Panel Discussion of 2025 Pitch Elk Grove Medical Startups Finalist
2025 Pitch Elk Grove Medical Startups Finalist Panel Discussion
Join Startup Grind Sacramento and MedStart for a special panel featuring the 2025 Pitch Elk Grove Medical Startup Finalists:
HuMOLYTE (1st Place Winner): Patented electrolyte mix designed to ease chemo-related side effects.
EnlitenAI (2nd Place Winner): AI-driven clinical decision support tool for personalized neurology care.
SeeMedX (Finalist): Continuous, noninvasive heart monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Hear firsthand from the medical finalists about their startup journeys, what they learned from the competition, and how Pitch Elk Grove has shaped their next steps.
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: $5
Location: The Urban Hive, 730 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Register: Eventbrite
MedStart Roundtable
MedStart CEO Roundtable
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 • Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Disclosed upon approval (private venue, Sacramento region)
What this is
A private, operator-led forum for medical & life science founders and C-suite leaders to swap hard-won lessons on fundraising, clinical/regulatory, commercialization, and leadership. Real talk, zero posturing.
Who should attend
CEOs, Founders, and C-level leaders (COO/CTO/CFO/CMO) at medical & life science startups.
Seed → growth stage. You’re building, hiring, raising, or navigating clinical/regulatory steps.
What you’ll get
Candid peer counsel on fundraising, clinical milestones, regulatory path, GTM, hiring, and ops.
Shared playbooks: templates, checklists, and processes you can use the next morning.
Trusted network: 12–16 leaders facing the same problems you are.
Chatham House Rule: speak freely; advice stays in the room.
Format (90 minutes)
Opening framing (10 min) — current market, key pressure points.
Facilitated roundtable (60 min) — leaders share challenges + solutions.
Action takeaways (20 min) — each participant leaves with 2–3 concrete next steps.
Capacity & Cost
12–16 seats.
Free to attend. Application required to preserve quality and fit.
How to join
Apply to attend. Submit the short form (company, stage, role, current challenge).
Approval. We’ll review for fit and notify you promptly.
Details released. Once approved, you’ll receive the private location and day-of brief.
What to bring
A concise description of your top challenge (1–2 sentences).
Willingness to both ask and offer—this only works if everyone contributes.
Note: The venue is shared only after registration and approval. We keep this room focused and distraction-free.
Ready to join?
Apply here or scan the QR code below. If accepted, we’ll send the private location, parking info, and a one-page prep brief.
MedStart Community Workshop: Commercializing Your Research
MedStart Community Workshop: Commercializing Your Research
In this session, Dr. Plews will lead an interactive session walking participants through the practical steps of how to commercialize their own research. Drawing from his experience taking scientific discoveries from the bench to the business world, he’ll share strategies, pitfalls to avoid, and lessons learned in building a company from innovative research.
This workshop is ideal for researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs who want to:
Understand the process of turning research into market-ready products.
Explore real-world commercialization pathways.
Gain actionable insights from a founder who’s done it.
Connect with Sacramento’s life science and medical innovation community.
Come ready to learn, ask questions, and take the first step toward transforming your research into impact.
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: $5
Location: The Urban Hive, The Urban Hive, 730 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Register: Eventbrite
About Dr. Jordan Plews
With over 15 years of experience spanning stem cell research, biochemical engineering, and the commercialization of biotechnological innovations, Dr. Jordan Plews has made significant contributions to both the academic and business worlds. Educated in the UK and further honed at Stanford University, his work has been published in premier journals, leading to groundbreaking developments in stem cell-based therapies and skincare products. Dr. Plews' expertise in product management, team leadership, and development of healthcare solutions showcases his unique ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and impactful business ventures. His upcoming presentation is set to provide valuable insights into the advancements in regenerative medicine and the critical role of innovation in driving the future of biotechnology.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Innovator Network: Medical Technology Panel Discussion
Innovator Network: Medical Technology Panel Discussion
The Innovator Network is coming to Aggie Square in September, with an event focused on novel medical technologies and the startups that grew from them. Our broadest panel of UC Davis innovators yet — including undergraduate founders, a professional researcher, professors and a doctor — will share their stories of what inspired them and the varied journeys they took to get to where they are now.
Dr. Peter Yellowlees was inspired by his experience as a practicing psychiatrist to develop a telemedicine startup.
Dr. Soheil Ghiasi, working at the intersection of engineering and medicine, has co-founded a company based on a methodology that more accurately assesses fetal wellbeing during delivery.
Dr. Julien Bec, similarly spanning the fields of engineering and medicine, has developed a fluorescence device for distinguishing healthy and cancerous tissue during surgery.
UC Davis undergraduate Simran Lallian and alumna Jaya Athuluru ’25, won numerous competitions to launch a company based on their epilepsy seizure detection device.
Researchers and students from UC Davis and UC Davis Health, as well as members of the medical device entrepreneurship community in Sacramento and Davis, are invited to attend, network, and learn about the panelists’ diverse experiences.
