In the News
UCLA Accelerator Seeks Application
July 17, 20223
UCLA Health is accepting applications through the end of this month from life science companies for the second cohort in its new TechQuity accelerator program.
TechQuity Accelerator seeks startups with tech supporting health equity
June 23, 20223
UCLA Health is now accepting applications for a new cohort of innovators to be part of its TechQuity Accelerator. Launched in 2022 to address COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on under-resourced and vulnerable communities, TechQuity supports early-stage startups in improving health equity among underserved and vulnerable populations.
UCLA Health seeks applicants for next TechQuity Accelerator to support startups with solutions for health inequity
June 21, 20223
UCLA Health is now accepting applications for a new cohort of innovators to be part of its TechQuity Accelerator. Launched in 2022 to address COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on under-resourced and vulnerable communities, TechQuity supports early-stage startups in improving health equity among underserved and vulnerable populations.
UCLA Health seeks applicants for next TechQuity Accelerator to support startups with solutions for health inequity
June 21, 20223
UCLA Health is now accepting applications for a new cohort of innovators to be part of its TechQuity Accelerator. Launched in 2022 to address COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on under-resourced and vulnerable communities, TechQuity supports early-stage startups in improving health equity among underserved and vulnerable populations.
UCLA Health seeks applicants for next TechQuity Accelerator to support startups with solutions for health inequity
June 21, 20223
UCLA Health is now accepting applications for a new cohort of innovators to be part of its TechQuity Accelerator. Launched in 2022 to address COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on under-resourced and vulnerable communities, TechQuity supports early-stage startups in improving health equity among underserved and vulnerable populations.
Protestors Inject Politics Into BioscienceLA Event
June 19, 20223
A recent forum hosted by BioscienceLA, a Culver City not-for-profit focused on fostering innovation in the local bioscience sector, included a hefty dose of international politics.
5 recent health equity partnerships
August 23, 2022
Five recent health equity partnerships from Ramaon Healthcare.
UCLA launches health equity accelerator program
August 22, 2022
UCLA launched TechQuity Accelerator, a health tech program aimed at companies providing resources for underserved communities, the Los Angeles Business Journal reported Aug. 22. The 4-monthslong program is the result of a partnership between UCLA Health Biodesign and BioscienceLA, with its principal funding source being a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s SPRINT Challenge. The inaugural class of innovators for the…
UCLA Health Launches Accelerator Program Focused on Health Equity
August 22, 2022
A health tech accelerator has launched at UCLA. Called the TechQuity Accelerator and run by UCLA Health, this program is aimed at life science companies with innovations for communities underserved with health care products and services.
Founded in response to health care inequities exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the TechQuity Accelerator is a partnership between UCLA Health Biodesign and BioscienceLA, a Culver City nonprofit innovation catalyst for L.A.’s life science industry. The program cost roughly $900,000 to set up, with the principal source of funding coming from a $750,000 grant award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s SPRINT Challenge.
Meet the 7 startups UCLA Health selected for its health equity accelerator
August 3, 2022
As part of their work to advance innovation in healthcare, some health systems and tech companies are rolling out accelerator programs to give young startups the resources they need to develop digital health products. Recently, more accelerators specifically focused on health equity are emerging, such as the programs established by Amazon, UCSF and Boston Medical Center.
Two weeks ago, UCLA Health announced the inaugural cohort of startups for its health equity accelerator, dubbed the TechQuity Accelerator. The seven digital health startups, which represent pre-seed through Series A-stage companies, are developing digital health solutions to address chronic disease management, respiratory illness and healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations.
UCLA Health’s TechQuity Accelerator announces inaugural cohort advancing equitable innovations
July 21, 2022
The inaugural cohort of innovators has been selected to participate in UCLA Biodesign’s TechQuity Accelerator. The class of seven represents pre-seed through Series A-stage companies that are championing health equity-driven innovations across the life sciences, spanning the medical device, digital health, diagnostic, and biopharma sectors. The companies are developing solutions that address respiratory illness, chronic disease management, and healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations.
The UCLA Health TechQuity Accelerator, provided in partnership with UCLA Health Biodesign and BioscienceLA, is uniquely focused on supporting teams that have innovative concepts and a firm commitment to improving long-term community health resilience. Launched in response to COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, the UCLA Health TechQuity Accelerator is designed to be sustainable beyond the pandemic, providing better health security by targeting four thematic areas: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and community impact.
