Biomedical research has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. 

Programs like the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) for Life Sciences Innovation Hub, housed within Innovation Partnerships at the University of Michigan,  foster the growth and flourishing of biomedical research, bringing it one step closer to commercialization. The statewide program assists translational research projects with high commercial potential from across Michigan’s public universities. Since its establishment in 2012, MTRAC Life Sciences has awarded millions of dollars in early-stage and mid-stage funding.

“For more than 10 years, the MTRAC Life Sciences Innovation Hub has paved the way for high-impact biomedical research to change our medical landscape,” said Larry Herriman, university technology program director for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“The funding that MTRAC provides, combined with the mentorship and resources dedicated to these projects, has resulted in returns through follow-on funding, job creation and technology licensing. Not only does MTRAC provide incredible health impacts to the Michigan community and beyond, but incredible economic impacts as well.”

In 2019, ArtOva, a technology developed by Ariella Shikanov, professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering and the Medical School, received a funding award from MTRAC Life Sciences. 

ArtOva promotes restoration of ovarian endocrine function in young women suffering from premature ovarian insufficiency through the use of a polymer capsule containing healthy ovarian tissue. The MTRAC funding supported product development and preclinical testing of an ovarian graft. 

“Ovarian graft technology provides our patients a promise of a future that just a few years ago, they may not have been able to imagine,” said Shikanov, who is also professor of macromolecular science and engineering in the CoE, and professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Medical School. “I am incredibly grateful for the team behind MTRAC Life Sciences — they have now made it possible for young cancer survivors to receive a happy, healthy adolescence.”

Amplitude Vascular Systems, or AVS, is another company that spun out of U-M with early support from MTRAC Life Sciences. AVS’s flagship product, Pulse Intravascular Lithotripsy System, uses balloon technology and hydraulic, pulsatile waves to fracture calcified, arterial plaque to restore normal bloodflow. The MTRAC Life Sciences Innovation Hub awarded the AVS team two funding grants over the course of two years to support prototype development and benchtop, as well as preclinical testing.

“AVS is grateful for the support we received from Innovation Partnerships and the MTRAC Life Sciences Innovation Hub,” said Robert Chisena, AVS co-founder and chief technology officer. “ University of Michigan provides incredible resources to researchers and innovators looking to bring their work to the public. Because of MTRAC’s early support, patients and physicians across the world will benefit from this incredible technology.”

AVS has experienced incredible growth since receiving MTRAC funding, securing over $65 million in venture capital. AVS is enrolling in a U.S. pivotal trial for complex calcified peripheral arteries and will launch their product commercially next year.  

MTRAC Life Sciences is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and is a cornerstone of the state’s efforts to advance research discoveries to market, generating significant follow-on funding and startup formation. By investing in promising projects across a diverse range of biomedical fields, MTRAC Life Sciences aims to not only foster scientific advancement, but also drive economic growth and enhance healthcare outcomes. 

MTRAC Life Science funding is not just limited to medical devices and therapeutics, instead providing support to a wide array of projects across the field of biomedical innovation. 

One such example is Decimal Code, a U-M startup utilizing artificial intelligence to automate the process of medical coding for billing purposes. MTRAC Life Sciences supported a 2019 pilot between Decimal Code and the university’s anesthesiology department. Decimal Code also received early support from other university and statewide programs, including the Technology Transfer Talent Network program and Accelerate Blue Fund. 

“Decimal Code would not exist today without the initial support and technical validation achieved through MTRAC,” said Joey Panella, CEO of Decimal Code. “Since founding, our team has received the top $100,000 prize at Ann Arbor SPARK’s 2024 Invest360, as well as fourth place in the University of Chicago Booth School of Business’ New Venture Challenge.”

The MTRAC Life Sciences Innovation Hub continues to serve as a vital catalyst for biomedical innovation across the state, providing the critical funding, resources and mentorship that empower researchers to bring their ideas to market. By supporting a diverse portfolio of groundbreaking projects, from cutting-edge medical devices to AI-driven health solutions, MTRAC Life Sciences not only paves the way for scientific and medical breakthroughs but also stimulates economic growth, job creation and improved patient outcomes.