There’s no shortage of health care institutions, researchers and clinicians in Greater Cincinnati. Identifying a gap in the marketplace, Exit Lab’s mission became clear: to help early-stage health care, medical device and biotechnology companies get funded, commercialized and adopted. The comprehensive platform serves not only innovators but also investors and industry leaders who can help make connections and provide specialized resources.

Exit Lab’s commitment to fostering innovation is exemplified by its "Live Lab" events. These gatherings bring together founders, investors, commercialization partners, health care administrators and subject matter experts to explore and innovate within the medical device and life sciences sectors.

At a recent event at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub focused on nursing-led innovation, three startups pitched their business concepts to an audience of 30 stakeholders. Following their presentations, entrepreneurs engaged in focused discussions with interested parties, gaining insights and laying the groundwork for potential collaborations and partnerships.

“Nurses are on the front lines and their impact reaches far beyond patient care,” Mackey said. “They are witnessing and involved in legitimate innovative care that sparks ideas. We want to empower them to bring those ideas to life.”

Understanding the vital role that universities and health care professionals play in the innovation ecosystem, Exit Lab has developed programs for these groups to guide their understanding of sequencing, funding and finding potential partners.

For universities, Exit Lab offers innovation program coordinators who work closely with various arms of the institution to run programming and support startup spinout initiatives. This ensures that academic innovations get from the lab to the market using campus resources such as UC’s Venture Lab and Technology Transfer team.

For health care professionals, particularly those with decades of experience, Exit Lab offers opportunities to contribute to the innovation process. By joining events and becoming part of an active network, these professionals can lend their vision and support to new products and innovations, helping to shape the future of health care.

“Whether you’re an advocate of or involved with advancing technology, seeking investment opportunities or exploring strategic acquisitions, Exit Lab provides the gateway to efficient and impactful collaborations,” Mackey said. “We want to ensure groundbreaking technologies reach their full potential in the marketplace to help people in need.”

In September, Exit Lab will host another “Live Lab” event focused on healing and wearable devices in health care innovation. Mackey is confident attendees will benefit from the value-driven interactions of its network, the custom research presented and the startups being showcased.

“It is a holistic approach that warrants that all parties involved in the commercialization process are aligned and working toward the common goal of bringing new technologies to market,” Mackey said.

Over the next year, Exit Lab will add additional services as well as a mobile application to make it easier for the network to connect digitally.

Register for Exit Lab’s next Live Lab on Oct. 3.

Featured image at top: Exit Lab participants. Photo/Exit Lab