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Aggie Square, Aggie Commons, 4480 2nd Avenue Sacramento, CA 95817
Register: Eventbrite
Peter Yellowlees, M.D.
Dr. Yellowlees is CEO of AsyncHealth, a telemedicine company he co-founded to implement and promote the practice of AI-enabled asynchronous telepsychiatry. He is also Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at UC Davis, where he directed the UCD/UCI Fellowship Program in Clinician Wellbeing (2018-23).
Previously, he served as the inaugural Chief Wellness Officer at UC Davis Health (2018-22) and held the Alan Stoudemire Endowed Wellbeing Chair in Psychiatry. He was President of the American Telemedicine Association (2017-18) and has conducted research in the areas of psychiatry, telemedicine and physician health.
He has written over 250 academic papers and book chapters and eight books, and presented over 180 video editorials on psychiatry for Medscape. He is regularly invited to speak nationally, internationally and in the media.
Soheil Ghiasi, Ph.D.
Dr. Ghiasi is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC Davis. He has also served as an expert witness and consultant in the areas of computer-aided design and electronic medical devices. His research focuses on architecture and design of embedded systems and utilizes signal processing and machine learning algorithms. His motivation to develop technologies that directly benefit society has also led to a number of innovations in the area of smart health.
He is the Chief Technology Officer at Storx Technologies, a startup that specializes in transabdominal fetal pulse oximetry.
The non-invasive technology measures oxygen saturation in fetal blood to assess fetal well-being. It provides a novel alternative to the current standard of electronic fetal monitoring, offering a more direct evaluation of the fetal health for higher precision diagnosis.
Julien Bec, Ph.D.
Dr. Bec works at the intersection of engineering and medical device development, with experience spanning automotive engineering, academic research, and healthcare technology commercialization. At UC Davis, he serves as Director of Engineering for the Marcu Lab, which studies optical spectroscopy and imaging for disease diagnosis, where he manages the development, manufacturing, and clinical validation of fluorescence lifetime instrumentation for medical procedures.
In 2022, Dr. Bec co-founded HiLight Surgical and serves as its Chief Technology Officer. The company focuses on commercializing fluorescence lifetime-based surgical guidance technology. This label-free technology leverages naturally occurring differences in optical signatures observed between healthy and malignant tissue to enable real-time cancer identification during surgery. HiLight Surgical’s fiber-based approach is ideally suited to a range of endoscopic and robotic procedures. The company has brought in experienced medical technology professionals to support its commercialization efforts. As CTO, Bec manages product development for hardware, software, and disposables while contributing to market research, regulatory affairs, and fundraising.
Simran Lallian
Simran Lallian ’26 is a senior at UC Davis pursuing her B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with a minor in Technology Management. Simran’s experiences span digital health, diagnostics, biotech, and research, with a focus on bridging science, business, and law to bring transformative technologies to patients. She is actively involved with the UC Davis Student Startup Center and previously at the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. A highlight of her student leadership has been developing new initiatives such as a Business Consulting and Research division in her term as President of Neurotech@Davis to help students explore careers in healthcare innovation.
Simran is a co-founder of EpiSense, an early-stage neurotech startup creating seizure prediction with a wearable EEG device and machine learning. By analyzing electrical brain activity in real time, the device relays a notification of an incoming seizure so patients can take measures to reduce risk of injury.
Jaya Athuluru
Jaya Athuluru ’25 is a recent UC Davis graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Neurological Cognitive Science. As President of Neurotech@Davis at UC Davis, Jaya led a 100+ member club at the intersection of neuroscience and technology. Under her leadership, the club provided students hands-on exposure to projects, entrepreneurial ventures, research publications, and youth education initiatives.
Jaya is CEO and co-founder of EpiSense, an early-stage startup she launched alongside Simran Lallian. Driven by her diagnosis with epilepsy eight years ago, Jaya is dedicated to their mission of bringing seizure prediction to epileptics everywhere.
Together, she and Simran have secured over $56,000 in pre-seed funding by winning first-place awards at early-stage startup competitions, including UC Davis’ Big Bang! Business Competition, the Sacramento Kings Capitalize Competition, and PLASMA Accelerator’s Demo Day.
MedStart: Drs. Benjamin Bergman and Arnold Lee Journey with VocalMD
MedStart: Drs. Benjamin Bergman and Arnold Lee Journey with VocalMD
Join Startup Grind Sacramento and MedStart for a dynamic presentation with Drs. Benjamin Bergman and Arnold Lee, co-founders of VocalMD. This innovative, patient-centered healthcare platform connects individuals with doctors and care teams through voice and video calls, live chat, and more—redefining how care is delivered.
VocalMD was created to address a critical gap in today’s healthcare system — the lack of patient-centered communication and coordination. This innovative platform is designed to put you, the patient, at the center of the care experience. Through its intuitive mobile app, VocalMD connects patients directly to a dedicated team of doctors and care coordinators, offering voice and video calls, live chat, health articles, and medication reconciliation — all in one place.
