EL PASO, TX – The Medical Center of the Americas (MCA) Foundation’s Innovation Center launched the Devise Product Realization Hub today to help inno¬vators scale the production of their projects. Devise seeks to support innovators, startups, suppliers, and manufacturers working on medtech or healthtech product development and manufacturing.

The Devise Product Realization Hub, funded through the SPRINT Challenge Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, will provide assistance throughout the product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization, focusing on the critical phases of concept, planning, design, production, and scale. Services will include education, training, one-on-one company support, access to resources for rapid prototyping and fabrication.

“Development of new products not only provides value to potential consumers it also drives economic growth and delivers direct benefits to the region through increased revenue streams, new high wage jobs, and the opening up of new markets,” says Nancy Lowery, Senior Director of Innovation at the MCA. “Product development is however inherently risky for established companies and innovators alike since half of all new products fail. By working with innovators, manufacturers and suppliers, our free expert services help mitigate that risk”

Devise is designed to support anyone within the product development lifecycle, including innovators and startups as well as established manufacturers and suppliers, free of charge. All individuals and existing businesses including startups, suppliers, and manufacturers who are working on developing a product or trying to improve internal development processes are highly encouraged to apply.

“Devise Product Realization Hub will bring medical device manufacturing in our region one step closer to innovation,” states Emma W. Schwartz, President of the MCA Foundation. “Through the product development process, we will also be strengthening the local supplier base. Our growing medical device industry will not only bring new stable high quality clean manufacturing jobs, but also growth in entrepreneurship, new locally owned start-up companies and venture capital investments. Most importantly, we will be contributing to the global healthcare supply chain and positively impacting patient’s lives.”

Applications open on September 15, 2021, with training and services beginning on October 1, 2021. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. However, limited spots are available. Key program partners and training providers for this program are the MCA Innovation Center, BIO El Paso-Juarez, FabLab El Paso, and the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) Paso del Norte.

To learn more about Devise or attend an upcoming informational, visit the link below!