Patents

Patents create legal protection and commercial incentives that speed development, licensing, and fielding of military-relevant medical technologies. They enable tech transfer, attract investment for regulatory testing, and help sustain manufacturing of innovations across combat casualty care, infectious disease countermeasures, regenerative medicine, and prolonged or austere clinical delivery.

Technical Challenges

  • Translating bench inventions (biomaterials, cell therapies) through regulatory pathways to safe, manufacturable products suitable for austere deployment.

  • Protecting software, algorithms, and AI for diagnostics and decision support in jurisdictions with evolving IP and export controls.

  • Reconciling rapid innovation cycles with DoD contracting, security classification, and battlefield testing constraints.

  • Addressing multi-disciplinary patent landscapes for combination products (device + biologic + software) that complicate freedom-to-operate.

Emerging Opportunities

  • Standardized, military-aware licensing frameworks that permit rapid field evaluation and wide civilian benefit.

  • Clear guidance on patenting biomanufacturing methods and supply-chain resilient processes for deployed settings.

  • Mechanisms to manage third-party IP (background patents) in consortia projects to avoid delays in deployment.

  • Faster alignment between patent strategy and regulatory evidence generation for trauma and prolonged-field-care devices.

Current and Emerging Technologies in Patents

Digital health & software IP

Patents covering algorithms, AI-enabled diagnostics, sensor fusion, and telemedicine platforms protect innovations that enable remote triage, decision-support in prolonged field care, and distributed force health monitoring.

Biomaterials & regenerative therapy IP

Patents for scaffolds, biologics, cell-processing methods, and combination reconstructive products protect innovations aimed at mitigating blast polytrauma, promoting bone and nerve regeneration, and enabling point-of-care tissue restoration.

Hemorrhage control & device IP

Patents on hemostatic materials, advanced tourniquets, miniaturized REBOA accessories, and novel suction or wound-care tools accelerate field-capable device development and ensure manufacturers can scale to meet surge demand.

Diagnostics, biosensors & molecular IP

Patents for rapid molecular assays, wearable biosensors, and multiplex platforms protect tools for early infectious-disease detection, sepsis recognition, and physiologic monitoring that preserve force readiness.

Manufacturing & supply-chain resilient IP

Patents covering modular manufacturing, point-of-care production methods, and sterilization or packaging innovations support deployment in austere or distributed environments where logistics are constrained.

Importance to Military Medicine

Accelerate fielding of lifesaving technologies

IP protection enables investment and partnerships needed to move hemorrhage control, airway, and resuscitation devices from prototype to deployed solutions.

Enable scalable manufacturing during crises

Patents support licensing and tech transfer that expand production capacity for vaccines, diagnostics, and medical countermeasures when outbreaks threaten force readiness.

Protect dual-use innovations for long-term sustainment

Securing IP encourages industry partners to invest in regulatory studies and post-market support required for austere-environment medical products.

Manage complex regulatory and operational risk

Strategic patenting clarifies ownership across software, biologics, and devices—reducing delays tied to freedom-to-operate disputes during urgent deployments.

Alignment with the MTEC Mission

Supports MTEC’s DoD-focused mission by enabling rapid transition of innovations into clinical practice and deployed care.

Encourages public–private partnerships and investment that accelerate regulatory evidence generation for military priorities such as hemorrhage control, infection countermeasures, and prolonged field care.

Facilitates scalable manufacturing and supply-chain resilience aligned with MTEC goals for rapid deployability and civilian benefit.

Helps manage multidisciplinary projects by clarifying IP rights for consortium-led research and accelerating technology maturation.

Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications

Combat casualty care: patented devices and biologics enable reliable hemorrhage control, innovative wound closure, and reconstructive therapies in forward environments.

Prolonged and distributed care: IP-protected telemedicine platforms, decision-support algorithms, and portable diagnostics maintain continuity of care when evacuation is delayed.

Infectious disease & biodefense: patented assays, vaccines, and sensor platforms speed detection and mitigation to preserve force readiness.

Explore MTEC Members with Patents Capabilities

MTEC members — spanning academic inventors, clinical investigators, industry manufacturers, and government labs — bring complementary IP experience: patent prosecution, licensing, regulatory strategy, and scale-up expertise. Explore member profiles to find partners for licensing, co-development, and rapid transition into deployed care.

24 Members with Patents capabilities.

Member
Astrapi Corporation

Astrapi Corporation is a leader in revolutionary communication methods, specifically through spiral-based modulation. One capability is the Astrapi Spectrum Analyzer which enables an extremely precise method to measure continuously varying signal power which includes brain waves. This innovative technology is set to transform the next generation of communications by enhancing spectral efficiency and providing new ways to combat channel impairments. Astrapi's technology supports performance advances across various communications networks, including cellular, satellite, and defense communications, among others. Important medical applications of the Astrapi Spectrum Analyzer may include: 1. brain disorder diagnostics and measurement; 2. tumor localization; 3. enhanced prosthetics; and 4. brain-computer interfaces. Astrapi is in the process of spinning out a medical company to focus specifically on the medical applications of its Spectrum Analyzer. We welcome investors and collaborators. Our business model is to license to companies already in the medical field.

