CobiCure

Bringing life-saving pediatric medical devices from concept to market is a challenging journey—but CobiCure is here to help innovators every step of the way. ?? We provide funding and resources to accelerate groundbreaking pediatric device development. ?? We elevate industry knowledge through thought leadership, raising awareness of the critical gaps in pediatric medtech. ?? We seek out and support innovative solutions that address key challenges in the pediatric device space. By working together, we can create real change—fueling innovation and improving the lives of children who depend on these technologies.

Far too many life-saving devices are never approved for the youngest and most vulnerable patients. Instead, doctors are forced to rely on off-label solutions, adapting adult devices for children’s bodies—bodies that are still growing, developing, and in need of specialized care. Children deserve better. At CobiCure, we are working to change the trajectory of pediatric medical technology, ensuring that innovation keeps pace with the needs of young patients. By reimagining the pediatric device ecosystem, we aim to accelerate development, approval, and access to life-changing technologies for children who need them most. Every child deserves safe, effective medical solutions built for them—not adapted from adult care. It’s time to prioritize pediatric innovation.

Juliana Perl is the Assistant Director of Impact1 and project lead for Exhalos, a monitoring device for necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates. At Impact1, she coaches early-stage innovators and conducts health technology policy research with Biodesign’s Innovation Policy Program. Previously, she worked at Health Advances, supporting healthcare technology companies and investors in advancing innovations to improve patient care. Passionate about addressing gaps in pediatric health technology, Juliana values working on high-impact solutions for children, a population often underserved in healthcare. She is inspired by the mission-driven, patient-first culture of pediatrics and feels fortunate to collaborate with advocates dedicated to creating a better future. Through CobiCure, Juliana has gained valuable insights from experts across the medtech ecosystem, including industry leaders and academics. She has also enjoyed the collaborative learning environment of the fellowship, where diverse perspectives enrich innovation. Events like the CEO Summit have further deepened her understanding of bringing pediatric products to market.

Emma Moran, Ph.D., Head of CobiCure MedTech, will be attending LSI USA 2025 Emerging Medtech Summit from March 17-21. As CobiCure continues to reimagine pediatric medical device development, Emma looks forward to connecting with other professionals in the MedTech industry who are driving innovation forward. If you will be at LSI USA 2025, reach out to Emma to set up a meeting and discuss opportunities to collaborate.

Emma Moran, Ph.D., Head of CobiCure MedTech, will be attending LSI USA 2025 Emerging Medtech Summit from March 17-21. As CobiCure continues to reimagine pediatric medical device development, Emma looks forward to connecting with other professionals in the MedTech industry who are driving innovation forward. If you will be at LSI USA 2025, reach out to Emma to set up a meeting and discuss opportunities to collaborate.

Despite the critical need for pediatric medical devices, many innovators hesitate to enter the market due to concerns about return on investment. This challenge slows progress and limits the availability of life-saving technologies for children. At CobiCure MedTech, we’re working to change that. By providing funding, fostering strategic collaborations, and driving awareness, we help innovators navigate financial and regulatory challenges, ensuring that pediatric-focused solutions make it from concept to commercialization. The need is clear. The challenge is real. But together, we can transform the pediatric MedTech landscape and deliver the innovations children deserve.

Dr. James Reinhardt earned his doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from The Ohio State University and has dedicated his post-doctoral research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Breuer Lab to helping children with single ventricle cardiac anomalies. His work focuses on developing a tissue-engineered vascular graft and bringing it into clinical use, aiming to improve outcomes for young patients facing complex surgeries at an early age. Dr. Reinhardt’s mission? To ensure these children not only survive but thrive—leading longer, healthier, and more active lives. He is passionate about the biodesign process, from identifying critical needs to navigating commercialization, to create solutions that truly make a difference. Dr. Reinhardt’s work is all about turning groundbreaking ideas into meaningful change for kids and their families.

For the thousands of children facing life-threatening illnesses, this gap in funding means fewer treatment options, fewer innovations, and fewer chances at a healthy future. At CobiCure, we believe that children deserve more—more investment, more innovation, and more solutions tailored to their unique medical needs. By reimagining pediatric cancer drug development, we are working to change the landscape and ensure life-saving therapies reach the children who need them most. Every child deserves the best possible chance. It’s time to prioritize pediatric cancer research and innovation.

Jhalak Mehta is a CobiCure Fellow at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital and the Southwest Pediatric Device Consortium. With a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, she uses the biodesign process to advance pediatric medical device innovation. She is currently leading the development of a fetal device aimed at addressing clinical challenges in congenital heart disease through prototyping, market analysis, and user research. Her journey into pediatric innovation began during her master’s program, where an internship with SWPDC opened her eyes to the unique challenges and unmet needs in this underserved population. The CobiCure Fellowship offered an ideal platform to deepen her expertise, collaborate with leading experts, and make a meaningful impact on improving healthcare outcomes for children. One of the highlights of her fellowship has been connecting with a diverse network of experts, including opportunities like the CEO Summit, where engaging conversations and shared insights have been invaluable. She has also enjoyed interviewing clinicians, gaining firsthand perspectives on pediatric healthcare needs that guide her approach to innovative projects. Jhalak is passionate about creating solutions that address critical gaps in pediatric care and improving the lives of children and their families.

Rare Disease Day, observed annually on the last day of February, shines a light on the challenges faced by the 300 million people worldwide living with rare diseases. Held on February 28 (or February 29 during Leap Years—the rarest day on the calendar), this day raises awareness of rare diseases as a global public health concern. Originally launched in Europe in 2008 by EURORDIS, Rare Disease Day expanded to the U.S. in 2009 in partnership with NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Today, it’s celebrated in over 85 countries, bringing together patients, families, researchers, advocates, and communities to share stories, host events, and educate others about the realities of living with rare diseases. ?How can you participate? ?? Share a story, blog, or video to amplify the voices of those affected. ?? Join a virtual or in-person event near you. ?? Learn more about rare diseases and how to advocate by visiting rarediseaseday.us or rarediseaseday.org. Together, we can raise awareness, support innovation, and create a brighter future for those impacted by rare diseases.?