We understand the challenges of translating an idea to a new neuromodulation therapy, diagnostic, medical device, or biotechnology related to the nervous system or nervous system disorders. Large or small, few companies can meet all of their neuromodulation product development needs with in-house expertise and capabilities. The University offers all the capabilities of a Contract Research Organization (CRO) with the benefits of convenience of our Twin Cities campuses, top-tier facilities, as well as having world-class researchers and engineering domain experts here to help if needed.
Technical Expertise
We can offer clinical, reseach and technology expertise in a number of areas including
- Deep brain stimulation
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Autonomic neuromodulation
- Sacral Neuromodulation
- Targeted drug delivery
- Functional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging
- Transcranial direct stimulation
The Partnership Process:
To connect our facilities, researchers, and services to your project needs, contact with a liaison here
- Browse our site for resources in basic science, device development, preclinical studies, initial human testing, clinical trials, and initial product release.
- Contact the liaison whose expertise best matches your needs.
- The liaison will connect you with the right researchers, centers, programs, and resources to meet your needs.
MnDRIVE is here to connect the University to the thriving global Neuromodulation ecosystem
And for an overview of MnDRIVE Brain Conditions and how we serve the MN Startup Neuromodulation ecosystem, check out our teams and programs here.
We'll be happy to discuss your project to see where we can strengthen and accelerate your concept or product development goal - and bring it to patients and the marketplace.
Profile: Dwight Nelson
Dwight Nelson has been a pharma scientist, an R+D device scientist and research manager, a chief scientist for two commercialized global therapies, a university faculty, an inventor, and a consultant and board member for global startups and advisor to academic research teams. Dwight understands that sound early-phase data and industry-academic partnerships are essential to quickly and efficiently translate medical discoveries into commercial, meaningful neuromodulation therapies. 
Dwight has been working at the University of Minnesota since 2019 following his retirement from Medtronic Neuromodulation R+D. His role with MnDRIVE, as a Senior Fellow and Director of Corporate Synergies, leverages his years of experience in neuromodulation and research science and his knowledge of industry to advance the University’s growing emphasis on industry synergies.