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Healthcare Robotics Catalyst startup cohort member Able Innovations showed off its Alta platform for patient transport at the 2024 Robotics Summit & Expo. Source: MassRobotics
BOSTON — MassRobotics announced yesterday that it is now accepting applications for its fourth class of Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst program, for 2024-2025. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation and adoption in the healthcare robotics field by providing startups with the resources, mentorship and connections they need to succeed.
“We are excited to announce that we are opening applications for our fourth cohort of the Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst program,” said Juan Necochea, director of strategic partnerships at MassRobotics. “Established and gaining momentum, this program reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups positioned to revolutionize healthcare through robotics technology.”
The program supports startups by providing resources to foster growth and success. This year’s focus areas include clinical care, pharmaceutical and hospital automation, laboratory automation, and precision and regenerative medicine.
The Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst program also focuses on point-of-care systems, rehabilitation, assistive technologies to improve quality of life and work continuity, and training and support for healthcare professionals.
Characteristics of Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst
MassRobotics and its partners cite the following benefits for participating startups:
- Mentorship and Guidance: Depending on participants’ strategic objectives, senior experts from leading companies will provide expert guidance and introductions to leaders in the robotics ecosystem.
- Resource Access: Startups can access a lending component along with design and engineering guidance.
- Networking Opportunities: Catalyst companies will receive introductions to key players, potential customers and strategic partners in the healthcare robotics space, including the opportunity to pitch to MassRobotics’ venture capital and investor ecosystem.
- Strategic Medical Guidance: Each cohort will have the opportunity to speak with experienced medical professionals to ensure the technology aligns with real-world medical needs, ethical standards and patient safety considerations.
- Educational WorkshopsThe program provides access to courses on important topics such as the Food and Drug Administration approval process, cybersecurity requirements and other regulatory mandates, tailored to students’ interests and goals.
- Showcase Opportunities: Startups from each cohort will have the opportunity to present their systems at the Robotics Summit & Expo and Healthcare Robotics Working Group in Boston. These live events will provide them with booth space for product demos and a stage to pitch their solutions to a live audience, providing valuable exposure and networking opportunities.
Cohort member Cobionix showed off a robotic arm for medical applications at the Robotics Summit & Expo. Source: MassRobotics
Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst Process Begins
The Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst program is open to startups with working prototypes with at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. Applications will be accepted until the deadline. November 1, 2024The program is scheduled to begin at the end of the month.
The selected startups will be announced in mid-November 2024. The program invites applications from startups of all sizes and maturity, ensuring a wide range of entrepreneurs can benefit from the program.
“I’m excited to see the program evolve and expand into new areas of medical technology,” said Nuza Yaqoob, former head of technology and innovation at Fest, founder of yaxxoo Inc. and a founding member of the Healthcare Robotics Catalyst program.
“Our aim is to enable more startups to bring great innovations to market, improve the quality of care for patients and increase the capacity of healthcare workers,” Yaqoob said.
Startups from around the world are invited to apply for this unique opportunity to accelerate their growth and impact in the medical robotics space. For more information and to apply, please visit the MassRobotics Healthcare Robotics Catalyst Program.
Backers and participants in the 2023-2024 Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst Program. Source: MassRobotics
Past cohorts share success stories
Startups from previous Healthcare Catalyst cohorts have achieved impressive results, including entering new markets, securing funding, and establishing strategic partnerships.
Based in Kingston, Ontario, Kinarm provides neuroscientists and clinicians with accurate and consistent insights into neurological assessments.
“The mentorship we received from Festo was invaluable,” said Ann Vivian Scott, president and CEO of Kinarm. “They helped us address real-time technology challenges within a broader market environment and guided us toward a mass-market solution rather than a DIY one. [do-it-yourself] “They truly cared about our personal growth and the development of the business. This is a fantastic return on investment that will pay dividends for years to come.”
Guy Altager, CEO of Unlimited Robotics, expressed his enthusiasm for the effort. The company, which has offices in Boston and Petah Tikva, Israel, offers Gary, a service robot designed to help software developers build applications for healthcare, retail, nursing homes and hospitality.
“This program was a game changer for Unlimited Robotics,” he asserts. “Their guidance, resources, and industry connections have allowed us to refine our technology and tap into the healthcare market like never before. We’re incredibly grateful for their support and excited to help make a real difference in the future of healthcare.”
Robot on Rails (RoR) has developed a system that makes it easier to implement automation in laboratories. “Participating in the MassRobotics program was a turning point for Robot on Rails,” added Chase Olle, founder of RoR.
“Their unwavering support, invaluable guidance and access to industry experts were the driving force behind the successful deployment of our Phase 1 robotics at HelixNano,” he says. “Through MassRobotics, we were able to access important networking opportunities and mentorship from renowned experts at Festo and Mitsubishi Electric.”
Acumino is developing capabilities to help robots learn skills faster, cheaper and more scalable. The Renton, Wash.-based company recently closed a seed round raising $6.5 million.
“We are proud to have been a part of MassRobotics’ Healthcare Robotics Catalyst program,” said Tom White, founder and chief operating officer at Acumino. “Not only did we gain deep insight into our company’s potential in the healthcare sector, but our mentors continued to guide us and provide invaluable advice and support. We wholeheartedly recommend this program for any robotics company looking to succeed in the healthcare sector.”
MassRobotics partners provide guidance and encouragement
MassRobotics, which supports the Massachusetts robotics ecosystem, has partnered with Festo, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Novanta and MITRE, who have each voiced their support for the ongoing collaboration.
“We’ve been pleased to work with the program’s outstanding startups,” said Johannes Linzbach, head of Fest Research Hub Boston. “We look forward to the next cohort connecting with technology startups in our expanded scope of lab automation and biotech automation.”
William Nguyen, development manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, added: “We look forward to working with and mentoring promising startups for innovative solutions and cutting-edge automation technologies in the healthcare industry.”
“We welcome this partnership opportunity for all startups working on important medical robotics challenges,” said Elliot Helms, manager of mechatronics research and development at Novanta. “In line with Novanta’s mission to deliver ‘Innovations that Matter,’ we are proud to collaborate and mentor teams that are advancing cutting-edge technology to improve people’s lives.”
“As a bridge between government, industry, and academia, we’re proud to work with MassRobotics, Festo, Mitsubishi Electric, and Novanta to help startups overcome traditional barriers to entry and accelerate robotics solutions for healthcare,” said Russ Graves, director of Bridging Innovation at MITRE.
Editor’s note: WTWH Media, Robot Report Additionally, the Robotics Summit & Expo is also a partner of MassRobotics.
