Two Life Science Companies Poised to Bring Life-Saving Technologies to Tennessee
Frontier Diagnostics, NeuroDyne graduate from the life science mentor network program
Nashville, Tenn. — Life Science Tennessee (LST), a statewide member organization whose mission is to advance and grow the life science industry in Tennessee, is pleased to announce the graduation of two companies from its innovative mentor network program: Frontier Diagnostics and NeuroDyne. The Life Science Network, which is administered in partnership with Launch Tennessee, pairs C-Suite executives and subject-matter experts with promising new companies and entrepreneurs through a mentoring program involving panel presentations and coaching sessions.
“We’re thrilled to see the pioneering entrepreneurs from Frontier Diagnostics and NeuroDyne graduate from our network and hone the skills they need to seek private investment,” said Jim Monsor, head of the Life Science Network. “The purpose of the network is to help life science startups build the best and strongest pitch to investors. Both Frontier Diagnostics and Neurodyne have refined their presentations and business plans over the course of the program and are excellent examples of emerging companies ready to take their technologies to market.”
First launched in 2015 by LST and Launch Tennessee, a public-private partnership that fosters entrepreneurship in the state, the purpose of the network is to develop quality startups and position them to raise capital and scale their businesses. To date, two other companies have graduated from the Life Science Network—for a total of four—with four companies in active stages of mentoring.
Frontier Diagnostics, which officially graduated on February 5, developed imaging mass spectrometry (IMS)—a proprietary technology that combines the spatial information of microscopy with the benefits of molecular testing that can be used by anatomic pathologists to make more objective diagnostic decisions.
NeuroDyne is a medical device company that developed SeizureSenz, a wearable seizure monitoring device that will enable doctors to monitor their patients’ seizure activity from their homes, in some cases by up to two hours before a seizure presents.
“The Life Science Network is a proven model to support and advance early-stage life science companies,” commented Charlie Brock, president and CEO of Launch Tennessee. “The network is not an incubator or accelerator. It is intentionally designed to be flexible and responsive to each company’s needs. As a result of this program, we have a growing pool of seasoned mentors and a portfolio of graduates who will bring new technologies, investment, and jobs to Tennesseans.”
In addition to support for a pitch and business plan, the Life Science Network also provides unique access to industry specific research assets, networking opportunities with LST members and partners, and opportunities to participate in Launch Tennessee’s programming.
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About Life Science Tennessee
Life Science Tennessee is a statewide, non-profit, member organization whose mission is to advance and grow the life science industry in Tennessee through advocacy, partnerships and alignment with economic and workforce development. Life Science Tennessee conducts business and economic development activities; advocates on behalf of the industry; educates the public about the benefits of life sciences research and product development; and provides a network for the exchange of ideas, information and opportunities. For more information, visit www.lifesciencetn.org.
About Launch Tennessee
Launch Tennessee is a public-private partnership that fosters entrepreneurship, with the goal of making Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the country. Partnering with six regional Entrepreneur Centers, Launch Tennessee provides access to technology skills development, capital formation, entrepreneurial resources and more for high-growth startups. Visit LaunchTN.org to discover what makes Tennessee the best place for innovative tech companies.
About Frontier Diagnostics
Frontier Diagnostics (FDx) developed a proprietary technology platform, called imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), that combines the spatial information of microscopy with the benefits of molecular testing to bring a much-needed capability to anatomic pathology. This capability complements existing pathology by adding objective diagnostic and prognostic capabilities based on the molecular expression of tissue rather than tissue morphology alone. This unique combination of capabilities positions FDx to revolutionize the $10B global clinical laboratory services market. FDx will complete validation of its first commercial assay, MelanoMapTM, in 2018 and will be prepared for commercial launch of the melanoma assay in 2019.
About NeuroDyne
NeuroDyne is a medical technology company providing innovative technology for diagnosis of neurological diseases. We have developed an ambulatory seizure monitoring device—reducing in-patient diagnosis costs and improving patient experience. Our device, SeizureSenz, is a wearable seizure monitoring device that will enable doctors to monitor their patients’ seizure activity from their homes.