Member
IRAZÚ Bio-Holdings

IRAZÚ Bio-Holdings bridges the gap between academic research and drug development by partnering with academic investigators and university centers to accelerate translational research into clinical applications. The company focuses on increasing the value of transformative intellectual property assets and either licenses these to pharmaceutical companies or forms new ventures with VC groups. Their mission is to leverage natural biochemical mechanisms and innovative research to promote survival, prevent disease, and improve quality of life, especially in the context of neuroprotection, immuno-oncology, and gene therapy.

Member
The Conafay Group

The Conafay Group specializes in representing life sciences companies, universities, and other organizations in the biomedical space before the federal government and associated stakeholders. Since 2004, they have been helping clients advance their research and policy goals by leveraging federal government resources and building strong coalitions.

Member
PinMed, Inc.

PinMed, Inc., is a National Innovation Award-winning bioinformatics/medical-device company that develops high-fidelity cardiovascular monitoring systems, personalized (adaptive) software, and integrated systems and custom solutions for tracking cardiovascular data in the most challenging environments (e.g., intensive activity, extreme electromagnetic interference, and interventional cardiovascular procedures) and identifying subtle but clinically important indicators of cardiovascular events. PinMed’s award-winning solutions include versatile, multisensor, high-fidelity monitoring systems for various hospital and ambulatory settings. The company has extensive experience in electronic and mechanical engineering, development of software and firmware for various processors, computational modeling, and cardiovascular physiology. PinMed’s flagship mobile platform, PELEX, provides unparalleled versatility in physiological monitoring and has been cleared by the FDA for diagnostic 12-lead ECG testing and various types of ambulatory monitoring.

Member
Exponent

Exponent is a multidisciplinary science and engineering consulting firm serving sectors including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and consumer products. From medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and supplements to digital health and wearables, we deliver rigorous science that quantifies impacts on human health. Exponent helps you push the envelope on the development, deployment, safety, and effectiveness of cutting-edge drugs, devices, and diagnostics — concomitantly balancing benefits and risks. Count on our multidisciplinary, data-driven, evidence-based assessments to give you clarity on your most complex product needs and challenges. With lives on the line, innovations that support healthcare demand the highest levels of scientific rigor. Whether you’re developing a novel drug, a sturdier stent, or a faster flu test, you need clear answers to complex questions, quickly. Exponent supports our life sciences clients across the total product lifecycle by solving critical design, regulatory, safety, and market access challenges. We can collaborate with you throughout your journey, helping you navigate risks and opportunities — and optimize outcomes — with science-based strategies and specialized expertise.

Member
Kaléo

Kaléo is a global leader in drug-delivery device technology and auto-injector innovation, providing millions of patients with security and peace of mind. Our patented Aerio™ platform, with unmatched capabilities and human factors engineering, powers our portfolio of auto-injector products, as well as products under development for third parties.

Member
VETRUN LLC

VETRUN LLC is intentionally structured as a lean, project-focused organization designed to deliver complex, regulated medical products with speed, accountability, and cost efficiency. Rather than maintaining large internal departments for legal, regulatory, testing, manufacturing, and specialized engineering functions, VETRUN utilizes a distributed execution model, contracting with best-in-class service providers as required by each program. VETRUN works exclusively on one project at a time, enabling full leadership focus, rapid decision-making, and disciplined execution without competing internal priorities. This model allows VETRUN to assemble a tailored team of subject matter experts for each program, including legal counsel, FDA regulatory consultants, accredited testing laboratories, industry experts, contract manufacturers, and design and development partners. These relationships are not ad hoc. VETRUN has curated a robust network of U.S.-based (“Made in USA”) companies over more than 20 years, selecting partners with demonstrated experience in FDA-regulated medical devices, government programs, and high-reliability manufacturing. This long-standing network enables VETRUN to rapidly mobilize proven resources, scale capabilities as needed, and replace or augment services without disruption. By avoiding fixed overhead associated with large permanent staff and facilities, VETRUN maintains low indirect costs while preserving access to deep technical and regulatory expertise. This structure enhances flexibility, reduces financial risk, and allows resources to be applied directly to execution and milestone achievement rather than administrative burden. This execution model results in a company that is fast-moving, adaptable, and highly responsive, well-suited for time-sensitive programs requiring regulatory rigor, domestic manufacturing, and close coordination with Government stakeholders. VETRUN’s role is to serve as the integrator and accountable authority, ensuring that all partners operate cohesively toward a common objective while maintaining schedule discipline, quality compliance, and mission focus.

Member
Areté

Areté, founded in 1976, is a leading science and engineering company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for national and global security challenges. The company excels in developing advanced sensing products and software, operating from the seafloor to space. Areté's mission is to harness world-class talent to deliver superior solutions, while its vision focuses on using leading-edge science and engineering to protect the nation and the world. The company is known for its creativity, integrity, passion, responsiveness, and collaboration, fostering a unique company culture that emphasizes employee growth and innovation.