UCLA Health ‘TechQuity’ Accelerator announces 1st cohort of innovators
July 21, 2022
The inaugural class of innovators at UCLA Health’s health equity technology accelerator, ‘TechQuity’, have been announced.
The class of companies all share a common goal of driving innovation in the health equity space, using technology across life sciences, to pharmaceuticals to champion equity, according to a July 20 press release. The four-month program will provide the founders with advice, mentoring and product development support. Some of the companies include a COVID-19 mobile testing unit for vulnerable populations and an AI-based diagnostics for remote patient monitoring.
UCLA Health’s TechQuity Accelerator announces inaugural cohort advancing equitable innovations
July 20, 2022
The inaugural cohort of innovators has been selected to participate in UCLA Health’s new TechQuity Accelerator. The class represents pre-seed through Series A-stage companies that are championing health equity-driven innovations across the life sciences, spanning the medical device, digital health, diagnostic, and biopharma sectors.
UCLA Biodesign Fellows Culminated with Innovation Fast Pitches and Abbott Vascular CMO Dr. Nick West Keynote
June 23, 2022
UCLA Biodesign’s 2021-22 cohort of Accelerator and Discovery Fellows culminated a year of innovation development where they were paired with mentors and expert advisors across regulatory, reimbursement, prototyping, needs development, solution scoping, market assessment, fundraising, intellectual property, corporate law and more. The Annual Innovation Fast Pitch Showcase celebrating this culmination featured opening remarks from: Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and CEO of UCLA Hospitals and Clinics, Dr. Steve Dubinett, Interim Dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Antonio Bernardo, Dean of the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a keynote by Dr. Nick West, Chief Medical Officer & Divisional Vice President of Global Medical Affairs, Abbott Vascular.
UCLA Biodesign Discovery team ServaCor ties for First Place at Easton’s Cross-Campus Innovation Challenge
May 19 2022
The UCLA Easton Technology Management Center’s 2022 Cross-Campus Innovation Challenge assessing technological solutions that will significantly improve accessibility, affordability, health outcomes or care delivery in U.S. healthcare awarded UCLA Biodesign’s 2021-22 Discovery Track team ServaCor with $15,000 as the team tied for 1st Place in the esteemed competition. ServaCor is a digital health platform delivering app-based, remote cardiac rehab to women after cardiac events that addresses a $10.7B market — supporting women in their cardiac recovery journey, increasing their access to this life-saving intervention and decreasing healthcare costs.
UCLA Biodesign Team’s SAFR and BioZipper awarded UCLA Innovation Fund Grant
April 4, 2022
SAFR with UCLA Biodesign alumni Glen Meyerowitz, Dr. Obi Emeruwa, Onike Williams, and faculty member Dr. Igor Barjaktarevic, invented a novel device which allows customized ventilation of each lung for patients with acute lung injury.
BioZipper led by UCLA Biodesign alumni Dr. Renea Sturm and George Aninwene II along with Peyton Tebon and Ali Khademhosseini, former professor of bioengineering, invented a novel device for urologic tissue repair.
UCLA Biodesign Accelerator Fellow Nurlabs joins PENFED’s Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program
March 15 2022
The Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program welcomed UCLA Biodesign Accelerator team NurLabs, founded by Navy veteran Sumita T. Jonak, to the Spring 2022 cohort of the Master’s Program, presented by SOS International LLC. The Master’s Program is a year-long fundraising accelerator to prepare growth-stage, veteran-owned startups to raise investor funds and scale their companies.
UCLA Biodesign Releases Global Medtech Innovation Industry Report with Boston Consulting Group
March 11 2022
To assess the current regulatory landscape for medtech and digital innovation, BCG and UCLA Biodesign collaborated on a research project examining the review process for medical device registrations. UCLA Biodesign surveyed more than 100 senior executives at medtech companies, representing 105 successful medical product registrations between 2010 and 2021; BCG assisted in designing the study, offering insights, and preparing the report. The results show that a sea change is underway in the industry with regard to the preferred path to bring new products to market.