But VocalMD is more than a telehealth tool; it’s a true partnership between patients, doctors, and innovators, fostering a healthcare ecosystem built on convenience, communication, and genuine connection. For physicians, it streamlines patient management and expands access to those in need, while providing new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how Dr. Lee and his team are leveraging technology to bridge the gap between patients and providers, and how VocalMD aims to make quality, accessible care a reality for all.
Date: September 17, 2025
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $5
Location: The Urban Hive, 730 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Registration: Startup Grind
About Dr. Benjamin R. Bergman
Dr. Benjamin R. Bergman is a board-certified clinical cardiologist with more than 15 years of experience in cardiovascular care. He earned his MD from Tufts University School of Medicine in 2006 and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at Brown University, where he also achieved subspecialty certification in Nuclear Cardiology and Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography.
In clinical practice, Dr. Bergman specializes in managing a broad range of cardiovascular conditions—including coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve disease, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy—leveraging his expertise in advanced imaging and non-invasive diagnostics to deliver patient-centered care. He maintains affiliations with both Morristown and Newton Medical Centers in New Jersey.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Bergman is the co-founder of VocalMD, a forward-looking healthcare platform dedicated to expanding access to physician-level care through the seamless integration of virtual and in-person services. Driven by a commitment to serving populations facing medical, food, and housing insecurity, he designed VocalMD to challenge traditional models and deliver compassionate, preventative, and accessible care to underserved communities.
About Arnold Lee, MD
Dr. Arnold Lee is a recognized leader in modern primary care delivery. Having been an early team member at One Medical, he has pioneered scalable, relationship-based care models at national organizations, integrating digital solutions to enhance both quality and access.
In addition, he consults with numerous startups as an AI strategist, coding and billing SME, and serves as an advisor to an early stage healthtech investment fund.
MedStart: HIPAA History and Requirements for Startups
MedStart: HIPAA History and Requirements for Startups
Join us for an essential session tailored for early-stage health and medtech startups: HIPAA History and Requirements for Startups. Whether you're building an app, platform, or device that handles patient data, understanding how to navigate HIPAA requirements is crucial—not just for legal protection, but also for investor and partner confidence.
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Larry Ozeran, a physician, software developer, and nationally recognized expert in health IT policy, privacy, and strategy. With over two decades of experience across clinical care, software development, and health policy, Dr. Ozeran brings a unique and deeply informed perspective on how startups can avoid common compliance pitfalls—and how HIPAA can be a competitive advantage when handled correctly.
In this talk, you’ll learn:
What HIPAA actually requires of startups (vs. common myths)
How to define development principles that simplify meeting HIPAA requirements
What investors, payers, and enterprise partners want to know
Key documentation, policies, and security practices you need
This is a can't-miss opportunity for founders, developers, and product leaders building in digital health, medtech, or wellness tech.
Date: August 20, 2025
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $5
Location: The Urban Hive, 730 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Registration: Eventbrite
About Larry Ozeran, MD
Larry Ozeran, MD, FAMIA has over 20 years experience with information technology and software development, patient care delivery, healthcare leadership, and health policy advocacy. Dr. Ozeran leverages his uncommonly holistic understanding of the dysfunctional American healthcare system to work toward solving its greatest challenges. He was recognized by the State of California for leadership in the State's response to ARRA that secured $38M for interoperability. He has published book chapters on privacy and Health IT process failures, as well as many peer reviewed articles. As a strategic consultant, he advises healthcare, government, and startup clients on strategy, policy and innovation.
Startup Summer Party
Startup Summer Party
Celebrate the summer with Sacramento's entrepreneurial community! Join us for the Startup Summer Party an evening of connection, celebration, and fun hosted by leading organizations that support the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Why Attend?
Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or a startup supporter, this is a great opportunity to network, unwind, and celebrate summer with fellow innovators. Connect with local startups, community champions, and organizations shaping Sacramento’s future.
Event Highlights:
Network with fellow entrepreneurs and startup ecosystem leader
Mingle in the creative atmosphere of The Urban Hive
Hosted By:
StartupSac, CleanStart, Sactown Makers, The Urban Hive, Carlsen Center, Startup Folsom, Startup Grind, MedStart, 1 million Cups, The Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe, Growth Factory, Growth Factory Ventures and AgStart
Who’s Invited?
Founders, startup teams, investors, mentors, creatives, and anyone passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship in the Sacramento region.
Drinks Sponsored by Witan Law
We’re excited to announce that Witan Law is sponsoring drinks for the evening! Each attendee will receive two drink tickets cheers to that! Learn more about our sponsor at witan.law.
Come ready to connect, play, and celebrate the summer with your startup community!
Date: July 22nd
Time: 5 - 8 pm
Cost: $11.41
Location: The Urban Hive, 730 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Register: 3Common
Cracking the Code - How to Get Insurers to Pay for Innovation
Cracking the Code - How to Get Insurers to Pay for Innovation
This month, we’re thrilled to host Reneta Jenik, CEO of Foodom, who cracked a challenge many startups face: getting insurance companies to cover a non-traditional intervention.Her company offers medically tailored meals and private cooking lessons—prepared by local chefs right in patients’ homes—and she’s figured out how to make it reimbursable.
