IDEA Camp Seeks Innovative Medical Technology, Clearwater

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center will be holding its next IDEA camp on Dec. 2^nd in Clearwater. What makes this IDEA camp unique from past events is what the center seeks.

“We are looking for any type of technology related to medical devices at the next IDEA camp,” says Danielle Weitlauf, new venture manager for the Tampa Bay Innovation Center. “The technology can come from anywhere. A doctor that has created a device that works better in their office, a company already in the medical device industry with a new product, or a company in a different field that has created a medical device they want to test. ”

This will be the first IDEA camp that focuses solely on medical devices. Weitlauf says it is the strong medical presence in the Tampa Bay region that inspired the camp.  Due to that medical presence, the innovation center will have plenty of mentors and industry professionals on hand to help attendees develop a pitch for their product.

“Our mentors for the day will walk around and help attendees with the development of their value attributes, assumptions and pitches,” says Weitlauf. "Toward the end of the day, attendees will pitch to an audience of 75 individuals in the medical device industry or investment area. During the process of the day, innovators can determine whether their medical device is ready for the next level or if they should focus on other ventures.”

Only 15 medical device technology concepts will be accepted for the IDEA camp. Those interested need to apply by Nov. 11. Applications are available online through the innovation center’s website.

IDEA camp will be held on Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Petersburg College Collaborative Labs, 13805 58^th St. N. in Clearwater.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Danielle Weitlauf, Tampa Bay Innovation Center