Advancing digital health technologies at the intersection of research and commercialization.

The Co/Lab wants to extend our sincere thanks to all Advisory Board members who joined us at Tom's Town Distillery on April 16th. 

Chris Wilson, Executive Director, kicked the meeting off with updates on a more streamlined focus of priorities for Co/Lab, aimed at improving our impact and broadening our partnerships. Dr. Frank Materia, Associate Scientific Director, outlined various resources and offerings available, many of which are detailed in this newsletter. Dr. Tony Sung, Scientific Director, shared highlights from his research on reducing transplant-related complications and improving survivorship.

Our 2024-25 Staudacher Fellow, Angela Kaczorowski-Worthley, provided an update on her work in women's health alongside her mentor, Dr. Jennifer Villwock. We also announced our new 2025-26 Staudacher Fellow, Joo Hyun Lee.

Dr. Mohammad Haeri, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, discussed the progress he's made since receiving the Early-Stage Digital Health Innovation Award from Co/Lab, highlighting the opportunities it has opened for him. 

We especially appreciated the valuable feedback given and look forward to discussing it further. The event concluded with a networking session and tour of Tom's Town Distillery.

Thank you once again for your support and dedication. We are excited to continue working together to achieve our shared vision.

Co/Lab is excited to welcome Joo Hyun Lee, a student in the Rehabilitation Science PhD program in the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, as our next 2025-2026 Staudacher Fellow in Digital Health Research and Commercialization. 

Learn more about Lee and the work he will be doing over the next year.

The Co/Lab is currently looking for committee members to help plan Innovators Day taking place on October 29, 2025. If you are interested in sharing your time and expertise, please reach out to Jennie Andra at jandra@kumc.edu. This is low commitment and high impact opportunity! 

Digital Health Co/Lab Innovators Day 2024 highlights.

The Rock Chalk Ready program provides grant funding (up to $35,000) to 4-6 pre-company opportunities from KU and KUMC that can be used to “de-risk” either the technology or business opportunity. De-risking at this early stage of development means identifying and addressing critical milestones that will increase the likelihood of a sustainable new venture being formed or make an opportunity more appealing to a potential licensee.

The initial deadline for proposals is 5/9/2025.

Full overview of the program

Apply through the InfoReady System

Do you know any Faculty who can benefit from advanced training in digital health product commercialization and/or development of SBIR/STTR proposals? Continuum Educational Technologies (CET), based out of KU Innovation Park, is recruiting beta testers of their web-based training platform. Becoming a beta tester will provide researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs access to educational modules focused on research translation, commercialization, entrepreneurship, and teaches users how to write more effective SBIR/STTR proposals. CET hopes to learn from beta users how to strengthen the platform and content for the future. 

If you are anyone in your department would like to participate, please contact Dr. Frank Materia, Associate Scientific Director of the Co/Lab, at fmateria@kumc.edu. 

Digital Health Co/Lab hosts a monthly Digital Health Seminar, offering a platform for innovators at various career stages to showcase their work. These presentations include innovations, grant proposals, business plans and investor pitches. All meetings are virtual and free to attend.  

UP NEXT

Russ Ball, Founder of MyHealthSentry

Getting people to take a long-term approach to their health.

April 23, 2025 | Noon-1 p.m. 

For the latest meeting updates or to submit a presentation request, visit our website. For additional inquires, reach out to us at DigitalHealthCoLab@kumc.edu.

Hosted by Digital Health KC, Digital Health Day, is an event where innovators and visionaries at the forefront of healthcare information technology come together. Whether you're a founder, investor, or healthcare professional, this is your chance to be part of KC’s dynamic community driving health tech innovation. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of digital health.

August 21, 2025

The Abbott: 1901 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64108

EVERYONE has a heroic story to tell, their own legend to fulfill and HLTH is forging ahead into new realms of possibilities, gathering 12,000+ influential leaders, executives and visionaries who are passionately creating the next generation of healthcare. At HLTH you can foster meaningful connections, gain insights on cutting-edge trends, enhance your professional journey, or elevate your organization to unprecedented success.

October 19 – 22, 2025

The Venetian Expo Center, Las Vegas, NV

Digital Health Co/Lab has put together step by step guides to help guide you through the stages of idea generation to commercialization.

Got Digital Health News?

We’d love to feature your opportunities or highlights in our newsletter! Share your updates with us at DigitalHealthCoLab@kumc.edu.

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