Join us to hear Reneta’s founder story, learn how food is becoming medicine (and a reimbursable one at that), and connect with fellow innovators in our region’s growing health tech community.
Date: July 16, 2025
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Where: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250, Folsom, CA 95630
Cost: $5
Register: Eventbrite
About Reneta Jenik
Reneta Jenik is the founder and CEO of Foodom, a health-focused startup transforming home kitchens into centers of healing. Foodom connects families with local chefs who prepare wholesome, personalized, in-home meals and cooking lessons—including medically tailored meals now covered by Anthem Medi-Cal. With referrals from Anthem, Sutter Health and FQHCs, and active billing underway, Reneta is scaling a proven model to make “food as medicine” a reality.
A former tech executive at Intel, Western Digital, and SanDisk, Reneta brings deep experience in AI/ML and billion-dollar business growth. She now blends her background in technology with a passion for preventive healthcare, food equity, and conscious leadership—driven by her own journey managing PCOS and insulin resistance through nutrition.
ARIZ Precision Medicine CEO Brad Niles
ARIZ Precision Medicine CEO Brad Niles
This month, we’re excited to welcome ARIZ Precision Medicine Founder and CEO, Brad Niles.
ARIZ Precision Medicine is pre-clinical stage company aiming to selectively target and destroy early-stage drivers of cancer, such as the deregulated PRDM genes and proteins that were previously deemed “undruggable”. ARIZ set out to prove that cancer cells with PRDM abnormalities could be individually targeted and destroyed without harming normal cells by utilizing knowledge of the PRDM gene family, proprietary siRNA constructs and innovative drug delivery nanotechnologies to target these cancer cells. Proof of principle studies confirmed that this approach selectively killed multiple types of cancer cells (breast, colon, lung, myeloma, etc.) thus ARIZ is continuing in the development of new drug candidates for cancer by pushing these products to testing in animal models of cancer. This will give ARIZ compelling data and intellectual property to share with pharmaceutical companies and, thus, enter into strategic partnerships to take our products to the clinic and then to market. Ultimately, through these efforts, ARIZ intends to cure cancers in a way that preserves a patient’s quality of life and avoids the harmful and adverse effects of current therapies. ARIZ is located in Davis, California and benefits from the combined knowledge of a board of experts in PRDM genes, drug delivery and drug development.
This event will be held at MedStart's new home at Connect Labs in Aggie Square.
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: $5
Register: Startup Grind
Location: Connect Labs, 4480 2nd Ave #2300, 4480 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, 95817
About Brad Niles
Brad Niles, Ph.D. serves as the CEO for ARIZ Precision Medicine. He received his Ph.D. from UC Davis, with a Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology and advanced training in Business Development. He has 15 years of experience in cancer research, and has published more than a dozen scientific papers, and was an invited speaker to numerous scientific conferences. In addition, he has managed product development projects for two different biotech startups, and is an inventor on numerous RNA-therapeutic patent applications. At ARIZ he has previously served as COO and VP of Research and Development for over 4 years.
Aggie Square Grand Opening Ceremony
Aggie Square Grand Opening Ceremony
UC Davis, in partnership with Wexford Science & Technology and the City of Sacramento, is proud to announce the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Aggie Square — the region’s dynamic new hub for innovation, research, and community engagement.
The celebration marks the grand opening of Sacramento’s newest innovation district, where researchers, startups, businesses, and community members unite to foster discovery, drive economic growth, and expand opportunity. Aggie Square brings together life sciences, advanced technologies, and education in one collaborative space.
The event will include remarks from distinguished speakers, guided tours of the cutting-edge facilities, and a reception with refreshments. The Open House, beginning at noon, will feature a DJ, immersive activities hosted by Aggie Square tenants, food trucks, and more.
Date: May 2, 2024
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Aggie Square, on the UC Davis Sacramento campus
4480 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817
Cost: Free
Register: Constant Contact
CFO Basics for Startups
CFO Basics for Startups
This month, we’re excited to welcome Bob Wang who a seasoned Fractional CFO with deep expertise in scaling tech companies. as our guest speaker. Bob will lead a workshop on accounting basics for startups.
As CFO of Traction Guest, he helped grow ARR from $3M to $10M, leading to a $100M exit. He’s reviewed 800+ companies at a private equity firm, advising on what drives investor value.
At Tee Up Advisors, Bob partners with SaaS founders to optimize financial strategy, streamline operations, and prepare for scale. Known for his hands-on approach, he’s dedicated to unlocking growth and helping tech companies hit their next milestone.
Date: March 12, 2025
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: $5
Register: Startup Grind
Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom, 95630
About Bob Wang
Bob Wang is a seasoned Fractional CFO with deep expertise in scaling tech companies. As CFO of Traction Guest, he helped grow ARR from $3M to $10M, leading to a $100M exit. He’s reviewed 800+ companies at a private equity firm, advising on what drives investor value.