Member
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a nonprofit research and development organization that provides independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Founded in 1947, SwRI is committed to advancing science and technology to benefit humanity, focusing on innovative solutions that improve human health and safety. With a diverse range of technical divisions, SwRI addresses complex challenges in various fields including mechanical engineering, materials, aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and more.

Member
University of Louisville Office of Research and Innovation

The University of Louisville Office of Research and Innovation is a premier metropolitan research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering creativity, and driving innovation across diverse disciplines. Its mission is to support research, scholarship, and creative activity, translating UofL discoveries to benefit Louisville, Kentucky, the nation, and the world. Recognized as a top-tier 'Research 1' university, UofL supports a vibrant ecosystem of research centers, institutes, and collaborative initiatives spanning medicine, engineering, business, and the arts. The office provides robust support for postdoctoral fellows, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities and research tools, making it a hub for innovation, technology transfer, and startup development. UofL is committed to the highest standards of research integrity, compliance, and ethical conduct, ensuring responsible and impactful research outcomes. The office offers comprehensive resources for research participants, including specialized support for children in research, and maintains a strong focus on research policies, technology licensing, industry collaboration, and researcher development through training and funding opportunities. UofL's vision is to support ideas that change, improve, and even save lives, continuously raising the bar for research excellence and societal impact. The office is structured to provide specialized support through dedicated units, research deans, and operational teams, ensuring efficient management and advancement of the university's research enterprise. UofL also maintains transparent and federally compliant practices for indirect cost recovery, ensuring full cost recovery for sponsored projects and providing clear guidance on budget and financials for researchers and partners.

Member
Metis Foundation

The Metis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine through scientific, educational, financial, and project management support for federally and privately sponsored research, clinical trials, and education. Their mission is to innovate and transform defense health research to save and enhance the lives of service members, their families, and the communities they serve.

Member
Israel Innovation Authority

The Israel Innovation Authority is the central governmental body responsible for fostering and advancing Israel's innovation ecosystem. Its mission is to power innovation through investment, insight, and impactful programs, supporting high-tech entrepreneurship, deep-tech ventures, and global collaborations. The Authority provides non-dilutive funding, strategic support, and regulatory guidance to startups and established companies, ensuring Israel remains a global leader in technology and innovation. With a focus on sectors such as AI, bioconvergence, foodtech, climate tech, and more, the Authority bridges academia, industry, and international partners to address humanity's pressing challenges and drive economic growth. Israel's tech ecosystem, often called the "Startup Nation," is characterized by a culture of bold experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and resilience, making it a global powerhouse for innovation. The Authority also plays a pivotal role in shaping national innovation policy, supporting R&D, and facilitating co-investment opportunities for international investors. The Authority's unique features include proactive future-readiness, risk-absorbing investment models, global market integration, and resilience in times of crisis, such as the deployment of Fast-Track bridging funds to protect startups. The Authority also operates innovation centers and manufacturing accelerators to expand high-tech opportunities geographically and demographically, and regularly identifies and supports emerging technologies with high potential impact. The Authority supports a vast portfolio of startups and scale-ups across diverse sectors, including medical engineering, software, electronics, foodtech, biotech, and more, through programs such as Tnufa, Technological Incubators, R&D grants, and international collaborations.

Member
EverGlade Consulting

EverGlade Consulting connects public sector needs with private sector solutions, specializing in securing and managing non-dilutive federal funding. The company offers a range of services from proposal support to compliance with federal regulations, aiming to enhance the success rate of its clients in obtaining government funding.

Member
Leidos

Leidos is a leading systems integrator in science, technology, and engineering, dedicated to solving some of the world's toughest challenges. The company emphasizes a commitment to integrity, diversity, and sustainability while delivering innovative solutions across various sectors including defense, healthcare, and energy.

Member
Military & Health Research Foundation

The Military & Health Research Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing military technology and medical research. It serves as a communication bridge between innovative researchers and funding sources, focusing on delivering effective solutions for medical capability gaps. The foundation fosters collaboration among industry, academia, and military entities to enhance healthcare for American military personnel.

We are here to help

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Projects

Technology Showcase

See All Projects

Arizona State University

ASU Crosscutting Technologies to Enhance Military Medical Readiness and Resilience

Dr. Rachel Cassalia leads MTEC-supported efforts at ASU to shift military health from reactive care to proactive readiness through data-driven prevention.

University of Pittsburgh

Topical Metformin Lotion for Tendinopathy Prevention

University of Pittsburgh study shows topical metformin prevents overuse tendon injury. This work was sponsored through MTEC project 22-02-MPAI-014.

Theradaptive

Theradaptive’s RESTORE Trial Initiation for OsteoAdapt™ DE

Theradaptive launches RESTORE Phase I/II trial of OsteoAdapt™ DE for faster, precision bone healing in craniofacial injuries. MTEC-funded study targets improved recovery for military and civilian patients.

University of California San Francisco

TemPredict: AI-Driven Wearable Monitoring for Early Illness Detection and Warfighter Readiness

TemPredict: AI wearables detect early illness and health risks to support warfighter readiness.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Stay Connected with MTEC

Keep up with active and upcoming solicitations, MTEC news and other valuable information.