technologies used by more than 300 institutions across over 30 countries. It aims to democratise bio-fabrication and address organ shortages and organ failure, with the long-term goal of creating the world’s first transplantable bioartificial heart.
Second runner-up Sphere is an AI-native platform that automates revenue-based compliance obligations for companies trading across borders. Founded in San Francisco, it connects directly with more than 100 tax authorities worldwide and uses a proprietary AI-native tax engine to manage registration, calculation, collection, filing and remittance.
Mike Linter, KPMG Global Private Enterprise Leader added, “KPMG Private Enterprise congratulates all the country winners who competed in this year’s Global Tech Innovator final. Now in its sixth year, the competition attracted applicants from 18 countries and jurisdictions. The support offered throughout the competition benefits every participant, making each a winner in some way. We are delighted to celebrate these innovative, impactful tech visionaries and their contribution to society.”
“Every year, the competition showcases bold solutions that drive meaningful change. This year’s 18 finalists demonstrated the innovation and collaboration that make progress possible. Congratulations to AURIMOD and its team for pioneering chronic pain treatment and working to expand access to drug-free, non-invasive care.”
The panel of international judges for the 2026 competition included:
- Sara Street, Tomorrow Street
- Nicola Corzine, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
- John Horsley, Path7
- Shivani Sopory, KPMG
- Alex Schultz, Plug and Play
The 2026 finalists included:
Finalists below:
Africas: EcoRich
Austria: AURIMOD
Brazil: TissueLabs
Colombia: Kiggu
France: Glanceable
Germany: OroraTech
India: Cosmoserve Space
Ireland: Disseqt AI Limited
Japan: Rainbow Inc
Mexico: Quinta Tech
Netherlands: healix
Portugal: Lampsy
Philippines: Prosperna
Saudi Arabia: SDM
Sweden: AlixLabs
Taiwan: VMFi
UK: Zelim
USA: Sphere
About the competition
The inaugural KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator Competition was introduced in 2021. In the first year of the global competition, 17 countries and jurisdictions participated in the competition. The competition has grown to include 21 countries and jurisdictions from mature and emerging markets in 2026.
Companies from the startup to growth stages are invited to pitch their innovations and present their growth ambitions to panels of local and global industry experts for the opportunity to be recognized as a leading technology innovator in their country and ultimately on the global stage.
For press requests, please contact:
Daniel Caines
KPMG International
+44 7732 400262
About KPMG Private Enterprise
Passion, it’s what drives entrepreneurs, it’s also what inspires KPMG Private Enterprise advisers to help you maximize success. You know KPMG, but you might not know KPMG Private Enterprise. KPMG Private Enterprise advisers in KPMG firms around the world are dedicated to working with you and your business, no matter where you are in your growth journey — whether you’re looking to reach new heights, embrace technology, plan for an exit, or manage the transition of wealth or your business to the next generation. Working with KPMG Private Enterprise, you’ll gain access to a trusted advisor — a single point of contact who shares your entrepreneurial mindset. Access to KPMG’s global resources and alliance network can help you drive your business forward and meet your goals. Your success is KPMG Private Enterprise’s legacy.
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