2024 CONFERENCE AGENDA

12:30 p.m.

Conference Registration

1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Partnering Hall

1:30 – 1:35 p.m.

Opening Remarks
Andrea Linna and James Huie, Wilson Sonsini

1:35 – 2:20 p.m.

Venture Insights: Strategic Insights for Securing Digital Health Investments
Gain insights from leading venture capitalists as they offer key strategies for digital health companies on securing funding in 2024—and discuss what to expect regarding digital health venture capital in 2025.

Moderator: Eileen Tanghal, Black Opal Ventures

Speakers:
Georgia Cavanaugh, SteelSky Ventures
Daniel van den Bergh, Endeavour Vision
Anarghya Vardhana, Maveron
Alice Zheng, RH Capital

2:20 – 2:30 p.m.

Break

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.

Keynote: Leveraging Innovation to Advance Women’s Health
Join Susan Blumenthal, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Tammy Sun, Founder and CEO of Carrot Fertility, as they share their experiences and perspectives on advancing women’s health. Topics will include the White House’s Initiative on Women’s Health Research, increasing investment in the field, fostering innovation and discovery in women’s health, and expanding and leveraging relevant data collection and analysis.

Speakers:
Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, MD (ret.), Visiting Professor, MIT Media Lab, Founding Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health, former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General
Tammy Sun, Founder & CEO, Carrot Fertility

3:15 – 3:25 p.m.

Break

3:25 – 4:10 p.m.

Digital Health for Women 2.0
Following the keynote conversation, this Digital Health for Women panel will discuss the expanding horizons of women’s health technology. The conversation will shift from traditional funding challenges to the exciting opportunities presented by digital health platforms—not only in women’s health, but also in broader applications that significantly impact women’s lives.

Moderator: Margaret Melville, Lasa Health

Speakers:
Julie Castro Abrams, How Women Lead
Shubhra Jain, Tarsadia Investments
Jessica Karr, Coyote Ventures
Claire Tomkins, Future Family

4:10 – 4:20 p.m.

Regulatory Update
Andrea Linna and Hale Melnick, Wilson Sonsini

4:20 – 4:30 p.m.

Break

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Leadership at the Forefront: A Dialogue with CEOs in Digital Health
Our closing panel features seasoned digital health CEOs delving into the intricacies of executive leadership. Our distinguished speakers will share their experience and discuss proven strategies regarding a range of critical topics, including setting visionary goals, leading transformative change, and building dynamic teams. The panel will also explore how to foster an innovative culture, effectively incubate new ideas, and maintain a balance among varied stakeholder expectations.

Moderator: Megan Baier, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Sean Mehra, HealthTap
Abhinav Shashank, Innovaccer
Leah Sparks, Wildflower Health
Kristen Valdes, b.well Connected Health
Steve Yaskin, Health Gorilla

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Opening Reception sponsored by Citizens Private Bank

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Women’s Networking Breakfast & Program

Moderator: Farah Gerdes, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Allie Knauer, SparkMed
Jessica Richter, Veranex
Rita Scroggin, FirstBoard.io
Lisa Suennen, AHA Ventures

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Partnering Hall

8:30 a.m.

Opening Remarks
Farah Gerdes and James Huie, Wilson Sonsini

8:35 – 9:15 a.m.

Medtech & Digital Health by the Numbers
Join Jonathan Norris from HSBC Innovation and Jennie Xue from Guggenheim Partners as they look back at 2023’s Medtech and digital health fundraising and M&A deals. In addition, learn how 2024 is shaping up for Medtech and digital health companies looking to access venture capital, corporate partners, and the public market. 

Speakers:
Jonathan Norris, HSBC Innovation
Jennie Xue, Guggenheim Partners

9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

MTI Startup Showcase 1: Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Neurology, and Neurological Surgery (Heart & Brain)

9:15 – 9:30 a.m.

Break

9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

Keynote Interview with Amr Salahieh from Shifamed
David Cassak of MedTech Strategist will interview Amr Salahieh, the founding president and CEO of Shifamed. They will explore how Shifamed’s model is paving the way for the Medtech industry as a highly specialized medical innovation hub focused on developing advanced solutions that get to market faster, reduce risk, increase impact, and forge a path toward a world where all people are able to lead longer, healthier lives. They will highlight the journey of an incubated Shifamed company through development and acquisition. 

Interviewer: David Cassak, MedTech Strategist

10:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Early Medtech Investing
Join a group of early-stage investors as they discuss the inner workings of early-stage investments. Learn about areas of interest in typical Medtech deals, as well as the process and timing involved in closing an early-stage round. The investors will also discuss the investment landscape in today’s economic environment.

