During opening remarks, David McManus, Chair of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Health System, and Jeanne LeClair, acting CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, both commented on how the innovations created are not only helping patients in the Commonwealth, but also creating a positive impact on global healthcare. The speakers highlighted how continued investments in capital equipment and incubator and accelerator spaces are making Massachusetts “one giant incubator” where startups can advance their groundbreaking innovations and truly make a difference.

Listening in on how to “Become Investor-Ready” fireside chat.

The fireside chat “Becoming Investor Ready” dove into how you can become an effective founder, strategies for creating a durable competitive advantage, and providing a service not just a solution, when it comes to creating a startup.

We heard from Anthony Aiudi from Morningside, Hirak Parikh from Johnson & Johnson Innovation, and Paul Rabinovich at Lexington Medical, Inc and founder of NOTA Laboratories. Dr. Margaret Koziel with Boston Pharmaceuticals facilitated the fireside chat and raised important discussion topics.

They discussed what early investors need to ask themselves, especially when there is a lot of unknown. The panelists all emphasized:

• The importance of having a founder and strong team that wants to learn
• Using money and time in the most efficient way possible
• Keeping patient-wellbeing in mind while balancing the need to expedite product delivery.

Four innovators pitched their groundbreaking point of care technologies.

Leaders from Daxor, Huckleberry Labs, RizLab Health, and WellLinks pitched their innovations at the 5th CAPCaT Showcase.

CEO & President of Daxor, Michael Feldschuh, pitched the point-of-care heart failure diagnostic that allows the amount of fluid to be measured in blood vessels. This allows for precise diuretic medicine dosing to be given to patients, creating a more accurate treatment.

Sr. Data Scientist, John Tan, PhD from Huckleberry Labs introduced the AI-generated mobile app that is built to track sleep cycles for babies, with the goal of improving sleep and overall mental health for parents.

RizLab Health Founder & CEO Mehdi J. pitched the company’s technology, the CytoTracker, a device capable of quantifying and analyzing white blood cells in just minutes.

Wellinks President & Chief Commerical Officer Geoff Matous offered insight on the company’s virtual COPD management solution, aiming to allow people to live fully and breathe freely by providing improvements.

Closing the event with an informational session on NIH resources.

Our night ended with an info session from  the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Lead of Innovator Support Services in their Innovation & Commercialization Office, Julia Berzhanskaya. Julia provided key information on the resources the NIH offers. She discussed the benefits of the SBIR/STTR programs, career-changing funding opportunities, and the mission and objectives of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NHLBI accelerates the translation of discoveries and innovations into new biomedical products that service the heart, blood, and lungs, and sleep diseases and disorders.

The NIH-funded UMass CAPCaT program provides startups access to important funding opportunities and resources that help advance their technologies.

Thank you to all who joined us for this year’s event. Please join us in congratulating the startups who presented their innovations, giving us a glimpse into the future of digital health! We hope to see you at an upcoming event soon.

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The $200K Challenge 2024, held at the iHub in Lowell, has left an lasting impression on the landscape of entrepreneurial innovation. For the first time in its history, the $200K Challenge was SOLD OUT, highlighting the fervor and enthusiasm surrounding groundbreaking ideas in healthcare and life sciences. 15 finalists, numerous experts and investors, and countless industry members joined us to support the continued advancement of medical technology.

Listening to familar speakers, a timely keynote address and…jazz?

This year featured a few familiar faces. Scott Latham acted as event MC, introducing the finalists, and reminding many of us how far the $200K Challenge has come. Dr. Latham mentioned how “15 years ago, the Challenge sponsor was Tony’s Auto Repair” which pales in comparison to the impressive 2024 Challenge sponsors, including BARDA, MLSC, Hologic and many more.