UCLA Biodesign Team Selected to Compete in the 2022 Rice Business Plan Competition
February 23 2022
UCLA Biodesign Discovery Fellow team, AiroSolve, was selected to compete in the 2022 Rice Business Plan Competition, the world’s largest and richest student startup competition.
UCLA Health launches accelerator program to scale up health equity-focused startups
February 17 2022
UCLA Health’s TechQuity Accelerator will support local communities by improving the quality of health care, expanding access to care and creating new tech-driven career opportunities, executives said.
UCLA Health has launched a new innovation accelerator to help scale up startups that focus on using technology to bridge health equity gaps.
UCLA Health Announces TechQuity Accelerator
February 16 2022
On Feb. 15, UCLA Health announced that, in partnership with BioscienceLA and UCLA Biodesign, it has launched a new accelerator at the crossroads of health equity and technology.
A press release from UCLA Health states that “Aimed at supporting long-term community health resilience and improvements in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UCLA Health TechQuity Accelerator seeks to bridge clinical excellence and innovation for diverse patient populations.”
UCLA Health innovation accelerator eyes health equity startups
February 16 2022
UCLA Health, in partnership with BioscienceLA and UCLA Biodesign, launched a four-month program focused on helping startups that utilize technology to bridge health equity gaps.
UCLA Health’s TechQuity Accelerator is looking for early-stage startups to apply to its first cohort, which launches May 1.
UCLA Health launches accelerator program to scale up health equity-focused startups
February 16 2022
UCLA Health and UCLA Biodesign Launch TechQuity Accelerator
February 16 2022
UCLA Biodesign Fellow Dr. Jose Morales Joins CLS FAST Advisory Program through MedTech Color
September 7 2021
Class of 2021 UCLA Biodesign Fellows Graduate
June 21 2021
UCLA Biodesign team Nurlabs wins 2021 Big Bang Challenge
May 27 2021
UCLA Biodesign with UCLA Health win grant to scale COVID-19 innovations and support health equity
May 13 2021
UCLA Health has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to scale healthcare innovations for COVID-19 response and recovery and to support health equity through BioFutures, a new LA County workforce development program for diversity in the biosciences. As covered by Science Magazine online & News Medical Life Sciences
UCLA Biodesign Co-Executive Director, Desert Horse-Grant, is nominated as a Finalist at the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Diversity, Inclusion + Equity Awards
March 26, 2021
NurLabs named Semi Finalist in University of Arkansas 2021 Heartland Challenge Startup Competition
March 22, 2021
Announcing: UCLA Biodesign’s Women in Healthtech Leadership Lecture Series
March 11, 2021
Dr. Jennifer McCaney and Desert Horse-Grant, co-executive directors of UCLA Biodesign, are pleased to announce the Women in Healthtech Leadership Lecture Series, which will provide insights from some of the most successful women in the healthtech industry. The series launches with two trailblazers leading the transformation of the medical device and digital health fields – Katie Szyman, Corporate Vice President, Critical Care at Edwards Lifesciences and Julia Hu, Founder and CEO of Lark Health. Below, you will find more information about these two speakers and how you can participate in the series..
UCLA Biodesign Fellow Dr. Elizabeth Lord 20 under 40 Award
March 10, 2021
Orthopaedic spine surgeon and UCLA Biodesign Fellow Elizabeth Lord, MD, places humility, representation and mentorship at the center of her success.
As UCLA’s first woman spine faculty member, Dr. Lord is the recipient of the 2020 North American Spine Society’s “20 under 40” award, which highlights future leaders for their accomplishments, community service and philosophy for care in the field of spine surgery.
UCLA Biodesign Co-Executive Director Desert Horse-Grant Fuels the Innovation Engine
April 26 2021
UCLA Biodesign Co-Executive Director, Jennifer McCaney, launches a Health Care Technology Course “All About Disruption” at Anderson
January 4, 2021
UCLA Biodesign Co-Executive Director & Professor Jennifer McCaney, a dual appointment at Anderson and the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care, launches a UCLA Anderson class focused on how technology has enabled health care to evolve, exploring technologies such as big data, digital health and personalized medicine and inviting guest speakers from within industry to illuminate the field for students.
Diversity in Action on Innovation at UCLA Biodesign
November 1, 2020
Diversity in Action highlights the work of UCLA Biodesign’s female leadership in fostering an interdisciplinary program at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and entrepreneurship to create new innovations in patient care.