Moderator: Elton Satusky, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Jenny Barba, Features Capital
William Dai, ShangBay Capital
Kate Garrett, Sonder Capital
Lu Zhang, Fusion Fund

Unlocking Synergies: Exploring Strategic Partnerships in AI and Digital Health
Join industry experts as they delve into the intricacies of successful partnerships for emerging AI and digital health companies. Discover key insights, best practices, and real-world examples of how collaboration drives innovation and enhances healthcare outcomes in the Digital Age.

Moderator: Alex Key, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
David Kuraguntla, Alio
Ken Mariash, Sinaptica Therapeutics
Navdeep Tangri, Klinrisk

Compensation Considerations in a Volatile Market
In this session, we will delve into strategies for medical technology and life sciences firms to engage, retain, and inspire pivotal personnel amidst financial hurdles. Our panelists will cover various topics, including carve-out schemes and retention bonuses, strategies for addressing underwater equity such as option repricings and exchanges, methods for refreshing equity awards, and ensuring adequate severance protection.

Moderator: Michael Klippert, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Mike Carusi, Lightstone Ventures
David Knopping, Alpine Rewards
Jody Thelander, J.Thelander Consulting

FDA Regulatory Strategies: LDT Final Rule for Diagnostics, PCCPs for AI/MI-Enabled Medical Devices, and De-Risking Strategies for Medical Technologies
Join a diverse panel of industry experts and former FDA CDRH regulatory advisors as they explore the FDA final rule that will phase out enforcement discretion for laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), FDA’s guidance on predetermined change control plans (PCCPs) for AI/ML-enabled medical devices, the need for more inclusive clinical trials, and de-risking strategies for more efficient FDA interaction. The panel will discuss real-world examples, industry trends, common pitfalls, and strategies for increasing the likelihood of success both before and after FDA clearance or approval.   

Moderator: Eva Yin, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Daniel Burnett, Theranova
Nada Hanafi, MedTech Strategy Advisors, LLC 
Cortez McBerry, NDA Partners
Shyam Natarajan, Avenda Health

MTI Startup Showcase 2: Urology, Interventional Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Oncology (Channels & Fluids)

11:15 – 11:30 a.m. 

Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Keynote Interview with Steve Oesterle, Board Director of Baxter International Inc.
In an uncommon career as a world-renowned interventional cardiologist, a senior executive at the highest level of the medical device industry, and an advisor to global private equity investors and technology-driven start-ups, Steve Oesterle has earned legendary status for his insights into the intersection of medicine, technology, and industry. In this one-on-one interview, Steve will offer his perspective on the forces shaping healthcare and the medical device industry today.

Interviewer: David Cassak, MedTech Strategist

MTI Startup Showcase 3: Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine (Bones & Cartilage)

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.

AI in Digital Health – Technical, Business, and Legal Perspectives
Many digital health companies are grappling with how to integrate AI into their products and services to advance business and patient care goals, while at the same time reducing risk. Join our panelists as they explore issues that include why such companies are taking a second look at their AI investments; the main AI use cases and associated risks, as well as how those risks can be mitigated; and ways companies can capture the most benefit when building out their AI capabilities.

Moderator: Maneesha Mithal, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Kelly Cheng, Samsung
Estelle Giraud, Trellis Health

Innovation Journey
Explore the essential support systems driving success in Medtech and digital health as our panelists uncover the role of incubators, accelerators, investors, and industry organizations. Gain insights into how these groups nurture innovation, fuel growth, and secure funding for start-ups. 

Moderator: Matthew Bresnahan, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Andrew Cleeland, Fogarty Innovation
Bill Carpou, Octane
Michelle Nemits, Biocom California
Kapil Sharma, Altitude Lab

Medtech M&A: Trends and Strategies for Navigating the Current Market
Gain insights from panelists with a broad range of diverse experience as they share their perspectives on the M&A market for medical device and other Medtech companies, including how the current economic and investment landscapes are impacting the structure, terms, timelines, and likelihood of M&A transactions.

Moderator: Jason Breen, Wilson Sonsini

Speaker:
Elizabeth Gasser, Tandem Diabetes Care
Rakesh Mehta, Centerview Partners  
Andrew Weiss, Sofinnova Partners

MTI Startup Showcase 4: Infectious Disease, Interventional Medicine, Lab Medicine, & Radiology (Diagnosing Disease)

1:45 – 2:00 p.m.

Break

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.

Late-Stage Medtech Venture Capital
Gain insights from a panel of investors as they share their knowledge regarding late-stage Medtech venture capital, including the current investment landscape, investment strategies, portfolio management, and market opportunities. Learn about potential shifts in investor behavior and the impact of such shifts on financing strategies for sustainable growth.

