Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention, Treatment, and rehabilitation

The University of Texas System is a leading public university system in the United States, dedicated to improving lives through education, health care, and research. With over 256,000 students enrolled across 14 institutions, the UT System is committed to providing affordable access to higher education and producing a skilled workforce to drive Texas's economy.

SIMETRI is a woman-and-minority owned small business based in Winter Park, Florida, specializing in modeling, simulation, and training technologies. Founded in 2009, the company focuses on delivering innovative products and services that enhance the human experience and improve client outcomes through advanced training and program management analysis.

The Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) is a member-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the bioeconomy of the United States. Its mission encompasses enhancing manufacturing, healthcare, and education and workforce development, aiming to create a scalable and effective manufacturing ecosystem for engineered cells, tissues, and organs.

Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.

DePuy Synthes, the Orthopaedics Company of Johnson & Johnson, is dedicated to keeping people moving through innovations in orthopaedic surgery, support, and education. With a comprehensive portfolio in joint reconstruction, trauma, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery, and sports medicine, DePuy Synthes aims to advance patient care while delivering clinical and economic value to healthcare systems worldwide.

NervGen Pharma Corp is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments to enable nervous system repair in cases of traumatic injury and disease. Their lead drug candidate, NVG-291, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial for spinal cord injury, with additional preclinical evaluations for conditions such as ischemic stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company is also advancing a new development candidate, NVG-300, in preclinical studies.

MTF Biologics is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to saving and healing lives by honoring the gift of tissue donation. They process tissue grafts from human donors for a wide range of clinical applications, positively impacting lives globally. MTF Biologics integrates service, science, and advocacy to improve healthcare and wellbeing, while also supporting research and innovation in tissue transplantation.

MediCarbone is an Arizona-based orthopedic medical device startup founded in 2019, focused on revolutionizing bone fracture repair through minimally invasive, customized intramedullary nailing technology. The company utilizes patented carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer applications and AI technology to enhance patient outcomes in orthopedic treatments.

Maverick Labs is a U.S.-based biotechnology and materials science company specializing in advanced protein design, synthetic biology, and microbial engineering. The company operates through three tightly integrated subsidiaries—Maverick Metals, Maverick Energy, and the Maverick Bio-Gene Therapy Translational Unit—each of which applies a shared technological foundation to tackle critical challenges across national defense, energy independence, and strategic material access. Together, they develop scalable, field-ready solutions that reinforce the United States’ industrial resilience and military readiness through biotechnology-driven innovation.

Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General) is a world-renowned academic medical center and the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Mass General is recognized for its commitment to high-quality patient care, innovative research, and comprehensive educational opportunities. The hospital operates the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, fostering collaboration among leading clinicians and scientists to bridge innovation science with state-of-the-art clinical medicine. Mass General for Children (MGfC) is a leader in pediatric care, offering more than 50 medical specialties and 15 surgical services, and is home to the only proton beam facility in New England. The hospital is dedicated to serving local and global communities, training the next generation of healthcare professionals, and advancing medical knowledge through groundbreaking research, multidisciplinary care, and a strong commitment to family-centered and equitable healthcare.

GreenLifeTech has developed a safe, non-chemical means of removing oxygen from within a closed container operated at atmospheric pressure (no vacuum). This inert environment allows for the extending the shelf life of perishable material. Initially, the focus was on fresh produce which can have its shelf life extended by up to 3 - 5x, thereby reducing food waste and promoting healthier living. An EPA SBIR phase II contract has already been awarded for implementation of the technology in consumer refrigerators. In addition, the technology is applicable to preserving transfusion blood. NIH and US Army studies have already shown that storing blood in an anaerobic environment improves the quality and extends the shelf life of blood. The GreenLifeTech now makes this cost effective and applicable in the field.

The American Burn Association (ABA) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injury. With over 3,000 members worldwide, ABA focuses on promoting and supporting burn-related care, prevention, education, and research. The association brings together professionals from various disciplines to advance quality care, advocate for prevention, provide educational resources, and foster research in the field of burn injuries. ABA is also recognized for its leadership in advocacy, professional development, and the establishment of best practices and guidelines for burn care. The ABA regularly hosts conferences, develops clinical guidelines, and partners with organizations to raise awareness and improve outcomes for burn survivors.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, and community engagement. As a premier public research university, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic development, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

SolasCure is dedicated to transforming chronic wound care through innovative therapeutic solutions. The company is at the forefront of developing Aurase Wound Gel, a breakthrough enzymatic debrider designed to return chronic wounds to healing. SolasCure aims to shift the paradigm in wound care by providing high-impact, safe, and effective treatments that address the underlying causes of wounds rather than just managing symptoms. With a strong focus on research and development, SolasCure is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of patients worldwide.

Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.

SERDA Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative solutions for wound care, particularly in the treatment of burn injuries and chronic ulcers. The company aims to provide fast and effective therapeutic debridement through its proprietary enzymatic product, SN514, which is designed to enhance healing by selectively removing necrotic tissue.