Keynote & Panels

The Next Quantum Leaps in Medtech

In his keynote address, Christopher Velis, founder of Auris Health and Miraki Innovation shares insights on a repeatable process for quantum leaps of innovation. As challenges in global healthcare increase and become more urgent, momentous progress is critical. Next generation medtech companies must think beyond incremental progress while also developing lifesaving companies without missteps or delay. Auris Health was the largest medtech venture funded transaction in history, acquired by Johnson & Johnson for a total of $5.75 billion. Christopher’s method, used to develop Auris and other leading medtech companies, identifies future demands and efficiently and effectively builds the solutions to those pressing market needs. Christopher discusses the Auris story and where he sees the next big opportunities (and challenges) in medtech innovation.

Interview with a Medtech Legend

Join us for a fireside chat with industry legend and prolific entrepreneur, Dr. Manny Villafaña .  We'll hear the stories and insights behind how Manny built St. Jude Medical, ATS Medical, and Cardiac Pacemakers Inc.  We'll also find out what he's up to with his next venture, Medical 21.

Manny is the co-inventor of the first lithium powered pacemaker and founder of Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc./Guidant.  He is also the co-developer of the St. Jude heart valve and Founder of St. Jude Medical, Inc.  He's also co-inventor of the ATS heart valve and Founder of ATS Medical, Inc. (now part of Medtronic).  

Manny currently serves as the Founder, Chairman, & CEO of Medical 21, Inc.  Dr. Villafaña is globally recognized as a “Living Legend of Medicine.”  He is an award-winning USA Master Entrepreneur, a member of the Halls of Fame of Minnesota Business and Science & Technology.  He is the past founder of medical device companies that  have transformed the industry of cardiac surgery and improved the lives of millions.  Manny is also the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Sciences degree from the University of Iowa.

Venture Capital Investing in Medtech

In this panel we'll talk to active VCs about the types of deals they are in now, and more importantly, we'll find out what new deals they are looking at in 2020.

The Strategic Outlook on Medtech Deal-Making

In this panel we'll get insights from leading medtech strategics J&J, Medtronic, Terumo, and Intuitive Surgical.  We will discuss the types of deals they are looking for and have each stakeholder weigh in on deal structure trends and provide a perspective on where they see M&A in 2020 and beyond.    

We will also learn about an important global strategic partnership formed in 2019 between Terumo & Orchestra BioMed and how this innovative approach to risk/reward sharing for product development and commercialization might shape future deal-making opportunities for strategics and innovators.

Insights and Opinions From Big Company Executives Turned Entrepreneurs

In this panel we’ll hear the experiences and insights from ex- big company executives who’ve chosen the entrepreneurial path and are now leading early stage medtech ventures.  We’ll have them share war stories, perspectives of being on both sides of the table, and find out what they are up to next -- and why.  The executives on this panel have held senior positions with the some of the largest medtech strategics and have multiple exits under their belts as entrepreneurs. 

Join us for an informative (and fun) discussion with panelists Jim Corbett (Boston Scientific, ev3, MicroTherapeutics, Alphatec Spine), Todd Usen (Olympus, Smith & Nephew, Boston Scientific), Brian Verrier (Covidien, Medtronic), Paul Molloy (Telefex, VasoNova, Micardia), and Tim Moran (ConvaTec, Covidien).

The panel will be moderated by industry insider and Alira Health Senior Partner & VP, David Uffer.

Early Reimbursement & Market Access Planning: It's Not Optional

In this panel we'll get a "from the trenches" perspective on reimbursement and market access strategies directly from the key stakeholders; the CEO, Strategic Investor, Venture Capitalist, and Payer.  This group will share their insights and experiences (some positive, some painful) on why having a proper reimbursement and market access strategy is so critical. 

The panel will be moderated by medtech industry veteran and reimbursement thought leader, Tonya Dowd.  Tonya is MCRA's Vice President of Reimbursement, Health Economics and Market Access.

Non-Traditional VC, Family Office, Angel & CrowdSourcing in 2020

In this panel we’ll hear from active medtech angels, family office, and other non-traditional early stage investors.  What are they investing in?  What are they bringing to the table besides capital?  What kind of deals are they interested in right now? 

This group of panelists represent a new CrowdSourcing & Direct Investment Platform, 4 Lifescience Angel Groups, 2 Family Offices, and a new VC fund focused exclusively on early-stage deals.