Ibraheem Badejo returned to the challenge as our esteemed keynote speaker, discussing a well-timed topic “Be Prepared to Introduce Your Innovation to J&J Medtech” with moderator Jeff Champagne. He shared valuable insights for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs and long-time innovators alike; highlighting the importance of joining a community that builds, grows and continually expands its impact.

The newest addition to the 2024 $200K Challenge? We featured music by Blue Taxi, which filled the event space with smooth, welcoming jazz.

Meeting the visionaries: winners of the $200K Challenge.

First Place: Relavo Medical took the coveted first place with their revolutionary disinfecting connection device aimed at reducing infection risks associated with dialysis. Their innovation promises a significant impact on patient safety and healthcare efficiency.

Second Place: EndoShunt Medical secured the second spot with their innovative hemorrhage control device, offering a minimally invasive solution for creating size-adjustable channels within critical vessels like the IVC or aorta.

Third Place: Neuraura clinched the third position with their low-frequency electrostimulation device designed to alleviate symptoms associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), offering hope to countless individuals battling this condition.

Special recognition and cash awards from select sponsors.

• M2D2 $25K Cash Award – Nucyrna Therapeutics received accolades for their oligonucleotide platform, paving the way for advanced RNA-targeting therapeutics targeting CNS disorders.
• Massachusetts Life Sciences Center $50K Award – Lilypad Health was recognized for their menstrual pad add-on that screens for high-risk HPV, HIV, and other STDs, exemplifying innovation in preventive healthcare.

Supporting tomorrow’s innovators.

In addition to the top winners, several finalists received substantial support and recognition from esteemed event sponsors. These include AIRS Medical, Armor Medical Inc, Calliope Biophysics, Cellens Inc, EndoShunt Medical, GenAssist, and others, all contributing to fostering the growth and development of these pioneering startups.

Congratulations to the visionaries, and thank you to all who joined us!

The 2024 $200K Challenge truly celebrated the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare and life sciences. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and participants who showcased their dedication and creativity. Your contributions are instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare, and we eagerly anticipate the transformative impact of your ideas on patient care and well-being.

Let’s continue to support and champion these trailblazers as they embark on their journey to redefine possibilities and make a lasting difference in the world of medical technology.

UP NEXT: The 5th CAPCaT Point of Care Showcase on June 11th!

The UMass Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT) in Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Disorders is presenting this high-energy, high-value event for the entire digital health innovation ecosystem. It’s a very unique and valuable networking opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors interested in new digital health technologies. Tickets are free!

Thank you to the 2024 $200K Sponsors!

The post Celebrating Innovation: Reliving the 2024 $200K Challenge appeared first on M2D2.

Welcome remarks and keynote by Carla Reimold, V.P. of Industry Strategy and Investments with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Bill Geary, long-time friend, and supporter of M2D2 kicked of the Barracuda Bowl, highlighting the benefits that come from M2D2 and Mintz’s collaboration. He introduced UMass Lowell Chancellor, Julie Chen, who praised M2D2 partnerships, including the partnership between M2D2 and BARDA.

“As a university we are very much focused on partnerships. Tonight is an example of the great success of the partnership between M2D2 and BARDA; we have been able to assist 80 companies at are in areas of interest to BARDA.”

Julie Chen then welcomed the Barracuda Bowl keynote speaker Carla Reimold with Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. She shared insight on the resources MLSC provides startups, along with information related to the Boston biotech hub during her keynote “Boston MedTech Update: From Innovation to Impact.”

A star-studded speaker panel answering a major question: “How to fund your startup in this challenging economy.”

Our panel of distinguished medtech and entrepreneurial leaders offered many different perspectives on accessing funding as a startup. Rick Pierce, CEO and Co-founder of Decoy Therapeutics, acted as moderator and provided insight as someone who had recently received both government and private funding.

He was joined by 3 the expert panelists, Sandeep Patel from BARDA DRIVe, Manasa Gummalla with J.P. Morgan and Casey Cunningham to support their technology.