UCLA Biodesign Fellowship 2021-2022 Now Open For Applications
September 2, 2020
UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute announces applications for the UCLA Biodesign 2021 Fellowship Discovery track are now open through mid-November.
UCLA Biodesign Leadership on Redesigning Healthcare Amidst a Pandemic
August 24, 2020
Lisa Carmel, Vice President of Strategy at Ximedica, interviews UCLA Biodesign leadership on the program expansion and the mission of re-imagining a healthcare ecosystem better equipped to support patients and other key stakeholders during a pandemic.
Desert Horse-Grant Named Modern Healthcare Top 25 Innovator
Desert Horse-Grant, senior director of UCLA Health Research and Innovation, and co-executive director of UCLA Biodesign, has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of this year’s Top 25 Innovators. The program recognizes leaders who are instituting innovation and leading transformative programs that measurably improve patient-centered care through advances in technology.
UCLA Biodesign Team Featured by Techstars
July 27, 2020
Protean Surgical Instruments, a soft robotics company founded by a team of UCLA Biodesign Fellows, was one of 50 student entrepreneurial teams selected from a field of over 330 applicants to participate in Blackstone LaunchPad’s Summer Fellowship program.
UCLA Biodesign Response to COVID-19
July 1, 2020
UCLA Biodesign Fellows deployed across critical functions at UCLA Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing hospital operations, supply chain shortages for protective equipment, as well as volunteering in regions of urgent need.
UCLA Biodesign Graduation
June 26, 2020
Join us is celebrating the graduation of the inaugural UCLA Biodesign Fellows and a keynote featuring Dr. Beth Seidenberg, Founding Managing Partner, Westlake Village BioPartners.
UCLA Biodesign Announces New Accelerator Track
June 18, 2020
The UCLA Clinical Translational Science Institute announces UCLA Biodesign’s first class of Accelerator Fellows will begin in Summer 2020. The program is open to UCLA faculty and staff developing medical device, diagnostic, and digital products seeking to advance early stage concepts and prototypes.
FDA Grants UCLA Health Permission to Use 3D-Printed Swab
June 8, 2020
UCLA Biodesign Fellow Gabe Oland helps lead UCLA Health clinical testing of 3D-printed nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID leading to FDA permission for use in just over one month. As covered by Los Angeles Daily News and HIT Consultant
UCLA Biodesign Fellow Tackles Supply Chain Shortages for COVID-19 Testing
April 24, 2020
Recognizing a critical shift in health system needs, UCLA Biodesign Fellow, Dr. Gabe Oland, co-leads the UCLA Health COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab task force and IRB study, to address 3D printed swab options in light of scarce testing supplies.
National Registry Quickly Set Up to Help Doctors Understand Risks COVID-19 Poses to Pregnant Women and Newborns
April 8, 2020
New national registry launched by UCLA Biodesign Fellow and UCLA Health OBGYN specialist, Dr. Yalda Afshar, in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco to determine possible effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women and newborns. As covered by the Washington Post, Kaiser Health News, WebMD and news outlets, KABC-TV, KCBS-AM and NBC Bay Area.
UCLA Biodesign Team Selected as Finalist in Lowell Milken Entrepreneurship Competition
April 6, 2020
Protean Surgical Instruments, a UCLA Biodesign team, was selected as a finalist in the UCLA Lowell Milken Institute-Sandler Entrepreneurship Competition.
UCLA Biodesign Fellow Builds Ventilator Prototype from Home Depot Parts
March 27, 2020
UCLA Biodesign Fellow, Glen Meyerowitz, applied his knowledge of oxygen flow as a former rocket engineer at Space-X to build a low-cost mechanical ventilator prototype in response to predicted shortages and the need for ventilators in resource-constrained settings. As covered by TIME, MedGadget, Los Angeles Business Journal and news outlets, KCAL-TV, KCBS-TV and NBC.
UCLA Biodesign Team Wins UCLA Anderson Think in Next Innovation Challenge
February 29, 2020
UCLA Biodesign Team, CranioView, placed 1st in the inaugural UCLA Anderson Think in the Next Innovation Challenge after advancing to the finals as the top winner in the healthcare track.