At Tee Up Advisors, Bob partners with SaaS founders to optimize financial strategy, streamline operations, and prepare for scale. Known for his hands-on approach, he’s dedicated to unlocking growth and helping tech companies hit their next milestone.
Scout Launch Academy Info Session (NIH SBIR)
The Sacramento Region is home to a vibrant medical startup ecosystem. To support its growth, MedStart, is a program dedicated to fostering innovation in medical and life sciences.
Unlocking Grant Funding: Your Questions, Answered
You know there’s funding out there—millions in non-dilutive grants that could fuel your startup. But the process? It’s overwhelming. Finding the right grants, deciphering complex requirements, and crafting a winning proposal can feel like a full-time job.
Scout Launch Academy—a program designed to take the guesswork out of grant funding by combining AI-powered discovery with expert-led grant writing strategies.
Curious about how it works? Join our live Q&A session. This is your chance to get real answers from the team behind the program, learn what makes a grant application successful, and see if Scout Launch Academy is the right fit for you.
No slides, no sales pitch—just straightforward insights on how to win grants faster and smarter. And an invitation to apply for this incredible program.
Date: February 25, 2025
Location: Granite City Work Loft, Sutter Street, Folsom, 95630
Cost: Free
Register: Startup Grind
About Benjamin Cadranel
Ben Cadranel is a corporate attorney and fundraiser who builds comprehensive collaborations and public-private partnerships by leveraging his extensive network and instincts as a master connector. He founded Advocacy Chiefs LLC, a grants and government development firm that positions clients to capture market share through strategic public-private partnerships funded through grants and other non-dilutive instruments.
Benjamin is an expert in building equitable, inclusive, and Future-Ready workforce development programs that serve historically underserved and underrepresented populations. Ben’s past experiences include being Director of Resource Development at Woodland Community College and the Associate Director of Development for the University of California-wide California Summer School for Math and Sciences (COSMOS). Ben’s portfolio includes working with the following companies and agencies: the Pacific Gateway (City of Long Beach), the Los Angeles Regional Consortium, Gladeo, Pockets Change, and DKS Associates.
The Art of Storytelling
What you do is not necessarily unique. But your story and the impact you're making is.
In a world where the things you do, the products and services you provide, are things that dozens of others are doing, how do you make yourself stand out? You share your story. People connect to PEOPLE, not products and services. And in a world where our thoughts divide, our feelings will unite. Jamie will help you switch the gears in your marketing minds to stray you away from the traditional self-promo type videos that most people use to create video content that ultimately gets overlooked. Jamie will show you the difference in creating content that focuses on your WHAT and instead help you focus on your WHY.
This workshop is aimed to help organizations find and share their stories so that people care about WHO you are, not WHAT you do. Jamie will guide you through finding your focus when creating a video, bringing out the most important, emotive parts and weaving it together to create a story that will receive good attention online and help promote your business and call to action.
Video is incredibly important in today's world. It's how everyone consumes information. After this webinar, you'll walk away with a better understanding of how to tell your own story and how it could make a tremendous difference in making YOU stand out.
Date: February 12, 2025
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $5
Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250, Folsom, CA 95630
Registration: Startup Grind
About Jamie Perez
Jamie Perez is the owner and chief storyteller at Beyond Words Productions – a videography + storytelling company that focuses on creating heartfelt and emotive videos for businesses and nonprofits. Before Jamie became an entrepreneur, she was a TV news reporter for six years. Her career as a broadcast journalist moved her across the country from California to Iowa and eventually Wisconsin, where she covered tragedy, triumphs, politics, community events, and burdened our blizzards and severe weather on live TV.
As a reporter, Jamie did everything as a one-woman band from finding her own stories to setting up interviews, filming everything, editing everything, presenting it in front of the camera, writing up the web story and doing it all over again day after day. Jamie said doing it all prepared her to be able to run her videography and storytelling business as a solopreneur. She is driven by emotional storytelling and has a passion for creating empathy through videos. Jamie's videos have helped organizations fundraise, hire staff, promote events, generate leads, and brand and market themselves in new ways that make other people care about them. Jamie’s business motto is: “If a picture says a thousand words, my videos will leave people Beyond Words.”
Regulatory Basics for Medical Startups
This month, we’re excited to welcome Natalie Vollrath, Senior Regulatory Consultant at MEDIcept, as our guest speaker. Natalie will lead a 45-minute workshop on "Regulatory Basics for Medical Startups."
In this session, Natalie, a regulatory expert with over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, will provide an overview of the critical regulatory frameworks startups must navigate. Attendees will gain insights into FDA classifications, ISO standards, and compliance requirements for medical devices, diagnostics, and software. Natalie will guide participants through the essential steps for preparing regulatory submissions, meeting product registration requirements, and ensuring compliance in both U.S. and international markets.
