Medical Devices Announce

Bakken Medical Devices Center to Join the Innovation Pillar of the Institute for Engineering in Medicine

The Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center (BMDC) at the University of Minnesota, an internationally known center of excellence in the training and practice of medical technology innovation, is being incorporated within the University of Minnesota Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM). IEM, which is uniquely situated under both the Medical School and the College of Science and Engineering, has a mission to advance healthcare by strengthening research collaborations between engineering and medicine in both academia and industry.

New and existing BMDC programs will form the core of the IEM Innovation Pillar, whose mission is to accelerate the development and commercialization of medical innovations. By capitalizing on their combined expertise, experience, and institutional support, BMDC and the IEM aim to make the University of Minnesota known nationally and internationally as a top leader in medical technology innovation.

Starting July 1, 2021, Mechanical Engineering Professor Art Erdman, the founding director of BMDC, and Carla Pavone, the Associate Director of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship and the Program Director of Minnesota Innovation Corps, will become the co-Associate Directors of the IEM Innovation Pillar. They will be joined by two BMDC Associate Directors, Drs. Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari and Matthew Johnson.

“Together, this team will accelerate biomedical innovation at the University by supporting new initiatives and partnering with existing University programs that already do so much to develop and commercialize medical technologies,” says Carla Pavone. “We will also provide more opportunities to current and potential industry partners to engage with University researchers and facilities like BMDC.”

“I’m excited for this next phase of BMDC,” says Art Erdman. “I’ve seen the Center go from a few rooms in Shepherd labs to leading medical device conferences and partnering with companies worldwide. And I’ve always thought, ‘We can do more.’ By integrating with IEM and connecting more closely with the innovation ecosystem at the U, BMDC will become an even more vibrant partner in innovation and commercialization.”

For more information please contact: [email protected].

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