The 2023 Barracuda Bowl closed out with five stellar pitches from health security startups

The Barracuda Bowl featured five impressive startups who stood out from nearly 100 applications. Attendees heard novel solutions and inspirational stories from:

• Cambridge Medical Technologies
• Quarksen
• Nytricx, Inc.
• Arrow Dx
• StataDX

The 2023 Barracuda Bowl attracted hundreds of healthcare leaders, life sciences entrepreneurs and individuals invested in the advacement of healthcare technology. Thank you to our co-host Mintz, and sponsor Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for helping us provide such a successful event. Thank you to the many attendees who took the time to head to Boston and support us in-person.

Make sure you join our M2D2 mailing list to stay up to date on new opportunities and events from M2D2. We can’t wait to see what the 2024 Barracuda Bowl will bring!

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For 12 weeks, the Cycle 6 cohort has been working with medical device leaders, industry experts and investors to prepare them for this competitive event. Each startup had 4 minutes to pitch their technology to a panel of judges and life sciences experts. For the Cycle 6 Pitch-Off, the startups were pitching for 11 different prizes from 7 different prize sponsors that could accelerate the commercialization of their medical device. (Each startup also received an IMPACT Program Award sponsored by Upteaming.)

Keynote by Kate Wallis, V.P. of Clinical Innovation with Point32Health

IMPACT Cycle 6 Pitch-Off started off with remarks from Kate Wallis, who discussed the “landscape of solutions in the healthcare space” that her and the Point32Health team see while working with startups and entrepreneurs. Kate accurately stated that “we are in the golden age of medicine” which was supported by the unique and impactful technologies pitched by startups throughout the event.

If you’ve been to any recent M2D2 events, you’ve encountered our favorite em-cee, Kyle Kruse (the Kruse Missile) V.P. of Marketing at Global Interconnect and Medtech Impact Podcast co-host alongside Richard Meiklejohn. Kyle kept the energy high as he introduced the Cycle 6 startup speakers and the judges on our IMPACT Expert Panel.

Announcing the IMPACT Accelerator Cycle 6 winners 

After the judges and prize sponsor representatives deliberated, everyone was called together to hear the announcement of the winners.

Prize sponsor Upteaming kicked it off with a bang. Each startup in Cohort 6 received access to Upteaming’s peer-2-peer virtual networking platform.

Then, we dove into the prizes awarded to individual startups.  

• The Best Showcase Presentation award from bene : studio was awarded to NucleusRx, Detact Diagnostics, and Embrace Prevention
• The Most Investable Startup award from Life Science Nation was presented to Cosmos Pharmaceuticals
• The Best Poster award from M2D2’s own marketing agency StitchDX was awarded myBiometry
• Most Innovative (sponsored by MPR): VenoVision
• The Biggest Potential Social Impact award, presented by Alira Health and selected by audience vote went to Rubitection
• The Pitch-Off Judges Award from Prime Path Medtech was awarded to myBiometry, JOGO Health, and Rubitection
• The Best Overall Startup award from Cycle 6 Sponsor Point32Health went to myBiometry

Looking ahead to our upcoming IMPACT cycles and events

Each IMPACT cycle highlights unique and innovative medical device startups developing novel solutions to improve diagnosis and treatment. During Cycle 6, we reconnected with some familiar startups, like myBiometry and Cosmos Pharmaceuticals, and met some new innovators, like Embrace Prevention Care and nucleusRx.  Each startup did a fantastic job presenting their ideas to expert panelists and judges throughout the cycle.  

Interested in applying to IMPACT Cycle 7? Applications are open NOW until November 30^th. Learn more and start your application today!

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On Thursday, June 15, we partnered with Boston Scientific to run the Connected Patient Challenge (CPC) VII Challenge and Pitch Event. As our first year helping promote and host this event, we were thrilled by the interest our life sciences community had for this Challenge. We met numerous life sciences experts, passionate entrepreneurs, and medical device innovators while at Mintz for the CPC VII Pitch Event.

