Icarus Medical Recognized with CBIC 2026 Startup of the Year Award

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Icarus Medical, a Charlottesville-based med-tech company focused on advancing orthopedic bracing technology, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Startup of the Year Award by the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC).

Presented during the CBIC Annual Awards Gala, the award recognizes emerging companies demonstrating exceptional innovation, growth, and impact within Charlottesville’s technology and entrepreneurial ecosystem. For 27 years, the CBIC Awards Gala has celebrated achievements in entrepreneurship, commercialization, and breakthrough innovation across private, public, and educational sectors throughout the region. Other notable honorees included Rhoback as Business of the Year, RIVANNA Medical as Innovator of the Year, and Afton Scientific as Employer of the Year.

Founded in Charlottesville, Icarus Medical is developing a new class of orthopedic bracing technologies that combine biomechanics, additive manufacturing, and patient-focused design to help people stay active and mobile while reducing pain and improving function. The company’s technologies include the Ascender Knee Brace for patellofemoral and multicompartment osteoarthritis, along with solutions for post-operative recovery, neurological conditions, and complex lower extremity mobility challenges.

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible team we have built here in Charlottesville, and the clinicians and partners who continue to support our mission,” said Dave Johnson, Founder and CEO of Icarus Medical. “We are proud to be part of Charlottesville’s growing innovation ecosystem and excited to continue developing technology that can make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.”

Over the past year, Icarus Medical was named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies after achieving 1,283% three-year growth. The company has continued expanding nationally and into international markets while developing novel orthopedic bracing technologies designed to address gaps in conservative care. Icarus designs and manufactures its products in Charlottesville while continuing to expand advanced manufacturing capabilities and create new local jobs.

The CBIC Annual Awards Gala serves as the organization’s premier annual fundraiser, helping support programs, resources, and services that strengthen Charlottesville’s innovation-driven business community. CBIC’s mission is centered on creating opportunities for innovators and fostering collaboration across the region’s growing technology ecosystem.

“Charlottesville has built an incredible culture around innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration,” added Johnson. “CBIC has played a major role in supporting and connecting companies like ours, so this recognition means a great deal to our entire team.”