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Surgical Innovation in Research

Surgical Innovation Section

surgical implant device

The University recognizes the incredible talent pool of Faculty and Staff that exists on campus and more specifically within the Department of Surgery. The Section for Surgical Innovation brings together a small group of talented and motivated individuals with successful industry and startup experience to help DOS faculty and staff innovate.  Our mission is to accelerate and increase innovation within the DOS.  Lower the barriers to innovate, from idea to license, and remove as many of the frustrations and frictions that innovators currently face across the University as possible. The University of Utah is investing in the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of its faculty and staff with the goal of bringing more change, more innovation, more quickly, to healthcare.

The process of innovating can be complex! Have an idea? Press the "easy button" and connect with the Surgical Innovation team in the Department of Surgery.  

PRESS THE "EASY BUTTON" ON INNOVATION

Hi, I'm Scott McClellan, the Director of the Section of Surgical Innovation in the Department of Surgery, and I'd love to meet you, hear about your innovation, and find a way to move your idea forward. You can email, call, text, complete a form, OR stop by anytime (HELIX 4th floor 4S124). 

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CALL or TEXT ME

801.231.1897

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TELL ME

Complete the simple online inquiry form!

Streamlined Innovation

We're optimists! The innovation process can be daunting and confusing. Let our team help you navigate. We CAN’T promise that all ideas are commercially viable. We CAN promise that we will do everything possible to find a compelling and attractive business case for your idea and take as much of the work off your plate as possible.

graphic illustration showing how the innovation team goes from idea to the elements of innovation through devices, technicala offices, accelrator and then licensing, purchase or spin out

    The innovation process can be daunting and confusing. As the graphic above illustrates, the Department of Surgery Innovation Section works directly with innovators to help streamline the University innovation process from idea to:

    Innovation components

    • Patentability, Market Size, People, Documents, Connections, Direction, and Start-Up Help

    Innovation types

    • Digital health, medical device, therapeutics, and biotech

    Technology Offices

    • Technology Licensing office, Technology Commercialization Office

    Program Support

    • CMI, TX Accellerator, Summit Venture Studio

    End Support

    • Licensing, Purchase, Spin-out
    • We review and work with innovators to optimally position and move your innovation through the university innovation system, garnering support from the University.
    • We openly discuss aspects of your innovation (market size, patent potential, freedom to operate) and potential business options including licensing, startup formation, fundraising and acquisition.
    • We facilitate obtaining dilutive (investor) and non-dilutive (grant) funding for idea development, prototyping, company launch, and other aspects of product development. 

    POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES

    THE INNOVATION TEAM

    Innovation Contact

    Scott McClellan

    Director, Surgical Innovation

    Let me help you navigate the innovation process!

    The Team

    Alex Pastuszak

    Alexander Pastuszak, MD, PhD

    Section Chief, Surgical Innovation

    Sarah Halbern

    Sarah Halbern

    Senior Director, Research

    Scott McClellan

    Giana Aluculesei

    Director, Strategies & Projects