UM Ventures

Protaryx Medical Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing advanced transseptal access devices for minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with engineering operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company aims to enhance access to the left atrium during transcatheter interventions. Its innovative device facilitates precise and rapid septal crossing, providing surgeons with reliable access for catheter-based therapies. By prioritizing meaningful improvements, Protaryx Medical seeks to benefit both healthcare professionals and patients in the realm of cardiac care.

NeoProgen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing cell therapies targeting heart attack patients, with a focus on advancing neonatal cardiac progenitor cells. Through its innovative approach, NeoProgen aims to enhance treatment options in the field of cardiac therapy, contributing to the biotechnology sector.

NextStep Robotics Inc. manufactures a device to treat foot drop. The company provides clinics the ability to offer personalized robotic therapy through adaptive software that provides a personalized assistance as-needed approach. The software transitions into an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system to assess and assigns training protocols optimized for each patient’s deficit. NextStep Robotics Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.

CoapTech, Inc. is a medical device company based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing ultrasound-based solutions for feeding tube placement, primarily through its Point-of-care Ultrasound Magnet Aligned (PUMA-G) System. This innovative system enhances safety by using ultrasound visualization to guide the insertion of gastrostomy tubes, thereby eliminating risks associated with traditional methods such as PEG blind sticks, endoscope reprocessing, and fluoroscopy. CoapTech’s technology, known as Coaptive Ultrasound, utilizes strong rare-earth magnets for device placement and low-cost ultrasound for real-time visual feedback. This approach allows non-surgical providers to perform the percutaneous ultrasound gastrostomy (PUG) procedure efficiently and safely, improving patient care delivery while reducing healthcare costs. The company aims to disrupt multiple medical procedures by providing simpler, safer, and more affordable alternatives, focusing on enhancing access to quality medical services globally.

Medcura, Inc. specializes in developing advanced hemostatic products for various applications, including surgical, medical, and consumer markets. The company utilizes abundant natural materials to create innovative wound care solutions that effectively manage significant surgical bleeds. Its product range includes brands such as R3, Medcura Flex, LifeFoam, and Surgicura, which provide antibacterial barriers and enhance healing environments. Founded in 2007 and based in Riverdale, Maryland, Medcura was formerly known as gel-e, Inc. and rebranded in December 2019. The company's focus on versatile wound treatment positions it as a valuable resource in both clinical and non-clinical settings.