Having led ISO and FDA compliance efforts and contributed to successful product introductions, Natalie will share her expert advice on determining regulatory pathways, preparing documentation, and avoiding common regulatory pitfalls. Whether your startup is just beginning or already developing products, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge to meet regulatory standards and advance with confidence.
Date: January 15, 2024
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: $5
Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250, Folsom, CA 95630
Register: Startup Grind
About Natalie Vollrath
Natalie Vollrath brings over 30 years of experience as a quality and regulatory professional in the medical device industry. She has broad experience across multiple product categories and device classes, preparing regulatory submissions and obtaining product registrations for U.S and international markets. Natalie has led ISO and FDA regulatory and compliance efforts throughout the product lifecycle and played a key role in new product introductions.
As a Sr. Regulatory Consultant at MEDIcept, Natalie assists clients with their regulatory needs, including determination of the regulatory pathways for US, EU, and other international markets, developing and preparing submissions, technical files, Pre-Submission meeting requests, non-filing justifications, and other regulatory documentation and activities.
Before joining MEDIcept, she held roles including Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs Manager at various companies in the medical device industry, working with a diverse range of products that included Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and Software as a Service (SaaS).
Natalie holds a B.A degree from the University of California, San Diego as well as certificates in Systems Engineering and Biostatistics. She is Regulatory Affairs Certified through the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). Natalie also holds several additional certifications through ASQ, including Certified Medical Device Auditor, Certified Quality Engineer, and Certified Software Quality Engineer.
Startup Holiday Party!
Celebrate the holiday season with Sacramento's entrepreneurial community! Join us for an evening of connection, celebration, and camaraderie at the Startup Holiday Party—a collaborative event hosted by StartupSac, CleanStart, The Carlsen Center, Startup Folsom, MedStart, Startup Grind, 1 Million Cups and AgStart.
Why Attend?
Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or a supporter of the startup ecosystem, this is the perfect opportunity to network, unwind, and celebrate with fellow innovators. Enjoy an evening of good cheer with other local startups, venture supporters, and entrepreneurial advocates who make our region vibrant and forward-thinking.
Event Highlights:
Mix and mingle with a diverse network of entrepreneurs and community leaders
Raise a glass to the year’s successes and toast to new opportunities in 2025
Experience the unique ambiance of Lucid Winery, located in the heart of Sacramento’s R Street Corridor
Date: December 11, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm
Cost: $10
Location: Lucid Winery & Event Venue, 1015 R Street, Sacramento, 95811
Registration: Eventbrite
Insurance Reimbursement Essentials for Healthcare Startups
The Sacramento Region is home to a vibrant medical startup ecosystem. To support its growth, we are reintroducing MedStart, a program dedicated to fostering innovation in medical and life sciences.
This month, we are hosting Thom Schildmeyer who will share his expertise on healthcare insurance reimbursement, its importance to your business, and ways you can optimize the reimbursement process to ensure your success. Specifically, he’ll provide insights into each of the reimbursement stakeholders (provider, payer, and patient) and what you should consider when launching a product or service into the healthcare arena.
Thom will share real-world examples highlighting the opportunities and challenges with insurance reimbursement and how businesses of all sizes can benefit. In addition to understanding the needs and interests of the various stakeholders, you’ll leave with a strong knowledge of how money flows between the players and the different approaches you can take to maximize insurance reimbursement specific to your enterprise.
MedStart is supported by ReadyStart Cleanroom, Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the 50 Economic Alliance, and Startup Folsom.
Please note that this event is in-person at the ReadyStart CleanRooms.
Date: October 16, 2024
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: Free
Register: Startup Grind
About Thom Schildmeyer
Thom is an accomplished executive and entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. A trusted healthcare business consultant, coach, and advisor, he has a proven track record of delivering impactful results, with a focus on strategy and growth for businesses and their leaders.
Complementing his deep knowledge of business leadership, strategy, and growth, Thom has spent the majority of his career in the areas of healthcare technology, services, and programs, including revenue cycle management and insurance reimbursement. With an emphasis on the healthcare ecosystem and its various stakeholders (provider, payer, and patient).
In addition to his corporate healthcare leadership experience (Allergan, Inc., Vision Services Plan), Thom founded and successfully sold his own healthcare business, Aesyntix Health (now part of Modernizing Medicine), and has since launched TLS Strategy Solutions to help other entrepreneurs and leaders develop their businesses.
Digital Marketing Basics for Startups
Digital Marketing Basics for Startups
The Sacramento Region is home to a vibrant medical startup ecosystem. To support its growth, we are reintroducing MedStart, a program dedicated to fostering innovation in medical and life sciences.
This month, Rich Foreman will cover digital marketing basics which include website design, SEO, digital marketing, content marketing, social media, and influencer marketing. Rich's standard advice is that every startup needs to have a proficiency in digital marketing and in this workshop, he will outline what you need to know and provide actionable advice.
MedStart is supported by ReadyStart Cleanroom, Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the 50 Economic Alliance, and Startup Folsom.
