Resource Library
SWPDC provides resources to pediatric start-up companies. If you’d like to connect with any of these or other resources, feel free to reach out to the team at southwestpdc@bcm.edu, we’re happy to assist!
Concept Resources
Have an idea but need guidance on clinical research and early development.
Master’s Level Capstone Projects at Rice University & Texas A&M
This program is designed for concept-stage inventors or clinicians who have identified an unmet medical need but currently have no prototype or only a basic version. Accepted applicants, who must be faculty members at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) or Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH), will be paired with a team of senior undergraduate or graduate engineering students. Over the course of one year, the team will follow a biodesign process aimed at developing a functional prototype.
Applications open in April, with the project running from August to May. Watch for SWPDC newsletter emails in March/April for details.
TMC Pediatric Bio-design Fellows Program
This is a full-time, 10-month paid program designed to help individual innovators without a specific idea turn unmet clinical needs into real-world products. Using the biodesign approach, participants will be guided through a structured process of innovation, from need identification to early-stage product development.
Applications open in October with start date in August. Watch for SWPDC newsletter emails for application announcement.
Engineering Resources
Have a prototype but need to develop it into something high-fidelity.
Zewski Corporation
Specializes in medical product design and development, offering services from feasibility studies to production planning, with expertise in navigating regulatory requirements.
MinnHealth (Minnesota)
MinnHealth is a medtech R&D firm that specializes in advancing pediatric innovation from concept to commercialization, with deep expertise in both medical devices and digital health solutions. The firm has a strong track record of securing SBIR grants to support product development and offers a competitive partnership process for innovators.
Biotex Medical
Full-service medtech firm offering end-to-end development, regulatory, and manufacturing support with expertise in neurosurgery, cardiology, and connected health.
Dyad Engineering
Private strategy consulting firm based in California. Dyad excels at matching business and clinical needs with engineering pathways to meet them. They can help with evaluating opportunities, performing customer research, facilitating events or providing critical input during planning activities.
Brad Henkelman with INRI Patent Law
A patent attorney with extensive experience representing clients from Fortune 500 companies to early-stage startups, including those in the medical device sector, is offering free office hours for founders and innovators. These sessions, available virtually or in person, provide an opportunity to ask questions and gain insights about intellectual property protection.
If you’d like to connect with any of these or other resources, feel free to reach out to the team, we’re happy to assist!
Preclinical Resources
Have a product but requires testing and regulatory approval.
Proxima CRO
SWPDC’s partner for regulatory expertise and FDA interactions. Ask us to make a connection to Christine Luk & the Proxima team!
Clinical Resources
Ready to assess the safety & efficacy of medical device.
Proxima CRO
SWPDC’s partner that provides full- service clinical study support
Dan L. Duncan Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) at BCM
Provides support for grant submissions, BRAIN submissions, proposal reviews and edits, and clinical studies; available to BCM faculty members only.
Connections to BCM/TCH Faculty
Connect to a BCM/TCH faculty member who can provide clinical trial support or clinical guidance for devices and related needs.
If you’d like to connect with any of these or other resources, feel free to reach out to the team, we’re happy to assist!
Manufacturing Resources
Have a product & are ready to scale up production.
Proxima CRO
SWPDC’S partner that provides QMS, quality, and design history file support.
NeoTech Products
Provides expertise in product development, prototyping, and manufacturing of neonatal and pediatric devices. They offer reliable production solutions and guidance on regulatory compliance.
support
Cooper Consulting
Engineering design firm specializing in medical device development, offering full product design, testing, and commercialization support.
If you’d like to connect with any of these or other resources, feel free to reach out to the team, we’re happy to assist!
Commercialization Resources
Ready to transfer device from development to a sellable product.
Minneapolis Medical Alley
A healthcare network linking startups to 1,500+ investor, supplier, and media opportunities annually. Join the network here or ask us to connect you with our colleagues in Minneapolis.
University of Houston (UH) Bridge Innovation Park
Access UH startup resources, including funding, workshops, grant support, commercialization, and office space. Apply for space at UH Bridge here or ask us to connect you with our colleagues at UH.
Texas A&M Aggie Angel Network (AAN)
Pitch to AAN for capital, mentorship, and Aggie network access. They invest in 50% of startups, averaging $50K. Apply to pitch here or ask us to connect you with our colleagues at Texas A&M.
