Ambu Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022

March 15, 2022

Ambu, the world leader in single-use endoscopy, has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022.

This year’s list honors businesses that are making the biggest impact on their industries and culture as a whole, ultimately thriving in today’s ever-changing world. These companies — including Microsoft, SpaceX, and GlaxoSmithKline — are creating the future today with some of the most inspiring accomplishments of the 21st century. In addition to the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, organizations are recognized across 52 categories. Ambu was ranked 7th on the Medical Devices list, along with other companies that are improving care and saving lives.

“We believe there is a better way to perform endoscopy — healthcare systems deserve a solution that is 100 percent sterile and provides convenience, flexibility, and economic benefits,” said CEO Juan Jose Gonzalez. “Our product pipeline, driven by our world-class innovation organization, continues to drive the creation of the single-use endoscopy market and we're grateful that Fast Company has recognized our efforts to boost patient safety around the world.”

Last year, more than 1.5 million patients were treated with an Ambu single-use endoscope, a reach greater than all other single-use endoscopy competitors combined and a 41 percent increase by volume over the previous year.

Ambu has rapidly expanded into new endoscopy segments over the last 18 months, securing FDA approval for a rhinolaryngoscope in ENT, a cystoscope in urology, and a duodenoscope in gastroenterology.

Ambu's momentum in the GI market has continued this year with the 510(k) regulatory clearance in the U.S. for aScope™ Gastro and Ambu® aBox™ 2. Ambu’s first sterile single-use gastroscope will include new advanced imaging and design features in a combined solution with next-generation display and processor technology. With HD capabilities, the aBox 2 will set a new benchmark in terms of image quality and will expand the company's advanced display offering.

Ambu plans to launch 20 new single-use endoscopy products over the next three years, including a fifth-generation bronchoscope that will empower thoracic surgeons and interventional pulmonologists in the bronchoscopy suite.

‘An essential role’

Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across the globe and industries. They also judged nominations received through their application process.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.

“The world’s most innovative companies play an essential role in addressing the most pressing issues facing society, whether they’re fighting climate change by spurring decarbonization efforts, ameliorating the strain on supply chains, or helping us reconnect with one another over shared passions,” said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky.

Building on prior recognition

In 2021, Ambu won recognition for its product innovation and design excellence. Ambu received a Global New Product Innovation Award in the advanced visualization market from Frost & Sullivan, a global consulting firm that honors companies it deems to be at the innovation and growth forefront of their respective industries. Its duodenoscope and cystoscope, meanwhile, were honored with Red Dot design awards, selected by an international jury of 50 specialists from a wide range of business sectors.

For the second year in a row, to coincide with the issue launch, Fast Company will host its Most Innovative Companies Summit on April 26–27. The virtual, multiday summit celebrates the Most Innovative Companies in business, and provides an early look at major business trends and an inside look at what it takes to innovate in 2022.

Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2022) is available online here, as well as in-app form via iTunes, and on newsstands beginning March 15. The hashtag is #FCMostInnovative.