Biomedical Engineering, Ph.D. 2023 CEO and Co-founder, Adialante (with Parker Jenkins, current biomedical engineering Ph.D. candidate at University of Minnesota)
Innovation: A novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine that uses a patent-pending approach called frequencymodulated Rabi-encoded echoes. By removing gradient coils, the founders can cut the MRI cost by approximately 30 percent, plus make it silent and smaller
“Soon, it’ll be possible for MRI scanners to be wherever they’re needed—minute clinics, doctors’ offices, and even refugee camps. The University of Minnesota has a world-class MRI center, with a history of groundbreaking innovations such as human fMRI, 7T MRI, and 10.5T MRI. This company’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the global leaders at UMN, like [University of Minnesota Medical School] Professor Michael Garwood.”
Claire Kaiser
Biomedical Engineering, Ph.D. 2024 Secondwave Systems, Co-founder and Technology Lead Engineer
Innovation: SecondWave is pioneering a new therapeutic modality using noninvasive ultrasound as an anti-inflammatory treatment. Its home-use, wearable device—based on scientific discoveries from Professor Hubert Lim’s lab— delivers low-intensity, focused ultrasound to the spleen to reduce inflammation and help patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases
“It’s super rewarding to work on a device that could someday help people and increase their wellbeing. I discovered firsthand what’s needed for a device to be feasible at the University of Minnesota. I got the best of both worlds— academia and industry— during my time in CSE.”
Keping Song
Mechanical Engineering, M.S. 2013 Zepto Life Technology, Director of Quality and Engineering
Innovation: A bio-sensing device using Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) technology to quickly and accurately measure disease or a health condition. The GMR technology was developed in University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering Professor Jian-Ping Wang’s lab and transferred to Zepto.
“This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we diagnose and manage infection early, specifically fungal infections that lead to an estimated 1.5 million deaths per year. At UMN, I gained invaluable mentorship and insights, and learned what it means to be a true professional in the field.”
Zeeshan Syedain
Chemical Engineering, Ph.D. 2009 Vascudyne Inc., Chief Science Officer, Co-inventor of licensed technology, and University of Minnesota Researcher
Innovation: Bioengineered, labgrown pediatric heart vessels that grow with the recipients and enable children with congenital heart defects to undergo fewer open-heart surgeries, using technology in University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering Professor Bob Tranquillo’s lab.
“This is a groundbreaking discovery for the thousands of children born with congenital heart defects. I’m truly grateful to be on this journey from discovery to translation work, and now commercialization—with University of Minnesota resources key to each step.”
Anders Olmanson
Biomedical Engineering, B.S. 2014; Medical Device Innovation, M.S. 2017 Remastered Sleep, Founder and CEO
Innovation: A drinking nozzle that provides myofunctional therapy exercise, inspired by the didgeridoo (an Australian wind instrument) to strengthen the tongue and mouth muscles, leading to less snoring as well as improved breathing and sleep quality.
“The lightbulb moment happened when I saw my parents’ dog eating peanut butter out of a Kong toy. I thought, ‘What if we can get people to exercise without realizing they’re doing it.’ The University of Minnesota inspired me to build a startup and go after important health problems.”
Startups based on University of Minnesota research
The University of Minnesota has launched more than 260 startups (watch video) based on UMN research since the Venture Center was formed in 2006. Ten UMN startups have been acquired or have gone public since 2017, underscoring the relevance of University innovations and technologies.
Find many College of Science and Engineering ties or community members (faculty, alumni) under topics such as "Medical Devices," "Engineering and Physical Science," as well as "Software and IT" on the UMN Research & Innovation Office website.