6 digital health finalists pitched their technologies to a panel of industry experts and a room full of like-minded healthcare leaders. They competed for thousands in in-kind support from Boston Scientific and two spots in Cycle 6 of the IMPACT Program. Plus, a $10,000 cash award from Challenge Sponsor Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI).

If you missed the event, check out the recap reel for the major highlights and expert interviews.

Before learning who won the CPC VII Challenge, we heard insights and remarks from high-value members in the life sciences industry.

Our Keynote Speaker: Secretary of Economic Development in the State of Massachusetts Yvonne Hao

Yvonne Hao joined us in Boston as the Connected Patient Challenge keynote speaker, discussing key objectives she has for the state of Massachusetts. Secretary Hao acknowledged the need to build a supportive community in Massachusetts, that encouraged businesses to start and scale locally.

She showed genuine interest in the solutions these startups are working on and highlighted how her overall goals for Massachusetts support the development of new and necessary life sciences technologies.

A fireside chat between three leading members of digital health innovation.

The Connected Patient Challenge VII fireside chat was a perfectly balanced mix of digital health clinician, corporate and patient experiences. Heidi Dohse, founder of Tour de Heart and Senior IT Architect with Boston Scientific shared her history with a pacemaker, touching on the critical role her digital health tools play in helping her maintain her health. Dr. Ken Stein and Dr. David McManus highlighted the overwhelming amount of data now available from smart health devices, and the impact that has on clinicians everywhere.

All attendees, whether they were researchers at large healthcare companies, founders of early-stage startups, or members of marketing and sales teams, found immense value from the fireside chat. The speakers brought up relevant, timely and important points during an eye-opening conversation.

Digital Health Challenge Winner:

Ammol Wassan pitched for myBiometry, a startup with a mission to end asthma attacks. They won the Digital Health Challenge, in-kind support from Boston Scientific, and a spot in the IMPACT Accelerator.

The cherry on top? myBiometry also won the $10,000 cash prize from MeHI! myBiometry made a major impact on the event judges. We can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

Peripheral Vascular Challenge Winner:

Sanna Gaspard pitched for Rubitection Inc. and won the Peripheral Health Challenge, receiving in-kind support from Boston Scientific and a spot in the IMPACT Accelerator. She impressed the judges with her non-invasive monitoring and care management decision support platform.

We are excited for Rubitection to achieve new milestones while in the IMPACT Program!

A fantastic digital health pitch event with partner Boston Scientific.

 Thank you to Boston Scientific, for asking us to help promote and host this year’s Connected Patient Challenge VII. And thank you to the many life sciences startups who entered and attended the CPC VII. Your support, novel solutions, and desire to improve digital health solutions inspire us every day. We wish every entrant, Finalist, and winner every success as they advance their innovations from the lab to their marketplace.

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The Showcase will occur at Mintz Law offices on Tuesday, June 6 from 2 – 6PM ET, only 15 minutes from the BIO Convention happening that week. The event will feature:

• A fireside chat between two opinion leaders in life sciences innovation
• Product pitches (and feedback from a panel of medtech investors and influencers) by the developers of 6 point-of-care devices that have received NIH grant funding through CAPCaT (the Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT) in Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Disorders)
• A panel discussion exploring best practices for startups seeking to tap into the resources of big medtech companies through strategic partnerships.
• A presentation on small business funding opportunities and business programming available from the NIH.

The Point of Care Showcase is free and open to all members of the medtech community, especially startups, early-stage companies, and even students with just the germ of a life-saving, potentially game-changing idea. You can join the growing list of entrepreneurs and innovators by registering today.

Meet the Speakers in Our Fireside Chat: Maria Berkman and Kadir Kadhiresan

Maria Berkman, MD, MBA, is the Head of the MedTech practice at Broadview Ventures where she manages the firm’s MedTech investment strategy and activity.  Maria is also the Managing Director of Longview Ventures, an independent investment vehicle focused on clinical-stage opportunities as a complement to Broadview’s dedication to Seed and Series A financings. 

