My Journey in Houston: MedTech Innovation at the Texas Medical Center

As I lay here, struggling with insomnia induced by jet lag and after several fruitless hours trying to sleep, I began to reflect on my recent experience in Houston, Texas. I decided to jot down some thoughts...

?Recently, I visited Houston, Texas, representing Axon Diagnostics alongside two other directors as part of the MedTech innovation accelerator organized by Innovate UK, the UK government, and the Texas Medical Center (TMC). Houston, known for its vibrant MedTech ecosystem, has become a hub for medical technology innovation, offering an environment where creativity and technological advancement thrive.

The Rest of the Accelerator Cohort

Our group included founders, CEOs, and directors from 16 MedTech and digital health companies, selected from hundreds of applicants. Our goal was to explore our value propositions in this new and complex market, determine how we fit in, and maximize the clinical (and commercial) impact of our products and services. I met some amazing people with innovative, and sometimes simple, tech. Every one of them inspired me, and while I can't mention them all, a few stand out.

Bruce Elliott , a genuine and kind-hearted Canadian, represented Memory Lane Games , which uses reminiscence games to spark memories and conversations with those living with dementia or Alzheimer's. This cause is close to my heart, as it led to the demise of both my maternal grandparents. Ewan Cranwell , a brilliant guy who made me laugh and feel at ease instantly, spoke passionately about KiActiv? , a digital health company focused on making everyday physical activity an accessible and effective medicine for improving health. Shamus Husheer , an interesting character and serial entrepreneur, developed a game-changing product with Heartfelt Technologies Ltd that alerts users of cardiac issues by scanning their feet at home.

Among the other innovations; AI Mission Control For Healthcare (fitting given the location of this accelerator!) a wearable device that reduces anxiety, a pill that acts as a non-intrusive gastric balloon for obesity, and a wound healing treatment using enzymes from maggots.

Houston: A Vibrant Hub for MedTech Innovation

Houston is not just the home of NASA and the oil and gas industry (and a climate that feels hotter than the sun); it is rapidly becoming a global leader in MedTech innovation. The city itself is one of the most demographically diverse in the US and it boasts a dynamic and diverse community of innovators, researchers, and healthcare professionals, all contributing to its reputation as a powerhouse in the medical technology sector. The Texas Medical Center, located in the heart of Houston, is the largest medical complex in the world. The best way I can describe the scale of this complex is that it felt like a medical town within a city, with every type of specialist centre you could imagine stretching across miles with its own infrastructure including a subway and it’s own police force! We were told that the parking revenue alone generated $95 million a year, although as I type this I question my memory as that seems astonishing!

Texas Medical Center Innovation Factory: The Ecosystem of Innovation

During my time at the Texas Medical Center, I was situated in our very own branded office within the very? impressive TMC Innovation Factory, a dedicated space designed to nurture and accelerate MedTech startups. This facility offers state-of-the-art resources, from cutting-edge laboratories and prototyping facilities to mentorship programs and networking opportunities. The TMC Innovation Factory embodies a comprehensive ecosystem that provides everything necessary for innovation to flourish.

The collaborative environment within the Innovation Factory is one of its most striking features. By bringing together entrepreneurs, scientists, clinicians, and investors under one roof, TMC fosters a culture of open communication and idea-sharing. This cross-pollination of ideas is crucial for driving the kind of creative thinking needed to develop groundbreaking medical technologies.

Removing Barriers to Innovation

One of the most significant advantages of the TMC Innovation Factory is its commitment to removing barriers that stifle innovation. Recognising that bureaucracy, lack of funding, and limited access to expertise can hinder creative development, TMC has implemented measures to address these challenges head-on.

?Some key takeaways for how they achieve this fertile land for innovation and creativity:

?Streamlined Processes: The Innovation Factory has established streamlined processes to help startups navigate regulatory requirements, reducing the time and effort required to bring new technologies to market.

Removing the red tape: They allow creativity to thrive without the need for piles of governance during the early stages of developed, with an u written ethos of “fail fast and reinvent”… tweak fail again, reiterate… the formula for innovation.

Access to Funding: With strong connections to venture capitalists, angel investors, and grant programs, TMC provides startups with essential financial support. This access to funding from those willing to take a pint of innovation is vital for early-stage companies looking to scale.

Mentorship and Expertise: The presence of experienced mentors and industry experts within the Innovation Factory is invaluable.

A Personal Perspective

Being part of the MedTech innovation accelerator in Houston was an incredibly enriching experience. The city's energy and enthusiasm for innovation is infectious, and the support provided by the TMC Innovation Factory is excellent. Collaborating with like-minded individuals and having access to world-class resources enabled me to refine my ideas and advance my projects in ways I hadn't thought possible.

So in summary… Houston’s Texas Medical Center has created a hive of innovation that is setting new standards in the MedTech industry. By removing barriers to creative thinking and providing a comprehensive support system, the TMC Innovation Factory is enabling startups to thrive and bring groundbreaking technologies to market. My time in Houston was a testament to the power of a well-structured innovation ecosystem, and I am excited to see how Axon Diagnostics can help fit into this complex ecosystem and support US Healthcare and to use our innovative technology to improve healthcare equity and solve some of the connectivity issues seen across the diagnostics space. I’ve included some pictures from my time out there…I will now try to sleep off the jet lag!!!