Founding and Launching a Cytometry Startup Company

The Presenter

Gary Durack
Principal Cytometrist
Cytonome/ST

Session Summary

Forty years after its birth, cytometry is entering another period of rapid technology commercialization. The development of new sensors and microfluidic device, plus the realization of innovative Point-of-Care diagnostic systems is creating a significant, world-side demand for new cytometry devices, research assays and cytometry-related clinical diagnostics.  These innovations also drive opportunities for big data analytics and loT. 

Many of these products will find their way to market through efforts of a new generation of cytometry technology entrepreneurs. In this rapidly changing landscape, an entrepreneurial career path can be attractive and rewarding for professionals with the ideas, skills, education, and experience to find a new company.

This tutorial will focus on practical considerations and steps for starting a cytometry-related device, software, or service company. The presenter will share some his experiences as a cytometry technology entrepreneur, angel investor and founder of multiple companies. Aspects of the lean startup model (made popular by Steven Blank and Eric Reiss) that apply to the cytometry technology entrepreneur will be shared as well as experiences from the NSF and NIH I-Corp programs. 

The tutorial will also cover key steps to forming and funding a cytometry technology startup and will include advice on how to rapidly build your company's value. Topics will include intellectual property management, strategic partnership, SBIR/STTR funding, and product realization. This tutorial will serve as an introduction to those interested entrepreneurship or simply working at a startup company. Hopefully, it will also provide encouragement to our new generation of cytometry entrepreneurs.

CMLE Credit: 1.5