Please note that this event is in-person at the ReadyStart CleanRooms. Food and beverages will be provided.
Date: September 26, 2024
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: Free
Register: StartupGrind
Finalists for 2024 Startup World Cup Sacramento Regionals Announced
Finalists for 2024 Startup World Cup Sacramento Regionals
2023 Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional Winner, Electro Scan
The entrepreneurial community in Sacramento is buzzing with excitement as the Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional event is just around the corner. With 10 promising startups vying for the prestigious title and a chance to represent Sacramento on the global stage, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re a startup enthusiast, a mentor, an investor, or simply someone passionate about supporting local talent, this event is a must-attend. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to join this exciting journey.
STARTUP WORLD CUP SACRAMENTO REGIONAL
The Sacramento Regional Startup World Cup is an event like no other. It’s a unique opportunity for the local entrepreneurial community to come together and witness the birth of the next big thing. Imagine being part of the audience that helps select the startup that will represent Sacramento at the Global Grand Finale!
The Finalists
On Monday, September 23, 2024, 10 exceptional startups from the Sacramento area will take the stage to present their innovative ideas. Each startup will have just 2 minutes to make their pitch. It’s a high-stakes competition, and you’ll be right there to witness the excitement.
GibiPay: fintech company that optimizes credit card points and rates
Humolyte: Making chemotherapy tolerable
LearnHaus AI: Edtech company that uses AI to transform human learning
Off The Wall Energy: Personal Energy Platform that gives renters the power to take control of their energy usage
Powertechs: AI & XR Workforce Developmzent Technology for Clean Energy Transition
Purpuratus: produces products made out of sea urchins to restore kelp forests
Soar Optics: Microplastics Detection
Solir: Advanced material for passive cooling
Stuart Energy: EV charging station diagnostic tool to reduce downtime
Thirty One and Bounty: Urban Gardening for All
The Judges
Following each pitch, a panel of experienced investors will grill the startups with a rapid-fire 3-minute Q&A session. Here are the judges:
AUDIENCE VOTING
As an audience member, your opinion holds weight. After watching the pitches, you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite startup. Your vote will be included in the final tally to determine which startup will represent Sacramento at the Global Grand Finale.
THE GRAND PRIZE
The stakes are high at the Sacramento Regional. The winning startup will advance to the Global Grand Finale, set to take place in San Francisco on October 4, 2024 and compete for a remarkable $1 million USD investment prize. Last year, Electro Scan Inc, the 2023 Sacramento Regional Winner, made it to the top 10 at the Grand Finale, proving the caliber of startups from Sacramento.
DON’T MISS OUT: REGISTER NOW!
This is your chance to witness the future of entrepreneurship unfold before your eyes. Join us at the Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional event, and be part of an incredible journey. The event is open to everyone in the entrepreneurial community – startups, students, mentors, investors, and more.
To secure your spot, register for FREE via the Registration Link below. And remember, beverages and appetizers will be provided at no charge.
Date: Monday, September 23, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: North Natomas Community Center, New Market Drive, Sacramento, CA
Cost: Free
BrainScanology Overview
The Sacramento Region is home to a vibrant medical startup ecosystem. To support its growth, we are reintroducing MedStart, a program dedicated to fostering innovation in medical and life sciences.
This month, we are hosting Dr. Dr. David Nguyen who will be discussing his startup BrainScanology which enhances the precision of radiologists, pathologists, and cell biologists by 1,000X.
MedStart is supported by ReadyStart Cleanroom, Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the 50 Economic Alliance, and Startup Folsom.
Please note that this event is in-person at the ReadyStart CleanRooms.
Date: August 14, 2024
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: Free
Register: Eventbrite
About Dr. David Nguyen
David H. Nguyen, PhD. Dr. Nguyen is a computational biologist who invented the LCPC Transform, an algorithm that measures shape in ways not possible with area, volume, and signal intensity. He obtained his B.A. (Molecular & Cellular Biology) and Ph.D. (Endocrinology) from University of California, Berkeley. Following this, he was an Affiliate Scientist in the Division of Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and then a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Radiology at Stanford University.
MedStart Event featuring Elevai Labs Co-Founder Dr. Jordan Plews
The Sacramento Region is home to a vibrant medical startup ecosystem. To support its growth, we are reintroducing MedStart, a program dedicated to fostering innovation in medical and life sciences.
This month, we are hosting Dr. Jordan Plews will discuss the process, challenges, and benefits of taking Elevai Labs public.
MedStart is supported by ReadyStart Cleanroom, Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the 50 Economic Alliance, and Startup Folsom.
Please note that this event is in-person at the ReadyStart CleanRooms.