Maria currently serves on the boards of Alleviant Medical, Aria CV, AtaCor, FineHeart, Puzzle Medical, RapidPulse, Vascular Graft Solutions, and Vectorious Medical Technologies, and previously served on the boards of Lyra Therapeutics (NSDQ:LYRA), Apama Medical (acquired), Remedy Therapeutics (acquired), and Capricor (NSDQ:CAPR).

Prior to joining Broadview Ventures, Maria was a management consultant at Monitor Group, and trained at Mass General Brigham’s Newton Wellesley Hospital. Maria earned a concurrent MD from the UCLA School of Medicine and MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha.

Outside of Broadview, Maria serves on the Board of Advisors at the Boston Museum of Science, as a member of the AdvaMed Investor Working Group, and Co-Chair of the NEVCA MedTech Academy; Maria previously served as a VC Mentor for the UCLA Biodesign Fellowship, SBIR/STTR grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation, and as a Strategic Advisory Board Member for the RAD BioMed Accelerator in Tel Aviv, Israel.

“I’m thrilled to speak at the first in-person Point of Care Showcase on June 6. This event spotlights ongoing innovation in point of care technology. I’m looking forward to hearing the five solutions pitched by the 5 startups, and learning how they will answer current healthcare treatments and diagnosis needs.”

Kadir Kadhiresan, PhD, is Vice President, Venture Investments, at Johnson & Johnson Innovation. In this role, he works closely with J&J leadership to identify business needs and has responsibility for sourcing, investing, and managing venture investment opportunities.

Prior to entering business development, Kadhiresan led the R&D of multiple early-stage technologies and products in cardiac rhythm management and heart failure.  He was instrumental in the development of the cardiac resynchronization device for heart failure, now a multibillion-dollar product. At Heart Rhythm Technologies, a subsidiary of Guidant, he led the development of an ablation technology for treatment of atrial fibrillation and raised venture financing for the project.

He is devoted to advancing of the role of technology to improve and save lives and is often engaging in mentoring entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential.

M2D2 Director of Operations Mary Ann Picard said, “The Point of Care Showcase and Pitch Event serves two purposes: it highlights upcoming novel point of care technologies, and shares strategies entrepreneurs can implement to build strategic partnerships. I’m excited to hear the solutions pitched by our previous CAPCaT grant awardees and join these driven entrepreneurs in Boston for our annual event.”

Join us June 6 from 2 to 6 PM ET — REGISTER HERE

About CAPCaT

The core mission of the Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT) in Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Disorders is to support development and testing of promising “late-stage” point of care technologies that can be rapidly deployed to enhance the diagnosis, monitoring, management and/or treatment of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders (NHLBI), with an additional interest in projects that incorporate complementary and integrative health approaches (NCCIH). These approaches include natural products, such as herbs, prebiotic, probiotics, and selective medical diets, and mind and body practices including acupuncture, meditation, manual therapies (e.g., spinal manipulation/mobilization), hypnosis, meditative movements (e.g. tai chi, yoga, etc.), and music/art therapies.

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On April 4th, we held the 5th IMPACT Showcase Day and Accelerator Pitch-Off for the Cycle 5 Cohort. The startups in Cycle 5 spent the day connecting with leading experts and investors in orthopedic innovation. Following the IMPACT Showcase, they shared their technology and unique stories with a packed room of attendees. Eight fantastic companies joined us as Cycle 5 prize sponsors, awarding prizes to each startup.

Hearing from Medtech Expert and Leader Rajit Kamal

Kyle Kruse from IMPACT sponsor Global Interconnect Inc. joined us as our high-energy MC, keeping the audience’s attention as he introduced the main speakers and startups in Cycle 5.

