PHILADELPHIA – (June 8, 2022) – The University City Science Center has selected ten healthcare technology startups from across the country for the second cohort of its Capital Readiness Program. The competitive process yielded 46 applications representing 11 states and three countries.
June 2023 Capital Readiness Program participants:
AB Fertility (Philadelphia, PA) is commercializing advanced products for reproductive medicine.
Aware.ai (Pittsburgh, PA) leverages artificial intelligence to create unique virtual communities that inspire powerful support groups among women while proactively connecting them with vital social resources before, during, and after pregnancy.
BioCurie (Wilmington, DE) is developing an AI software platform that will revolutionize cell and gene therapy (CGT) production to make these lifesaving therapies faster, better, and cheaper.
EmpiricaLab (Austin, TX) is developed a training and collaboration engine to help healthcare teams accelerate digital transformation by integrating collaboration and training.
MTDS (Wolfforth, TX) has created fully automated Kiosks capable of dispensing laboratory tests, as well as offering the MTDS mobile app for Telehealth visits and prescriptive services to make Healthcare more accessible and convenient.
Prana Thoracic (Houston, TX) is developing the first minimally invasive, lung-sparing device for early intervention of suspicious pulmonary nodules.
Rubitection (Pittsburgh, PA) is developing an AI enabled assessment and care management platform for chronic wounds and dermatological conditions to improve early detection, assessment, and management for care providers and those suffering with chronic conditions such as pressure injuries/bedsores, diabetic foot ulcer, or psoriasis.
Steradian Technologies (Houston, TX) is developing the RUMI – the first breath-based, 30-second infectious disease diagnostic for the price of a latte!
Taurus Vascular (Houston, TX) is pioneering a new era of aortic aneurysm treatment by developing minimally invasive catheter solutions to drive better long-term patient outcomes.
Trace Orthopedics (Philadelphia, PA) is commercializing novel solutions for tendon attachment with an early focus on repairing partial tears in an outpatient setting.
We know it’s not easy to get access to investors and find the right strategic advisors. The Science Center is balancing the playing field for startups, by leveraging experienced investors and advisors to prepare entrepreneurs for the scrutiny of raising institutional capital. The Capital Readiness Program helps startups strengthen their business case to receive investment at a time when investors have become more risk averse.
Designed for companies looking to raise their first institutional round of financing, the Capital Readiness Program features insights from due diligence partners, stress test scenarios, mock board meetings, one-on-one feedback sessions with investors, and helps founders finalize their deal rooms over the course of five days. Investors-in-Residence for the June cohort include Jessica Karr of Coyote Ventures, Chimene Liburd of Avestria Ventures, Lebone Moses of Chisara Ventures, Dan Sands of Factor 7 Medical, and Jason Torres of Sana Capital.
“This program is critical to help startups navigate fundraising in the current economic climate,” says Heath Naquin, Vice President of Government & Capital Engagement. “The Science Center brings its expertise alongside a breadth of local and national experts and investors to help startups become investor ready.”
Companies will participate in the Capital Readiness Program June 12-16 in-person in Philadelphia. A Venture Café Thursday Gathering on Thursday, June 15 will feature the Investors-in-Residence and the startups.
“In today’s climate, investors are best served by getting to know the entrepreneurs, their businesses and the market circumstances they are facing,” said Lebone C. Moses, Founder and CEO of Chisara Ventures. “We know it’s not easy to get access to investors and find the right strategic advisors. The Science Center is balancing the playing field for startups, by leveraging experienced investors and advisors to prepare entrepreneurs for the scrutiny of raising institutional capital. The Capital Readiness Program helps startups strengthen their business case to receive investment at a time when investors have become more risk averse.”
The Science Center partnered with Scale Health to help expand the reach of the program across the country, simplifying the application process, and organizing the program materials for participants. Scale Health is a marketplace for healthcare solutions and gateway for health organizations across the US to save time, save money, and accelerate outcomes.
About the Science Center
The Science Center is Philadelphia’s premier catalyst of entrepreneurial activity, healthcare innovation, and economic growth. Established in 1963, the nonprofit has been recognized by The Brookings Institution as a best-in-class investor, mentor, and economic development partner for young technology companies. Working alongside industry partners and leading research and academic institutions across the globe, the Science Center has supported over 1,000 early-stage companies. Today, the organization advances healthcare innovation from idea to the marketplace through startup support services and building inclusive STEM pathways for Philadelphia youth and adults. For more information, visit sciencecenter.org or follow us @UCScienceCenter.
