OBI & OTRADI September 2020 Newsletter

Alpha Version of the Caregiven App is Launched

OBI client company Caregiven has some very exciting news: their mobile app has been “born!” The alpha version of the Caregiven mobile app is now live on over a dozen devices. The alpha testers are using the app to help care for their loved ones, while also giving valuable feedback and ideas for new features. Caregiven is also seeking private beta testers: people who are currently giving care or who have recently lost a loved one. Contact candice@caregiven.co for more information about the beta testing program.

Caregiven recently filmed two promotional videos, including a 90-second company overview and a 60-second version tailored for insurance carriers, financial services, and health & benefits plan provider audiences. To visit with Caregiven in a virtual kiosk, see the promotional videos, and maybe even get a sneak peek at the beta version of their new mobile app, register for the InsurTech Connect (ITC) Conference September 21-23, 2020. 

OBI Client Company Wins

RAW Molecular Systems finished recruiting for their GWAS study of microbiomes and genetics in recovered COVID-19 patients, received ICorp funding from UW, and hired new engineers to work on detection devices.

Veana Therapeutics and University of Washington Medicine are conducting a phase 1 clinical trial of a new oral therapy for advanced HER2 positive breast cancer patients. See press release for all the details.

Health Technology Innovations, Inc. (HTI) announced that Dr. Justin M. Kollman, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington, is joining HTI to Chair its Science and Technology Advisory Board. More information on the announcement can be found here.

Mentor of the Month: Curt Jennewine

OBI launched its revamped Mentoring Program this summer and is proud to give a September Mentor of the Month shoutout to Curt Jennewine. Curt is the President of Asia MedPartners, which provides consulting services for a variety of medical start-ups looking to introduce their technologies into the US market.

Curt’s background in consulting for many different medical fields combined with his insightful input, creative problem-solving, good understanding of the customer, systems-approach, strong understanding of business strategy, and excellent communication makes Curt an ideal mentor. Curt is currently mentoring two mentees in OBI’s 6-month structured mentoring program. He’s receiving high praise from his mentees, too. As one of his mentees, Anil Kumar of RxHomeTest states, “We went through our business in more detail, brainstormed ideas that needed help, and came up with strategies for further growth. We specifically planned few action items for me to follow. This mentoring program has been extremely helpful for my business, thanks to OBI and my mentor!” 

Thank you Curt, for volunteering as a mentor. We appreciate you!

Mentoring Program Seeks Applicants

OBI is gearing up for our January, 2021 mentoring cohort. We will begin accepting Mentor and Mentee applications for this structured, 6-month program next month, so now is your opportunity! If you have experience working with startups in the bioscience and digital health industry, please consider applying to become a Mentor. We are also looking for entrepreneurs who already have a company but could use guidance, accountability, and support from a Mentor to help you set and reach your goals.

Here is some nice feedback we’ve received from Mentees in the program:

Applications accepted in October. Details about the OBI Mentoring Program here!

OHSU Invent-a-Thon Applications Open Now

Applications open for OHSU Invent-a-thon 
Held online, Oct. 23–25

Make Healthcare Better. From anywhere. 

Grab your virtual raincoat and apply for our first Pacific Northwest-focused event, in partnership with Oregon Health Sciences University.

Building on MIT Hacking Medicine’s successful model, this weekend convenes teams and a wide range academic and industry partners to address problems in the medtech tracks of surgical care and early disease detection, and digital health/health IT tracks of rural and low resource setting health care and management of chronic conditions.

$40,000 in prizes will be awarded to the most promising teams, with a special emphasis on reducing health disparities and addressing COVID-19. Anyone with an interest in improving healthcare is invited to join the clinicians, researchers, designers, investors, and many others joining this dynamic weekend event.

Propel an idea into action!

Learn more and apply by October 7 at inventathon.org. #OHSUInventathon

OMSI’s New Fall Programs and Fundraising Goals

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is answering the call to help during the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing new programming to support K-8 students, teachers, and caregivers. Their OMSI Homeroom program will serve 120 students per week with hands-on learning and STEAM enrichment education.

Any financial assistance you can give toward their fundraising goals for families in need will be much appreciated. See the link to their flyer describing OMSI Homeroom and their other virtual programs, and the financial support needed to bring this important education to those who need it most. 

Upcoming Events

OBI Virtual Lunch & Learn: Bioscience Career Panel
Join us for this interactive event
September 23, 2020
12:00-1:00 PM
Register now!

 

OBI Virtual Lunch & Learn: Cultivating High-Performance Teams
October 6, 2020
12:00-1:00 PM
Free – register here

 

VertueLab Cleantech Innovation Summit FUEL 2020
September 9-25, 2020
All the details here

 

Oregon Bioscience Association Biotech Summit
September 16, 2020
9:00 AM-1:30 PM
More information

 

Technology Association of Oregon 2020 Technology Awards
September 23, 2020
3:00-5:00 PM
Register here

 

Oregon Bio Coffee Talk: Retirement Benefits
September 24, 2020
9:15-10:00 AM
Link to registration

 

Founders Live PDX Virtual Experience
September 24, 2020
5:30-8:00 PM
Free – more information here

 


Oregon Bioscience Association has converted their
BioPro classes to a new virtual format!
Link to full class schedule