CNY Biotech Accelerator Medical Device Innovation Challenge accepting applications

Two student inventors looking at the camera
Syracuse alumni Kayla Simon ’19 (left) and Elizabeth Tarangelo ’19 participated in the CNYBAC Medical Device Innovation Challenge with their invention, In-Spire, a wearable rescue asthma inhaler. They completed filing a non-provisional patent working with the Blackstone LaunchPad and the CNYBAC. Kayla is now an engineer with Relativity Space and Elizabeth is now a medical device engineer and a manager at Guardant Health.

The CNYBAC Medical Device Innovation Challenge, a six-month mentorship / network expansion / resource rich program for early stage innovators, is accepting five teams through through an April 30 application deadline. Participants are selected by the MDIC Review Committee for the program that starts August 1. and offers and opportunity to   (some teams receive early commercialization research in advance of program start).  

CNYBAC Medical Device Innovation Challenge (MDIC) Two-step Application Process

Step 1:  Confirm Eligibility

To be eligible to apply you must meet all of the following:

  • Are a US-based innovation team/startup company.
  • Are in early stage development of a medical device per FDA medical device definition.     
  • Have a team and/or commitment to developing a team.
  • Your innovation is reduced to practice and you are able to apply for a patent, have a provisional patent filed, or patent approved.
  • Agree to meet the requirements of the program:  attend all monthly mentor meetings, actively participate in progressing through your Project Plan goals, attend CNYBAC virtual education events (most are recorded/you can access at your convenience).  

Step 2:  Complete Application/Submit by April 30:   https://www.cnybac.com/medical-device-innovation-challenge-in-the-national-grid-creation-garage/mdic-2020-application/ 

Program details:

  • Selected teams receive an MDIC Agreement for execution.  Program start date:  August 1.
  • We cover the costs of student-based legal and commercialization research for each selected team through the Innovation Law Center, NYS Science and Technology Law Center, Syracuse University College of Law.
  • Mentorship:  mentors are assigned to each team based on specific goals to be accomplished during the program (legal, regulatory, commercialization, CEO, product development experts, etc.).  Hour-long virtual mentor meetings are held monthly, scheduled Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.
  • Selected teams gain coordinated access to SUNY Upstate Medical University research partners and Core Facilities.
  • 3D printer/wash station, additional on-site equipment available.
  • Extensive Ecosystem:  We will provide targeted resource assistance and networking opportunities throughout the program.  
  • Events designed specifically in support of the MDIC Program:
    • NEXT Innovation Conference
    • Monthly Concept to Commercialization Virtual Series 
    • MDIC Graduate Pitch Event
  • Networking Opportunities, Exhibiting, Competitions, Partner Events such as:
    • Student Capstone Design and Prototype Development Programs 
    • Cornell Center for for Materials Research JumpStart (CCMR)
    • SUNY Binghamton Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC)
    • MedTech Annual Meeting 
    • FuzeHub Commercialization Competition
    • Upstate Capital Association Invest NY Series/Pitch Events
    • Upstate Venture Connect Founders Summit 
    • NYSTAR Innovation Summit 

For questions or more info call  315-464-9288, 315-464-9290 or email durdonk@upstate.edu