Category: Center for MedTech Excellence

Center for MedTech Excellence Named Inaugural Member of ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub Spoke Network

MedTech Center joins a national network focused
on accelerating transformative health solutions

ATLANTA — The Center for MedTech Excellence announced today it has been selected as an inaugural spoke for the Investor Catalyst Hub, a regional hub of ARPANET-H, a nationwide health innovation network launched by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).

Center for MedTech Excellence Director Nakia Melecio. (Photo: Péralte C. Paul)

An economic development program of Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, the Center for MedTech Excellence boasts a robust track record of pioneering innovation and fostering collaboration within the medical technology industry, making it a prime candidate for a strategic partnership as a spoke partner.

Its deep industry expertise and commitment to advancing cutting-edge solutions position it as an asset for any collaborative endeavor.

Based in the Greater Boston area and managed by VentureWell, the Investor Catalyst Hub aims to accelerate the commercialization of practical, accessible biomedical solutions. It utilizes an innovative hub-and-spoke model designed to reach a wide range of nonprofit organizations and minority-serving institutions, with the ultimate aim of delivering scalable healthcare outcomes for all Americans.

“I consider it a privilege to be a part of the ARPA-H network,” MedTech Center Director Nakia Melecio said. “Not only do we have the opportunity to contribute our capabilities to this influential network, but we also gain access to valuable resources, opportunities, and a transformative investor catalyst hub that will significantly impact our region.

The Center for MedTech Excellence joins a dynamic nationwide network of organizations aligned to ARPA-H’s overarching mission to improve health outcomes through the following research focus areas: health science futures, proactive health, scalable solutions, and resilient systems.

The Investor Catalyst Hub spokes represent a broad spectrum of expertise, geographic diversity, and community perspectives.

“Our spoke network represents a rich and representative range of perspectives and expertise,” said Mark Marino, vice president of Growth Strategy and Development for VentureWell and project director for the Investor Catalyst Hub. “Our spokes comprise a richly diverse network that will be instrumental in ensuring that equitable health solutions reach communities across every state and tribal nation.”

As an Investor Catalyst Hub spoke, Center for MedTech Excellence gains access to potential funding and flexible contracting for faster award execution compared to traditional government contracts. Spoke membership also offers opportunities to provide input on ARPA-H challenge areas and priorities, along with access to valuable networking opportunities and a robust resource library.

The spoke network will continue to grow as the Investor Catalyst Hub expands its efforts, with applications being selected on a rolling basis. Interested organizations can visit investorcatalysthub.org to learn more or submit a membership application.

About the Center for MedTech Excellence
We catalyze the development and commercialization of breakthrough biotechnology, medical devices, life science, and therapeutic innovations. As program of Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, we serve as trusted partners and deliver a complete toolkit to enhance the odds of success for an early-stage biotech company. To learn more, visit medtech.gatech.edu.

Nakia Melecio Receives Golden Helix Award

WINNERS: Nakia Melecio (left) and Sherry Farrugia show their Golden Helix Awards following the March 29 gala at the Fox Theatre. (PHOTO: Péralte Paul)

The Center for Global Health Innovation’s (CGHI) Office of Life Sciences and Digital Health awarded Nakia Melecio with the Golden Helix Community Award for his dedication to Georgia’s life sciences community.

Melecio, the founding director of the Enterprise Innovation Institute’s Center for MedTech Excellence, was one of six individuals honored with Community Awards at the March 29 event which recognized 21 individuals, companies, and organizations with awards at 25th annual gala.

Sherry Farrugia, CEO, of the Global Center for Medical Innovation, a Georgia Tech affiliate, was presented with the Industry Growth Award, for her tireless efforts and significant contributions to growing the life sciences industry in Georgia.

“Our community strives to improve patients’ lives, support workforce development, grow Georgia’s economy, and be a driving force for good in the world,” said CGHI CEO Maria Thacker Goethe in a statement. “The Golden Helix Awards highlights those lasting contributions made by many in the life sciences sector in Georgia.”

In his role as director of the Center for MedTech Excellence, Melecio works to catalyze the development and commercialization of breakthrough biotechnology, medical devices, life science, and therapeutic innovations.

He also  works with other Georgia Tech programs including VentureLab and the Advanced Technology Development Center, as well as other organizations such as the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

“It’s an honor to be counted among the champions here in Georgia who are trying to put the life sciences ecosystem on the map and working behind the scenes from a policy perspective, an academic perspective, and venture capital perspective to really help build the infrastructure and support entrepreneurs,” Melecio said. “To be able to be recognized and to have a voice, that’s what I’m proud of — being able to work with great entrepreneurs and great schools that have a passion for this ecosystem.”