UM Ventures

Protaryx Medical Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative 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 for transcatheter interventions. Protaryx's devices are designed to facilitate precise and rapid crossing of the septum, enabling surgeons to perform catheter-based interventions with greater reliability and efficiency. By improving access for both physicians and patients, Protaryx is dedicated to advancing the field of cardiac care.

NeoProgen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in the development of cell therapies for heart attack patients. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on advancing neonatal cardiac progenitor cells, aiming to innovate treatment options within the biotechnology and cardiac therapy sectors. NeoProgen is dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals affected by heart conditions through its research and therapeutic advancements.

NextStep Robotics Inc. is a company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in manufacturing a robotic device aimed at treating foot drop, a condition that affects walking ability. Established in 2017, the company enables clinics to offer personalized robotic therapy through an adaptive software system that assesses and provides tailored assistance to patients. This innovative approach allows lower-skilled clinic staff to operate the device, freeing therapists to concentrate on more hands-on treatments. The technology is designed to transition into an AI-based system that optimizes training protocols based on individual patient deficits, thereby improving therapy outcomes. NextStep Robotics’ device is classified as a Class 1 Exercise Device, allowing for immediate revenue generation through direct sales and leasing, software subscriptions, and service contracts, all while providing clinics with a reimbursable therapy option for patients who previously had no effective treatment.

CoapTech is an early-stage medical device company based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2016 by Dr. Tropello. The company specializes in researching and manufacturing ultrasound-based solutions for feeding tube placement. Its flagship product, the Point-of-care Ultrasound Magnet Aligned (PUMA-G) System, utilizes a patent-pending technology called Coaptive Ultrasound to enhance safety and reduce healthcare costs. This system employs strong rare-earth magnets for device guidance and real-time, low-cost ultrasound for visual feedback, enabling non-surgical providers to perform procedures such as Percutaneous Ultrasound Gastrostomy (PUG). By eliminating risks associated with traditional methods like organ damage, infections, or cancer from fluoroscopy, CoapTech aims to improve medical care delivery globally.

Medcura, Inc. is a company that specializes in the development of advanced hemostatic products for various applications, including surgical, military, and consumer settings. Based in Riverdale, Maryland, Medcura has created a versatile wound care platform that utilizes abundant natural materials to produce innovative products for managing significant surgical bleeds. The company's offerings, marketed under brand names such as R3, Medcura Flex, LifeFoam, and Surgicura, include solutions that not only control bleeding but also provide antibacterial barriers, promoting enhanced healing environments. Founded in 2007 and rebranded from gel-e, Inc. in December 2019, Medcura aims to improve bleeding management in both clinical and non-clinical scenarios.