We were thrilled to have Medtech Leader Rajit Kamal join as IMPACT keynote speaker. Throughout his keynote topic, “Finding the Exit: What Strategics are Looking for from Startups” Rajit spoke about his time with Depuy Synthes Johnson & Johnson, and his experience working with startups in the life sciences ecosystem.

Announcing the Cycle 5 winners

Following the impressive medtech presentations and judges’ deliberation, everyone was called together to hear the announcement of the IMPACT Cycle 5 winners.

Every startup in Cohort 5 received an in-kind award from Upteaming.

Grace & Able were presented with The Most Investable Award from Life Science Nation

KAT Innovation won The Best Poster Award from Inertia Product Development.

The Most Innovative Award from PQE Group was presented to BrilliantStrings Therapeutics

ActivArmor received The Biggest Potential Social IMPACT Award from RedCrow.

Nanochon won The Best Showcase Day Presentation from Agile Search Inc.

The Pitch-Off Judges Awards from Prime Path Medtech were presented to three IMPACT Startups: ActivArmor, BrilliantStrings Therapeutics, and Sonogen Medical Inc.

And finally – Sonogen Medical Inc. won The Overall Winner Award from Prodct. 

Up Next: The 4th Point of Care Showcase and Pitch Event!

On June 6th, you can join life sciences experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Boston for a high-value networking event. Five startups that previously received CAPCaT grant funding will pitch their unique PoCT solutions to a panel of investors. Connect with members of the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem during the biggest BIO week in Boston this summer. Register for free!

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The 2023 $200K Challenge season brought with it record breaking application numbers and over 200 people headed to the UMass Lowell iHub to learn about the latest in healthcare innovation. This year’s Pitch-Off was an absolute success, and a joy to experience with all of you. Life sciences industry leaders, entrepreneurs from around the world, and medical device innovators joined us in Lowell to learn more about this year’s 15 Finalists.

The 2023 Finalists pitched their innovations on March 22^nd in hopes of winning a share of the $275,000 prize purse. Part of this year’s prizes included $50,000 in non-dilutive funding from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and $25,000 in cash funding from M2D2.

Julie Chen, UMass Lowell Chancellor, welcomed everyone to the 2023 Challenge Pitch-Off, highlighting the growing presence of medtech innovation, investment, and development in the Massachusetts community.

Our Keynote Speakers: Two Life Sciences Veterans Working to Build a More Diverse Pool of Medtech Leaders

Since we combined the two $200K Challenge events into one massive Pitch-Off, this year we had two impressive and driven speakers who kicked off the night’s events. Kenn Turner, CEO and President of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and Brian Johnson, President of MassMEDIC, shared insights on leadership styles and encouraging diversity within organizations.

Kenn Turner shared how he builds a strong team through leadership. “[You want to] surround yourself with people who are more capable than you. If I’m the smartest guy in the room, I’m in the wrong room!”

Next up, 15 Impressive Startups Pitched Their Unique Solutions to a Packed House

Kyle Kruse from Global Interconnect Inc. joined us again as a fantastic event MC. With his good-natured jokes and big introductions for each presenter, he kept the energy high throughout the entire evening. He introduced the startups, who had 4 minutes to describe their technology and highlight the problem they could improve/solve.

After learning about the inspiring stories behind each startup and their innovation, the judges stepped away to deliberate and decide on the winners. This year, the judges selected 11 winners, the most we’ve ever seen in the $200K Challenge!

ANNOUNCING THE 2023 $200K CHALLENGE WINNERS

First Place Winner

Spheric Bio, a startup associated with MIT won the biggest prize of the evening, $50,000 from Mass Life Sciences. In addition to the cash award, they received in-kind support from Asahi-Intecc and Prime Path Medtech.

Second Place Winner

RevBio earned second place with their novel approach to bone adhesive and 3D printed material, receiving a $25,000 cash award from M2D2.

