UNMC Startup Company Demonstration Day planned for Oct. 7

Innovation Week, News

OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 17, 2013)—For the first time, the public will get the chance for a close and personal look at new startup companies formed by the innovative research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

SCHEDULED SPEAKERS:

Luis and Danny Lopez, Co-Founders, CardioSys — CardioSys combines advanced mathematical modeling and predictive analytics with data visualization in order to provide helpful insights into the health of individuals. Using fluid algorithms, our platform allows health insurers, third-party administrators, and brokers to forecast preventable life events and mitigate risk.

Anna Boyum, Founder, Elegant Instruments, LLC — A development company that creates and commercializes innovative biomedical technologies to advance healthcare and biomedical research. Its mission is to make life better through the simple and effective solutions it provides. Two University of Nebraska students, Anna Brynskikh Boyum and Tom Frederick, founded the Omaha-based startup.

Sam Sanderson, Founder, Prommune Inc. — Early stage biotechnology company focused on the human and veterinary medicine applications of a novel therapeutic strategy for fighting infections by awakening the body’s own natural immune defenses. Host-directed immunotherapy, or HDI, is induced by a structurally engineered peptide known as EP67. Prommune’s EP67 selectively engages and activates the cell population responsible for innate immunity — the body’s first line of defense against bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

Gary Madsen, CEO, ProTransit Nanotherapy — A seed stage company focused on delivering medication with unique nanoparticles that are nontoxic and biodegradable. The nanoparticles stabilize the drug, have a slow-release profile and can penetrate cell membranes to deliver powerful medications where they can be most effective. The first of several applications of this technology will be delivering antioxidant enzymes in sunscreens and cosmetics to the deep layers of the skin to help prevent premature wrinkles, age spots and even cancer.

Greg Gordon, Founder, Radux Devices, LLC — Created in 2012 to help develop two UNMC inventions that improve radiation protection and decrease orthopedic stress for physicians. The devices also improve workflow and operating table management in endovascular/fluoroscopy suites.

Bruce Lichorowic, CEO, Trak Surgical, Inc. — A surgical tool company built around an innovative software and bone saw package that could change the way joint replacement surgeries are performed. The device is a next generation handheld surgical tool that uses software and a guidance system that may completely eliminate the need for expensive jigs and the specialized staff needed for current orthopedic surgeries

Shane Farritor, Co-Founder, Virtual Incision, Corp. — Founded in 2006, Virtual Incision Corp. is a start-up company developing miniature robotic devices that are placed inside the body during laparoscopic surgery. VI surgical robots are introduced through laparoscopic ports using a special insertion device. Once inside, the robots are controlled by the surgeon and enable complex procedures to be performed with minimally invasive techniques.

Sponsored by UNeMed Corporation, the inaugural UNMC Startup Company Demonstration Day will be held Monday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. in the Durham Research Center I auditorium. UNeMed is the technology transfer office that helps UNMC’s groundbreaking research go beyond the laboratory.

Demonstration Day is a free and open event that will feature at least six new companies formed on the basis of technology developed at UNMC. Each company will deliver a short, 10-minute presentation, followed by a brief question and answer forum. UNeMed will then host a reception in the atrium with complimentary snacks and refreshments.

Space is limited, so reserve a seat for UNMC Startup Demonstration Day at https://unmcdemoday.eventbrite.com. UNMC employees who register online will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a free iPad 2.

Demonstration Day is a new element of UNeMed’s annual Innovation Week, a celebration of the world-class research and discovery at UNMC.

Innovation Week kicks off with an open house Monday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. in the DRC I atrium, where visitors can register another entry for the free iPad drawing, and pick up a free UNeMed T-shirt and other goodies. UNeMed will also offer free beverages at the open house.

UNeMed will host a seminar on Tuesday, Oct. 8, but those details have not yet been finalized.

Innovation Week culminates on Thursday, Oct. 10 with the UNMC Research Innovation Awards Ceremony and Reception beginning at 4 p.m. At the conclusion of the awards, UNeMed will draw for the free iPad 2. The winner must be present to claim the prize or a new name will be drawn.

The event is free, but space is limited, so reserve a seat for the Innovation Awards at https://iw2013.eventbrite.com.

All UNMC employees and students who register and attend the Innovation Awards Ceremony are eligible to win the free iPad.

2 Responses to UNMC Startup Company Demonstration Day planned for Oct. 7

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  2. […] Instruments was chosen to participate in Startup Demo Day.  We are thrilled and busy getting ready for that. To bring community attention to the event, […]