https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2017/07/20/global-firm-joins-local-accelerator.html
A local accelerator has partnered with a global medical technology firm to create a new mentorship program.
Memphis Bioworks Foundation’s ZeroTo510 medical device accelerator’s Executive in Residence program allows companies to receive ongoing guidance from Smith & Nephew executives in areas including sales and product development.
ZeroTo510 is in its fifth year and guides medical device entrepreneurs through the startup process with the goal of clearance through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) process and products sales.
The two companies currently in the accelerator are PathEX, a Nashville startup creating a dialysis-like device that can capture and remove blood-borne pathogens, and EMBrace, a Memphis startup that has designed a back support device for people with spine diseases.
Any of the 24 companies that have gone through the accelerator in the past can also take advantage of the Executive in Residence program.
Smith & Nephew’s executives began working with the Executive in Residence program last month.
“Entrepreneurship is an important part of advancing the medical device industry,” said Kelley Grusin, senior director of product development at Smith & Nephew. “This program is a contribution to our Memphis community and will provide valuable education and expertise for the teams involved with ZeroTo510. To be immersed in the ZeroTo510 entrepreneurial and acceleration environment will in turn benefit our team and expand their knowledge from a unique business development perspective.”