Moderator: Brian Appel, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Evan Caplan, OrbiMed
Anthony Natale, Amzak Health
Mika Nishimura, Gilde Healthcare
Suchira Sharma, Elevage Medical Technologies

Current and Future AI Trends in Healthcare
Join industry leaders as they discuss the latest breakthroughs and forecast the future of AI in healthcare. From cutting-edge diagnostics to personalized treatments, discover the current trends in AI shaping tomorrow’s healthcare landscape.

Moderator: Hin Au, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Amit Garg, Tau Ventures
Yaron Hadad, Beehive Software
Michael McConnell, Toku Inc.
Armen Vidian, Recode Ventures

Nervous Impulse: The Current State of the Industry
Ready yourselves for an electrifying dive into the current state of the neurotech industry, with a focus on neuromodulation and neurostimulation activity. This panel will feature leading venture capitalists and CEOs in this space sharing their perspectives on the current investment environment, investment trends, challenges, the state of the industry at present, and other important topics. Our panelists will offer insights and strategies for identifying and supporting promising neurotech start-ups from both the investor and company perspectives.

Moderator: Eric Hsu, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Suraj Mudichintala, Action Potential VC
Michael Onuscheck, Presidio Medical
Shri Raghunathan, Noctrix Health

MTI Startup Showcase 5: Anesthesiology, Sleep Medicine, & Plastic Surgery (Surgery & Sleep)

2:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Break

3:00 – 3:45 p.m.

Strategic Collaborations
The ever-increasing investments of corporate venture funds into Medtech companies allow large companies to access new technologies, evaluate acquisition opportunities early, and stimulate internal R&D activities. In return, Medtech start-ups obtain access to much needed capital and other in-kind benefits to help them grow. Join us for an insightful discussion about corporate venture fund models, current trends in strategic investments, and the various rights requested in return.

Moderator: Philip Oettinger, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Andrew Cleeland, Fogarty Innovation
Tamir Meiri, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC
Babak Nemati, Strategic Intelligence

From the Front Lines: The Current Status of Reimbursement in the U.S.
While the FDA regulatory environment has improved over the past decade, securing coding, coverage, and payment for novel medical technologies in a timely manner remains a challenge. This interactive session will cover efforts to accelerate CMS coverage for innovative medical technologies, challenges with the AMA CPT process, and efforts to drive greater transparency and accountability with Medicare Advantage and private payors.

Moderator: James Huie, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Michael Beebe, ADVI Reimbursement and Health Policy Advisory Services
Josh Makower, Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign

How IP Affects Valuation
This panel will feature investors providing valuable insights into the relevance of IP to their investments, whether IP can affect the valuation of a company, key do’s and don’ts for companies developing their IP, and best practices for companies without in-house counsel. 

Moderator: Maya Skubatch, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Andrew Farquharson, InCube Ventures
Uri Greenwald, Khosla Ventures
Bill Hyun, Genoa Ventures 

Commercialization Strategies for Medical Device and Digital Health Companies
Join industry veterans as they share effective strategies for product commercialization, branding, and marketing, as well as insights on how to avoid common pitfalls as you gear up for a successful commercial launch.

Moderator: Christine Au-Yeung, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Paul Grand, MedTech Innovator
Sabeen Shaikh, LifeSciences Consultants
Arna Ionescu Stoll, Wavely Diagnostics

MTI Startup Showcase 6: Gastroenterology & Urology (Digestion & Excretion)

3:45 – 4:00 p.m.

Break

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

MedTech Innovator Vision Award Competition
The Vision Award recognizes five visionaries within the 2024 cohort of MedTech Innovator (MTI). Now the largest accelerator of medical technology in the world, MTI has graduated 612 alumni who have raised $8 billion in follow-on funding and brought more than 310 products to market. The finalists in this competition are chosen by the prior votes of 300+ MedTech Innovator peer CEOs and corporate partners based on this criteria: If you weren’t at your company, would you quit your job to work for this company or at least personally write them a check? Your votes will now determine how much funding each of these five visionaries receive from the $25,000 prize pool. First place will also be profiled in an issue of the MedTech Strategist. This is the first of five competitions in MedTech Innovator’s 2024 Accelerator program that will award over $800K in non-dilutive funding. Don’t miss this exciting session!

Moderator: Paul Grand, MedTech Innovator

Judges:
Harmeet Chhabra, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Virginia Giddings, Edwards Lifesciences
Tamir Meiri, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC

5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Venture Capital Uncorked: Wine Tasting