Finalists for $20,000 prize at Medtech MVP Conference Announced
The three finalists, selected from a pool of nearly 100 entries are:
Sub-Q Bionics
Sub-Q Bionics is developing the world's first bionic lymphatic drainage system. It is a novel ceramic subcutaneous implant that absorbs lymphatic fluid. When connected to the AI and cloud enabled subcutaneous pump, lymphatic fluid is actively drained from the lymphatic limb into the peritoneum.
SIME Diagnostics
SIME Diagnostics develops AI-powered medical diagnostics platforms designed for use in acute and intensive care settings. The company’s technology leverages machine learning and proprietary hardware to enable rapid, point-of-care testing for respiratory diseases. The Lung Maturity Test (LMT), the company’s first product, is currently under FDA review, with additional solutions for adult respiratory diagnostics in development.
Avira Health
Veera’s mission is to offer postpartum mothers the care, ease, and peace of mind they deserve during the early stages of motherhood and breastfeeding.
Facilitator
Frank Jaskulke, VP Sales & Business Development, Avio Medtech Consulting
With nearly two decades at Medical Alley Association, he served in various leadership roles, most recently as Vice President of Innovation and Head of Medical Alley Starts. Frank has been instrumental in advancing the medtech sector, connecting companies with partners, investors, and key talent. He has a proven track record in international business development and strategic services, particularly for startup companies. Frank holds a Master of Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. He is known for his dedication to fostering innovation and his deep connections within the medtech community.
Judges
Morgan Evans, Founder and Board Member, Avio Medtech Consulting
Morgan Evans is an engineer by training, an entrepreneur by nature, an executive by necessity and has nearly two decades’ experience in the full lifecycle of MedTech product development and delivery - from idea through regulatory approval to commercialization. Morgan built a network of collaborators that continues through AVIO Medtech Consulting, formed Engage Venture Partners to open doors to angel and early series investors for entrepreneurs, and remains a hands-on leader in an innovative medical device company — Agitated Solutions, Inc (ASI).
Greg Banker, Partner, Versana Capital
Greg Banker is a Partner at Vensana Capital, a venture capital and growth equity investment firm dedicated to partnering with entrepreneurs who seek to transform healthcare with breakthrough innovations in medical technology. Vensana is actively investing in development through commercial stage companies across the medtech sector, including medical devices, diagnostics, drug delivery, digital health, and tech-enabled services.
Previously, Greg served as the Director of Strategic Market Development at Vertiflex through its acquisition by Boston Scientific. Prior to Vertiflex, he was an Associate Director in the Life Sciences Practice at Navigant Consulting where he advised a broad spectrum of medical device companies, ranging from venture-backed startups to Fortune 500 corporations, on market development and commercial strategy for novel therapies and emerging technologies.
Lisa Carmel, Chair Business Development, Mayo Clinic
Lisa Carmel leads business development and strategic partnerships across Mayo Clinic’s global enterprise, encompassing medtech, biopharma, diagnostics, healthcare IT and AI, as well as health services, robotics and automation. In her role, she is focused on developing and expanding transformative partnerships and business deals, with a keen interest in mission critical initiatives, such as Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. Hospital of the Future. Additionally, she is part of the leadership team to launch the inaugural Mayo Clinic Cardiology & Radiology Innovation Summit
Lisa brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare product commercialization and innovation, working with companies across the U.S., Europe, and China. She has advised numerous startups and accelerators, including California Life Sciences’ FAST program and MedTech Innovator. She co-chairs the MedtechWOMEN’s Advisory Board, serves on Marin Health UCSF’s Board, and is an advisor to the Cleveland Clinic MedTech Advisory Board and UCLA Biodesign. Passionate about emerging healthcare innovation trends, Lisa frequently speaks at industry events, authored a blog and podcast, and chairs key healthcare conferences.
SPONSORS
Fredrikson - We help our clients navigate the many challenges and opportunities created by the constantly changing regulatory landscape of the health care industry.
Destination Medical Center – Destination Medical Center (DMC) is a unique 20-year economic development initiative. The $5.6 billion plan is the largest in Minnesota’s history. With the expansion of Mayo Clinic and DMC growth, Rochester is a global destination for health and wellness and so much more.
Mobius – Mobius Medical is an Australia-based Contract Research Organization with US operations headquartered here in Minneapolis. Our services are designed specifically for medical device startup and scaleup companies and provide a tailored approach for their specific needs and phase of development. In addition to world-class medical device trials, we are also your strategic business partner, supporting your end-to-end medical device development journey.
Avio Medtech Consulting - We help Medtech innovators take flight. Championing, Accelerating, and Navigating the journey to market.