Third Place Winner

Medicsen, previously an IMPACT startup, won the third-place prize, in-kind support, and resources from Amgen.

In-Kind Support Winners:

Artemis Biosystems: In-kind support from MPR

EndoGlow: In-kind support from Johnson & Johnson

FemTherapeutics: In-kind support from Hologic and Inertia

Genomic Expression: In-kind support from Novo Nordisk

Levisonics Inc.: In-kind support from Argenta Advisors, Prime Path Medtech and MPR

Matregenix: In-kind support from Argenta Advisors

Meacor: In-kind support from Mintz and Prime Path Medtech

Vivifi Medical: In-kind support from Argenta Advisors

We thank the many life sciences startups who entered our 2023 $200K Challenge event. We continued to hear new ideas, learn about novel technologies, and we met passionate entrepreneurs focused on innovations in the healthcare and life sciences communities. We wish every entrant, Finalist, and winner much success as they advance their innovations from the lab to the clinic or marketplace.

Don’t Miss the Cycle 5 IMPACT Pitch-Off!

On April 4th, 10 medical device startups who are completing the M2D2 IMPACT accelerator program will pitch their innovations to a panel of industry leaders and key players for the chance to win major prizes from medtech organizations. Startups and attendees will have a chance to talk about their solutions, and network with local life sciences leaders from biotech organizations. You can join us for free.

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This past Wednesday, November 30^th, we held our fourth and final IMPACT Pitch-Off for 2022. We were joined by leaders in medical device development from big corporations, including our Cycle 4 Sponsor, Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Over the last 10 weeks they have been working with the 12 startups in Cohort 4 to prepare them for this exciting, competitive event. 

Each startup had 4 minutes to pitch their technology to a panel of judges and life sciences experts. For the Cycle 4 Pitch-Off, the startups were pitching for 9 different prizes worth thousands that could accelerate the commercialization of their medical device.  

Opening remarks from M2D2, J&J, and our virtual keynote 

We started the event off with opening remarks from M2D2’s very own Mary Ann Picard, and familiar face Ibraheem Badejo, who is with cycle sponsor Johnson & Johnson. Ibraheem discussed the valuable relationship with M2D2, and their involvement in the IMPACT Accelerator Program. He shared how important it is for Johnson & Johnson to be involved with early-stage startups working on new and life changing solutions in healthcare.  

Ibraheem then introduced the keynote speaker, Peter Stebbins, who had to attend via Zoom. Peter shared his experience with Johnson & Johnson Innovation, and the current wound care innovation landscape. 

Announcing the IMPACT Accelerator Cycle 4 Winners 

Jeff Champagne, longtime friend and supporter of M2D2, was the evening’s MC. He introduced each startup before their pitch time, and awarded the winning startups their prizes.  

After the judges and prize sponsor representatives deliberated, everyone was called together to hear the announcement of the winners. Sponsors RedCrow and Upteaming kicked it off with a bang. Each startup in Cohort 4 received access to the RedCrow platform for 1 month, and access to Upteaming’s peer-2-peer virtual networking platform.  

Then, we dove into the prizes awarded to individual startups.  

Best Poster Award – Limax Biosciences 

Prize Sponsor RedCrow awarded Limax Biosciences access to their investor showcase platform for three months. 

Most Investable Award – Gel4Med

Prize Sponsor Life Sciences Nation awarded Gel4Med access to their JP Morgan RESI event in San Francisco.  

Most Innovative Award – ParaNano Wound Care 

Prize Sponsor MPR awarded ParaNano Wound Care $5,000 in in-kind support. 

Next Level Award – Hero Medical Technologies  

Prize Sponsor Focal Point awarded Hero Medical Technologies a coaching package with Steve DeVries valued at $2,000. 

Biggest Social IMPACT Award – Hero Medical Technologies  

Chosen by the audience, Hero Medical Technologies was awarded $5,000 in in-kind support by prize sponsor Alira Health. 

