Tag: medical

Podcast

New Episode of the BioVentures Podcast with Dr. Kevin Sexton

In this episode of the BioVentures Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kevin W. Sexton (surgeon, scientist, and former BioVentures president) to explore his journey from clinical practice to successful health tech innovation. Dr. Sexton shares how early exposure to entrepreneurship and key mentorship moments led him to develop predictive healthcare software later acquired by a Fortune 500 company and reflects on the lessons learned from both successes and failures along the way. Our conversation dives into the realities of innovation in healthcare, from navigating complex adoption barriers and aligning stakeholders, to choosing between software and medical device solutions. Dr. Sexton emphasizes the importance of focusing on real problems, understanding customer needs, and creating true value in the market. He also discusses emerging trends in digital health, including the growing role of AI, faster development cycles, and the evolving landscape of software as a medical device. Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights on commercialization, startup strategy, and how innovation can become a meaningful part of an academic career.

April 28, 2026

Opportunities

Last Days to Apply for MIEHT: Applications Close April 30

There is still time to apply for the Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors Track (MIEHT), but the deadline is quickly approaching. Applications for the next MIEHT cohort will close on April 30. Hosted by BioVentures at UAMS, MIEHT is a four-year honors track designed for medical students who want to build the skills to identify unmet clinical needs, develop practical healthcare solutions, and explore the path from innovation to implementation. The program gives students hands-on exposure to clinical problem-solving, customer discovery, early-stage innovation, and healthcare entrepreneurship. Through MIEHT, participants learn how to move beyond identifying problems in medicine to actively designing solutions that improve care delivery, clinical workflows, and patient outcomes. Students in the program gain access to mentorship, innovation frameworks, commercialization guidance, and a growing community of clinician-innovators working to improve healthcare from within. MIEHT is designed for students interested in innovation, translational problem-solving, and the future of healthcare, whether their interests lie in devices, systems, workflows, or new models of care. If you are interested in becoming part of the next cohort, now is the time to apply. Applications close April 30. Click here to Apply Now

April 27, 2026

Blog

Applications Now Open for BioVentures’ Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors Track (MIEHT)

The MIEHT program offers structured training in need identification, customer discovery, problem triaging, and iterative solution development. Through seminars, hands-on exploration, and mentorship, students gain practical experience in evaluating clinical challenges and advancing innovative concepts that can improve patient care and healthcare system efficiency.

February 20, 2026

Events

UAMS Showcase of Medical Discoveries Highlights BioVentures-Supported Innovation

The latest UAMS Showcase of Medical Discoveries, held on October 22 at the Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, celebrated the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship driving research at UAMS. The event featured projects supported by BioVentures LLC, UAMS’ technology transfer office and business incubator, underscoring how discoveries in the lab are evolving into real-world health solutions and startups across Arkansas. Eric Peterson, Ph.D., President of BioVentures, opened the event by highlighting the courage it takes for researchers to move their discoveries toward commercialization, noting that “commercialization is a pathway to getting biomedical inventions to the bedside.” Attendees explored a diverse range of innovations, from new cancer immunotherapies and diagnostic assays to medical devices, AI-driven imaging tools, and novel drug candidates. Projects included the Smart Tracheal Collar, a reusable monitoring device for pediatric patients with tracheostomies, and StaphGuard Biofilm, a first-in-class small molecule developed by VanGuard Biofilm LLC to prevent implant infections. Daniel Voth, Ph.D., UAMS Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation, emphasized the critical role of BioVentures in helping UAMS investigators protect intellectual property, form startups, and connect with industry partners and investors. The event drew a strong crowd of faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs, reflecting the growing momentum of commercialization efforts across the UAMS campus. Each project showcased the power of collaboration between science and business to advance healthcare and strengthen Arkansas’s biomedical economy. A full gallery of photos from the event is available below.

November 5, 2025