#United States #Bethesda #Venture Fund #HJF #MDC Studio

Transforming Healthcare: The HJF-MDC Venture Fund

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) has partnered with MDC Studio, Inc. (MDC) to establish the HJF-MDC Venture Fund. This innovative collaboration aims to accelerate the development of medical technologies that serve both military and civilian healthcare needs.

Background on the Collaboration

Based in Bethesda, Maryland, the HJF-MDC partnership seeks to build on existing collaborations to enhance the commercialization of medical technologies that can be utilized in dual capacities: for military personnel and civilians. As part of this initiative, MDC has set up a dedicated satellite office within HJF’s innovative facility, reflecting a commitment to fostering close ties between medical research and technology application.

Objectives of the HJF-MDC Venture Fund

The HJF-MDC Venture Fund is designed as an independent entity with the goal of investing in a diverse portfolio of early-stage companies creating military medical technologies with potential civilian applications. HJF will participate as a non-voting member with a minority stake, highlighting a strategic investment approach.

The focus areas for the fund will include:

• - Medical Devices: Developing cutting-edge devices that enhance patient care.
• - Wearable Health Technologies: Innovating solutions that monitor health metrics actively.
• - Rehabilitation and Assistive Robotics: Advancing robotics to aid recovery and improve quality of life for various patient demographics.

The selection of investments is based on a rigorous set of criteria that includes alignment with military medical requirements, potential benefits to civilian healthcare, associated risks, and expected financial returns.

A Board of Leaders

The Fund's investment decisions will be guided by a Board of Managers comprised of industry experts, including:

• - Dr. Gil Blankenship, Ph.D.: Founder of MDC Studio, he has a rich background in applied mathematics and entrepreneurship, having transitioned from academia to founding multiple successful tech ventures.
• - Dr. Jonathan Pearl, M.D.: An Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland, he also brings experience as a veteran of the U.S. Navy, providing crucial insights into military medical needs.
• - Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, M.D., M.P.H.: Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, he advises on high-level health policies impacting military personnel.
• - Dr. Leonard Mills, Ph.D., C.F.A.: An investment expert with a wealth of experience in venture capital, guiding the fund's financial strategies.

Future Aspirations

The initiative is currently in the process of raising $20 million to kick-start investments in promising dual-use startups, thereby supporting a robust ecosystem that prioritizes innovative healthcare solutions.

The venture is poised to significantly impact the advancement of medical technologies, ensuring they benefit both military members and civilians alike, a crossover that is seldom addressed with such strategic focus.

About the Organizations

HJF has been a stalwart in the realm of military medicine since 1983, tasked with bridging the gap between military medical initiatives and broader healthcare objectives. The foundation is known for managing a considerable number of research projects, encompassing various medical fields like infectious diseases and combat casualty care.

MDC Studio, established in 2016, has made significant strides in translating medical innovations into market-ready products, highlighting a strong commitment to medical technology advancement.

For further inquiries or details about the HJF-MDC Venture Fund, please reach out to Stephen Dalal, D.V.M., Vice President of U.S. Research Development at HJF, at stephen.dalal@hjf.org or +1 (240) 425-5699.

This collaborative effort not only shows promise for technological advancement in the healthcare sector but underscores the vital intersection between military and civilian medical innovation.