Best Pitch-Off Presentations – Limax Biosciences, ParaNano Wound Care, Theromics 

The judges selected Limax Biosciences, ParaNano Wound Care, and Theromics to receive $5,000 in in-kind support from prize sponsor Prime Path Medical.  

Overall Winner for the M2D2 IMPACT Innovator Prize – bTECH 

The program sponsor, judges, other panelists, and M2D2 came together to select the overall winner of the M2D2 IMPACT Innovator Prize. The room erupted in applause when familiar face (and now honorary Bostonian) bTECH, was called up to claim their prize – an entire year of lab space at M2D2. 

Watch the Impact Cycle 4 Highlight Reel:

Closing out 2022 with another successful IMPACT Accelerator Program

Each IMPACT cycle highlights unique and innovative medical device startups developing novel solutions to improve diagnosis and treatment. While working with Cycle 4 Sponsor Johnson & Johnson Innovation, we discovered even more novel approaches to current challenges in the medical device and medtech ecosystem. Each startup did a fantastic job presenting their ideas to expert panelists and judges throughout the cycle.  

Interested in applying to the next IMPACT Cycle? Make sure to join our mailing list so you get the latest updates about the accelerator program! 

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For Cycle 3, our sponsor Johnson & Johnson had asked for solutions related to key areas of interest, including post-surgical complications, intervention oncology, and wound closure.

Meet the startups in Cohort 4

Adiuvo Diagnostics: Illuminate® is a novel imaging device that combines optics, electronics and AI to aid in rapid label free wound bioburden assessment and monitoring to bring down the rate of amputation and improve antibiotic stewardship.

Amsel Medical: Amsel offers an innovative approach to current occlusion, stapling, and suturing methods overcoming key inherent limitations. The SCureClamp interdigitation mechanical tissue clamping attaches tissue in a minimally invasive atraumatic manner.

Bioprex Medical: Bioprex Medical develops a fixed antimicrobial coating technology for medical devices aimed at reducing medical device associated infections.

bTECH: bTECH’s patent-pending Halcyon SMART Patch (HSP) uses far infrared wavelengths beneath the surface of the skin to promote rapid tissue healing and strengthening.

Gel4Med: Gel4Med is an early-stage regenerative medicine company focused on developing our Therapeutic Materials Platform to address unmet clinical needs in soft tissue regeneration.

Hero Medical Technologies: Hero Medical Technologies is developing wearables & data-driven solutions to expedite the care of head injury and other trauma patients throughout the patient journey.

Inochi Care: Inochi Care has technology based solutions for advance wound care and management

Limax Biosciences: Limax Biosciences is developing a strong and flexible hydrogel adhesive for wounds inside and outside the body.

Novaurum Biosciences: Novaurum Biosciences is developing NanoTech cell-based coatings to prevent infections associated with medical devices.

O2 RegenTech: O2 RegenTech is commercializing cost-effective, easy-to-use wound care solutions based on novel oxygenating biopolymer technology.

ParaNano Wound Care: ParaNano Would Care is a pre-clinical trial company from Oklahoma City, OK developing a platform medical device for wound care: The Nanosheet Biosensor.

Theromics: Theromics has developed a biopolymer gel to make Image-Guided Thermal Ablation a better cancer treatment by augmenting the transfer of thermal energy in human tissue.

Join us in November for our final in-person IMPACT Accelerator Pitch-Off in 2022.

On November 30th, these 12 startups will pitch their innovations to a panel of industry leaders and key players for the chance to win major prizes from medtech organizations. Startups and attendees will have a chance to talk about their solutions, and network with local life sciences leaders from biotech organizations. You can join us for free.

The Cycle 4 IMPACT Pitch-Off is currently happening in Lowell at the iHub, but may be moved to Boston. Stay tuned and subscribe to our newsletter for updates and announcements about the event!

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