Agenda

June 11, 2025 · Minneapolis, MN
McNamara Alumni Center: University of Minnesota

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  • Wednesday

    June 11, 2025

  • Drawing from 15 years of navigating value creation challenges in medtech, Duke Rohlen has pioneered a unique, risk-mitigated model for medtech innovation. At Ajax Health, the Growth Driver Model combines a best-in-class talent - technical, clinical, regulatory, commercial, and operational - along with a nuanced understanding of the needs and limitations of large MedTech strategics. In this discussion, Rohlen will share how Ajax, in partnership with KKR and leading strategics, employs this model to build portfolios of high-growth assets that deliver a broader range of innovation, faster commercialization, improved patient outcomes, and significant returns for stakeholders.

  • The future of surgery is here. In this panel we'll hear how MedTech start-ups are building the robots, infrasctructure and controlling technologies that could make surgery easier, safer and more available.
    Industry Panels
    Where
    Memorial Hall

  • Neurotech devices are offering great relief in many conditions from pain to epilepsy, but what are the opportunities in mental health? In this presention, Steve Goetz, Chief left a senior position at a major medtech to help develop an implantable device that could someday improve patients' mental health.
    Technical Talks
    Where
    Heritage Gallery

  • Medical device companies are pioneering a revolutionary approach to treating peripheral vascular disease with intravascular lithotripsy (IVL). This innovative technology uses sonic pressure waves to safely break up calcified plaque within arteries, restoring blood flow with minimal trauma to the vessel walls. Unlike traditional treatments, IVL offers a gentler and more effective alternative, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes. These startups are driving the future of vascular care through cutting-edge engineering and clinical research.
    Industry Panels
    Where
    Memorial Hall

  • In August, the FDA approved Inspire V, the latest version of the neurostim system that can treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients who cannot tolerate PAP therapy and do not have complete concentric collapse at the soft palate. The system includes an implant near the collarbone, a remote for activation, and an app for sleep tracking. In this panel we'll learn how engineers set out to build Inspire V system, which features an updated neurostimulator, Bluetooth-enabled remote, and physician programmer.
    Company Stories
    Where
    Johnson Great Room

  • Andromeda Surgical is a South San Francisco, California-based company developing autonomous surgical robots, starting with endourology procedures. The company's vision is to make the difficult parts of surgery easy and empower every surgeon to deliver optimal patient outcomes in every procedure. The team combines expertise from medtech, autonomous vehicles, and other robotics and AI applications, working in conjunction with top global urologists.
    Technical Talks
    Where
    Heritage Gallery

  • Advances in computational power and simulation technology have transformed industries such as automotive and aerospace, where predictive computational models serve as reliable digital twins. In the medical device industry, similar predictive models hold the potential to revolutionize clinical studies through virtual trials, reducing costs and accelerating innovation. Yet, despite over a decade of focus, neither digital twins nor virtual clinical studies have achieved widespread adoption in this space. This session will explore the unique challenges that differentiate the medical device industry from other sectors, outline a strategic path forward for broader implementation, and present real-world examples demonstrating the progress and impact of these technologies.
    Technical Talks
    Where
    Heritage Gallery

  • Starting a MedTech company shouldn't be easy, and it's not. However, the challenges just keep piling up starting with price pressures on hospital systems, limits on surgeon influence, uncertain capital markets, unclear exit paths and NOW a unsteady FDA. This panel will try to make some sense for start-ups and help entrepreneurs and executives chart a steady path to success.
    Industry Panels
    Where
    Memorial Hall

  • Boston Scientific’s interventional oncology and embolization (IO&E) franchise is focused on innovating new therapies that drive better outcomes for patients suffering from cancer. Looking beyond traditional medical devices, this team is asking fundamentally different questions to help advance therapy development initiatives and expand the company’s cancer care portfolio. In this session, R&D, Clinical and Commercial leaders from Boston Scientific will discuss how the company is taking a collaborative approach to advancing the future of interventional oncology.
    Company Stories
    Where
    Johnson Great Room

  • Brooke Story’s relationship with the MedTech and healthcare industries shifted instantly when her twin sister suffered a devastating stroke. In this talk, she shares her surprise at the challenges facing patients without advocacy for indicated solutions for their position. She shares her personal journey of fighting for advanced interventions for her sister, using industry connections and insights unavailable to most. Drawing from her experience as both a MedTech leader and patient advocate, she explores barriers to care and how collaboration, investment, and advocacy can expand access to life-saving medical innovations.
    Where
    Memorial Hall