MedTech Accelerator Studio launches in the Orthopedic Capital of the World

The Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. (KEDCO) announced the launch of a Medical Technology Accelerator Studio, which will develop a pipeline of MedTech startup companies to complement and advance existing product development and manufacturing capabilities in Warsaw, the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

"We want our community to be known for how it supports entrepreneurs. We already have a strong foundation, with thriving businesses both large and small, and by establishing this pathway for innovation in our own backyard to support Kosciusko County and area businesses, we’re planting seeds to benefit our area for decades to come," said KEDCO CEO Alan Tio.

The community is capitalizing on its resources to facilitate future innovation through a partnership between KEDCO and NEXT Studios, a group of startup founders who’ve developed accelerator studio-model programs in markets and industries throughout the state. The program launch is supported by funding from the Don Wood Foundation and Kosciusko County.

"This unique program will help to ensure that we continue to cultivate new innovations, startup companies, and new opportunities in our community," said Kosciusko County Commissioner Cary Groninger.

The MedTech Studio is the first of its kind in the area. KEDCO will kick off the program with several events, including a "Now What’s Next?" information session on July 21 in Warsaw followed by a series of events facilitated by NEXT Studios including:

• Barriers to Innovation –  A workshop designed to unleash innovators
• Design Thinking – An event to generate solutions to problems for future customers
• Discovery Week – An accelerator for founders to help pressure-test ideas and build confidence

The events will be repeated with participating companies and startups to build capability within the local teams to continue programs in the future.

"More than 80% of all new jobs originate from companies under five years old," says John McDonald, managing entrepreneur with NEXT Studios. "Building a supportive ecosystem to facilitate entrepreneurship is key to long-term sustainability. And KEDCO is leveraging its resources to engage its community and its workforce to build amazing things to come."

Meeting space for the program will be available to companies in Downtown Warsaw, with support from MED Institute for equipment and technology needs for the space.