PROFIT MATTERS SEPTEMBER
Swallowing Cup
Product Development and Manufacturing Strategies
November 13th, 5:30-7:00
at:
University of Colorado Boulder Campus
Idea Forge/Fleming Building: 2445 Kittridge Loop Rd. Boulder, CO
MESAB Room
(Parking in lot 470 is free after 5:00 pm - just south of the Fleming building)
Our Presenter:
Holly Kosanovich is working to make things a little easier to swallow. She has a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and has worked in many settings including acute care, home health, outpatient, skilled nursing, and pediatrics. She has participated in advanced continuing education and is trained in multiple modalities to evaluate and treat voice, cognition, speech, language and swallowing disorders.
Company Description:
Holly has created a cup that contains a light sensor-activated sound module that is designed to help individuals with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Many patients that we work with often have difficulty learning and remembering the steps to safe swallow strategies, and this cup aids in the process of helping patients become more independent in completing the strategies. This product was designed with patient care and clinical advancement in mind. The early stage company, which has yet to be named, is moving from the prototype stage towards clinical product production.
The Business Challenge
Holly is looking for advice on how to progress with the manufacturing and development of this therapy cup. She is working with an attorney on the patent side of things, and needs our help determining if she should collaborate with established companies that make similar tools or continue development/manufacturing of her cup on her own. She is also open to any other advice regarding moving this product forward.
Please join Holly on her journey and help share your knowledge and advice with a sister woman entrepreneur.
This Month's Reviewers
Julie Artigliere-Cavalier: Julie is super cool. She is the founder and president of Center for Vocal Health, Inc. and a CWWK board member. She has over twenty-five years of experience in healthcare and education and even worked at a local health food start-up. When she's not working, she on the golf course or trail. She as a former Profit Matters presenter, she understands how scary - and exciting - it is to present and get such wonderful feedback. And what did Julie present? A therapy-based vocal health software application. Talk about “been there and done that!” You go, Julie.
Sue Stash: Sue is proof that big value can come in a small package. This big-hearted, big-brained, big thinking dynamo is one of the front ranges most successful entrepreneurs and executives. She has deep experience in the technology, healthcare, and clean tech spaces. When she is not on her yoga mat, she is building and growing businesses of all sizes and giving back to the community. Her latest role is as Interim COO at 7D Imaging – a medical education company working to educate provides on how to use ultrasound to diagnose and treat injuries in real-time.
Patricia Lucey: Patricia knows medical devices.
She is a system engineer with over 20 years of experience in regulated industries, primarily in medical devices. She is an EE and is working on her master’s degree in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University - you go Patricia! She has launched many a medical device from both the business and technical side of the table. She has been both an employee and consultant, working with the likes of GE Healthcare, Datex-Ohmeda, Medtronic, TerumoBCT, Covidien and Tensentric. Her current home is with Westminster-based Syncroness, where she is a System Engineer. We’re not sure how she finds the time to study, write proposals and provide technical support to client projects AND help us – but we sure appreciate it. Thanks Patricia!
As always, please forward along this invitation to anyone you think may be interested in this space or thinking about presenting in the future. While Profit Matters supports front-range women entrepreneurs, we welcome the support and attendance of all our female and male colleagues. Please help us spread the word!
