Neurotech Startup Firms to Present at 2008 Neurotech Leaders Forum

Several new and emerging neurotechnology firms will be on hand at the 2008 Neurotech Leaders Forum, to be held October 23-24 in San Francisco, CA. Executives from some of these firms will make presentations during the entrepreneur panel, to take place on October 24 at 1:30 pm.

Companies participating in this panel include Biotectix LLC and Invibio Ltd., two firms active in the market for new biomaterials used in implanted neurotech devices [see article, p1]. Other firms presenting on the panel include Texcel LLC, a manufacturer of implanted components for neurotech devices, Advensys LLC, a manufacturer of adaptive neural systems that spun off from Arizona State University, Biowave Corp., a manufacturer of percutaneous neuromodulations systems in Norwalk, CT., Invibio Inc., a UK manufacturer of biomaterials for implanted devices, and Sharpbrains, a San Francisco, CA firm active in the market for brain fitness products.

Paul Stypulkowski, senior director of research and development for Medtronic Neuromodulation, will deliver the keynote address on October 23. Featured speakers on October 24 include Frank Fischer, CEO of Neuropace Inc., Elliot Krames, president of the International Neuromodulation Society, and Todd Whitehurst, vice president of emerging applications at Boston Scientific Corp.

The eighth annual event will feature short courses related to neurotechnology on the first day and panel discussions on key industry topics the second day. New courses for this year include a background and history of neuroengineering taught by neurosurgeon and entrepreneur Dan DiLorenzo, and an overview of neural interfacing technology by Dominique Durand, professor of biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University.

Venture capital professionals scheduled to participate in the venture capital forum panel include Karen Boezi, a partner at Thomas, McNerney & Partners, Rob Abrams, operating partner at Sanderling Ventures, and Leslie Borttoff, general partner at ONSET Ventures.

Industry panelists participating for the first time include Geoff Thrope, CEO of NDI Medical, Stephanie Fertig from the National Institutes of Health, Ben Pless, CEO of Autonomic Technologies, Inc., and Ranu Jung, CEO of Advensys LLC.

Neurotech Network, the Tampa, FL nonprofit organization, will sponsor a forum devoted to clinicians and users at the event. The panel will bring together practicing clinicians with users of implanted devices. Discussion topics will be directed at the barriers of acceptance for neurotechnology in clinical practice. Such topics will include concerns of safety and compliance to the patient, financial access, and technology education.

Sponsors for the 2008 event include Greatbatch Inc., BalSeal Engineering, International Neuromodulation Society, and CoActive Public Relations.

For more information on the Neurotech Leaders Forum, contact Neurotech Reports at 415 546 1259 or visit www.neurotechreports.com.