Date: July 17, 2024
Location: ReadyStart CleanRooms, 2890 Kilgore Road, Rancho Cordova, 95670
Cost: Free
Register: Eventbrite
About Dr. Jordan Plews
With over 15 years of experience spanning stem cell research, biochemical engineering, and the commercialization of biotechnological innovations, Dr. Jordan Plews has made significant contributions to both the academic and business worlds. Educated in the UK and further honed at Stanford University, his work has been published in premier journals, leading to groundbreaking developments in stem cell-based therapies and skincare products. Dr. Plews' expertise in product management, team leadership, and development of healthcare solutions showcases his unique ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and impactful business ventures. His upcoming presentation is set to provide valuable insights into the advancements in regenerative medicine and the critical role of innovation in driving the future of biotechnology.
MedStart NIH Grant Workshop Featuring Advocacy Chiefs Founder Benjamin Cadranel
The Sacramento Region is home to a vibrant medical startup ecosystem. To support its growth, we are reintroducing MedStart, a program dedicated to fostering innovation in medical and life sciences.
This month, we are hosting an NIH Grant Workshop led by Benjamin Cadranel, founder of Advocacy Chiefs. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a federal grant initiative, invested over $4.3 billion in small business research and development in 2023. It represents the pinnacle of federal investment for early-stage startups, with 11 agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, providing up to $2 million to small businesses without taking equity.
Advocacy Chiefs raises awareness, provides education, and offers direct grant writing support to local small businesses for this unique grant program. Recently, with the backing of the City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, Advocacy Chiefs launched a new program. This initiative is also supported by the Sacramento Entrepreneurial Growth Alliance, designated as an Accelerate CA Hub and funded by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
The goal of the program is to assist up to 10 local small business entrepreneurs in applying for the SBIR grant. Participants will receive vital resources such as direct grant writing support and technical and agency-like reviews prior to submission.
The workshop will cover the NIH’s solicitation process, including required registrations, timelines, and topics. It will also provide insights on SBIR readiness and strategies to increase success rates for the next round of SBIR grants.
MedStart is supported by ReadyStart Cleanroom, Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the 50 Economic Alliance, and Startup Folsom.
Please note that this event is in-person at the ReadyStart CleanRooms.
Date: June 19, 2024
Location: ReadyStart CleanRooms, 2890 Kilgore Road, Rancho Cordova, 95670
Cost: Free
Register: Eventbrite
About Benjamin Cadranel
Ben Cadranel is a corporate attorney and fundraiser who builds comprehensive collaborations and public-private partnerships by leveraging his extensive network and instincts as a master connector. He founded Advocacy Chiefs LLC, a grants and government development firm that positions clients to capture market share through strategic public-private partnerships funded through grants and other non-dilutive instruments.
Benjamin is an expert in building equitable, inclusive, and Future-Ready workforce development programs that serve historically underserved and underrepresented populations. Ben’s past experiences include being Director of Resource Development at Woodland Community College and the Associate Director of Development for the University of California-wide California Summer School for Math and Sciences (COSMOS). Ben’s portfolio includes working with the following companies and agencies: the Pacific Gateway (City of Long Beach), the Los Angeles Regional Consortium, Gladeo, Pockets Change, and DKS Associates.
MedStart CEO Forum
Startup Folsom, in partnership with the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and MedStart's original organizer Robert Groth, is launching the MedStart CEO Forum. This event aims to cultivate a supportive network among leaders in the medical startup community.
Our inaugural event will feature Jessie Becker Alexander who was the Founding CEO of Alydia Health which was acquired by Organon for $240 M. She is also the Program Director at FourthWave and the the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Sacramento State Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. (Please note that Dr. Jordan Plews was originally scheduled but had to cancel due to a conflict. We will reschedule him for a future event).
Spaces are complimentary but limited to ensure meaningful interactions. Secure your spot at this in-person event by registering today. Don't miss out on shaping the next wave of medical innovation in the Sacramento Region.
Date: May 23, 2024
Location: Undisclosed. Location will be sent in an invite after you’ve been approved.
Cost: Free
Register: Google Form
About Jessie Becker Alexander
is an accomplished Entrepreneur in Residence at Sacramento State's Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, dedicated to fostering the vibrancy and growth of the entrepreneurial community in the Sacramento region. With a diverse range of responsibilities, Jessie excels in managing the student pre-accelerator, known as the Hivemind, overseeing the FourthWave Accelerator, and co-facilitating The Lean Innovator cohort.
Previously, Jessie made a profound impact as the founding CEO of Alydia Health, a groundbreaking medical device company focused on revolutionizing the treatment for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Her exceptional leadership led to Alydia Health's acquisition by Organon in June of 2021, valued at an impressive $240M. Recognizing her remarkable achievements, Forbes honored Jessie by including her in their esteemed 30 Under 30 list in Healthcare in 2015.
Prior to her pioneering work at Alydia Health, Jessie played a pivotal role in igniting the entrepreneurial movement at Cal Poly. As one of the founding members of the Cal Poly Entrepreneurship Club and an integral part of the initial team at the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), she spearheaded the creation and implementation of various programs to empower student entrepreneurs.
With an unwavering commitment to innovation and an impressive track record of success, Jessie Becker Alexander continues to make a significant impact in the entrepreneurial landscape, driving positive change and inspiring future generations of innovators.