Moving from an idea for a new or improved therapy or diagnostic from a concept to a prototype is the first step of product innovation - and it is challenging but very common and manageable. The University of Minnesota offers scientific, engineering, and design resources to speed your product testing and development. The process is data focused, process and project budget managed, and results oriented.
Neuromodulation Science:
With over 80 different researchers in neuromodulation, and hundreds more in complementary fields, the University can assist you in further investigation, testing, and development of new neuromodulation ideas or design concepts. Through our UMN clinical collaborators we also have opportunities to assist with capturing the clinical data useful for refining and improving your existing neuromodulation products as well.
Please see our Resources page for more information on University researchers and centers.
Contact Dwight Nelson for further information.
Medical Device Innovation and Development:
The Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center (MDC) combines a variety of disciplines with an entrepreneurial focus. The MDC process facilitates development of new therapy concepts including using capabilities such as:
- innovation and engineering
- education and training
- outreach and ecosystem engagement
Through their Innovation Collaborations, (IC), the MDC works with companies to solve their unmet needs when it comes to medical device development. Additionally, they can assist you with regulatory reimbursement and product liability resources.
Contact Greg Peterson for more information.
Further Resources:
Check our Resources page to learn about more resources that may be helpful at the concept phase.
Featured Researcher: Hubert Lim
Dr. Hubert Lim and his team advance the translation of brain-machine interfaces from scientific concept into clinical application through collaboration with clinicians and industry. His research focus is improving neural implants and neuromodulation technologies for hearing disorders and pain.
Dr. Lim's research has developed a new noninvasive neuromodulation approach called Multimodal Synchronization Therapy (mSync), which combines activation of auditory, somatosensory, visual, motor, limbic, cognitive and other multimodal pathways to modulate different parts of the brain based on timing of convergence and plasticity principles.
Dr. Lim is developing wearable technologies to implement noninvasive neuromodulation with new mSync stimulation strategies. His technology would allow patients to take home the device and fit their own parameters there. The vision for these wearable devices is to enable real-time modulation and monitoring of physiological properties of the body and brain towards achieving a healthy state.
Dr. Lim currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer of a company developing a noninvasive neuromodulation device for tinnitus treatment.