Octane OC’s Post

Octane is proud to support the Every cancer. Every life.® Event of Orange County, where the community comes together with the American Cancer Society to make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer. Taking place on October 18, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center, this unique and immersive event celebrates every life touched by cancer and honors those lost too soon. It’s a chance for everyone to gather, remember, and rally for change in powerful, engaging ways. This special evening will be filled with hands-on experiences, inspiring storytelling, and family-friendly activities. From life-size games to food trucks, live bands, and interactive zones, this event is more than just a gathering—it’s a community-driven movement to support survivors, thrivers, and everyone impacted by cancer. Encourage your team, friends, and family to join in fostering a culture of hope and resilience. Be part of this mission to create a brighter future for every life touched by cancer. Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gD8bTcKx #AmericanCancerSociety #EveryCancerEveryLife

Get ready for an engaging and impactful event! Join us next week for the Women Leaders of Octane October meeting, featuring the incredible Celine Martin, Company Group Chairman, Electrophysiology, Neurovascular and Aesthetics & Reconstruction, Johnson & Johnson MedTech Celine Martin leads high-growth MedTech businesses generating over $5 billion annually and supporting more than 14,000 employees. Based in Irvine, CA, Celine has driven Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s advancements in atrial fibrillation, stroke, and minimally invasive surgery, establishing a West Coast hub for the company. She actively serves on the boards of Octane OC and the CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County, supporting local economic growth. A champion for women in STEM and diversity initiatives, her leadership team is predominantly female, and she has been recognized by Fierce Biotech, the Los Angeles Times, and the Orange County Business Journal. Celine holds an MBA from Wake Forest University, a master’s in marketing from EM Normandie, and has completed executive programs at Harvard, INSEAD, and MIT Sloan. This is your opportunity to gain insights from one of the MedTech industry’s most visionary leaders. Don’t miss the chance to be inspired and empowered by her remarkable journey. Register today and join us for this unforgettable event! WLO is free to join. You must register to join. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/g4pbYxth #WomenLeaders #MedTech #CelineMartin #Inspiration #WLO

Elevate Your Vision at the Aesthetics Tech Forum 2025 – Pitch for Capital and Propel Your Growth! Are you leading innovation in aesthetics and ready to make an impact? This is your moment to shine. Octane’s Aesthetics Tech Forum 2025 is the ultimate platform to present your cutting-edge solutions to an elite audience of high-net-worth angel investors, venture capitalists, strategics, and industry visionaries. Pitch your technology, gain valuable insights from top experts, and position your company to attract the capital and partnerships that fuel growth. Join us January 9-10, 2025, at Pendry Newport Beach, where game-changing ideas are recognized with the prestigious People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice Awards. This forum is more than just a stage—it’s a launching pad for future leaders in aesthetics innovation. Don’t miss this rare chance to connect with investors and partners who can help you scale. Apply now to be a trailblazer in Aesthetics Tech! Apply Today: https://lnkd.in/gduUAnMX #ATF2025 #AestheticsTech #InnovationLeaders #Entrepreneurs #InvestmentReady

In a thought-provoking panel discussion, experts gathered to address the ethical dimensions of AI adoption in healthcare, particularly focusing on issues of bias, privacy, and transparency. Moderated by Shawn Collins, Partner at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth LLP, the panel highlighted the need for vigilant oversight to prevent existing inequalities from being amplified by AI technologies. Sam King, FHFMA, FHIMSS, EHRC Past President of HFMA and HIMSS SoCal, emphasized that socioeconomic factors often overlooked in datasets contribute to bias, affecting access to care. Sharief Taraman, MD, DABPN, DABPM, FAAP, CEO of Cognoa, argued that bias isn’t exclusive to AI but reflects broader systemic issues in healthcare. He emphasized the importance of intentional data sourcing and diverse validation sets to ensure algorithms reflect a broad population. Yu Zhao of Bridging Consulting LLC noted that underrepresented data can lead to biased AI, underscoring the need for clear validation processes. Transparency and accountability emerged as key themes, with the panelists advocating for AI “nutrition labels”—clear documentation outlining how AI models are trained and where their limitations lie. Dr. Taraman suggested that, like a physician, AI should be able to “admit” when it doesn’t have the answer, fostering trust among users. Zhao pointed out that while the FDA is beginning to explore labeling for responsible AI usage, the healthcare sector needs to actively develop these standards to ensure that patients are fully informed when AI tools influence their care. As healthcare technology advances, the panel explored concerns around accessibility, questioning whether AI-driven healthcare models might inadvertently worsen disparities. Dr. Taraman shared that while AI has the potential to democratize healthcare, exclusive compatibility with specific devices could restrict access.

The second session of, Octane portfolio companies took the stage to present their cutting-edge solutions, with the generous support of our sponsor, Insperity. Emceed by Natalie A. Harney, CBPA, at Insperity, this final session spotlighted five trailblazing companies: Corstasis Therapeutics: developed new outpatient options for patients suffering from fluid overload associated with CHF, Liver and Kidney disease. MemoryCareAI: Revolutionizing Memory Care with AI Driven Solutions Zuno Medical, Inc.: Zuno Medical's Smart Container is designed to increase surgical revenue. Aruna Revolution: Compostable menstrual products that are better for the body & planet  Prosetta Biosciences Inc: a biotech start-up that restores cellular homeostasis to treat diseases. These innovators introduced transformative advancements across various medical fields, aiming to reshape patient care and accelerate growth in healthtech. We extend our gratitude to our esteemed panel of judges—Doug Faunce, PhD, Executive Director, Head of Search and Evaluation for Eye Care, AbbVie; Randy Fisher, Director, Private Capital Development, Insperity; and MK Raheja of MK Raheja Advisory Services—for their invaluable insights and expertise. #OMIF2024 #OctanePortfolioCompanies #Innovation

In an insightful session on global expansion, experts from leading international organizations discussed the opportunities and challenges for MedTech startups aiming to enter diverse markets. Moderated by Adam Lohr, CPA, Partner and Western Region Life Sciences Leader at RSM, the panel examined essential strategies for navigating international healthcare systems, regional regulations, and tailored reimbursement approaches. Mohammad E. Kondri, MPH, MIS/MBA from the Canadian Consulate General highlighted that understanding shifting regulatory landscapes and cultural sensitivities are vital for a successful market entry, while Tim Pratt from ICON plc emphasized the importance of ensuring trial populations are representative of the intended market. Yosuke Matsubara of Teijin Limited shared key insights into Japan’s reimbursement systems, stressing the importance of grasping country-specific payment and medical guidelines. Chi Tran from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council highlighted Hong Kong's robust infrastructure and funding avenues, positioning it as an attractive launchpad into the Asia-Pacific region. Each expert underscored that global expansion in MedTech isn’t merely about financial resources; it requires deep knowledge of regional healthcare practices, partnerships, and timing—factors that can drive innovative healthcare solutions to new heights in markets worldwide. #OMIF2024 #GoingGlobal #GeoExpansion

Day two’s first session of Octane portfolio companies showcased their innovative solutions, thanks to the support of our sponsor, Insperity. Emceed by Natalie A. Harney, CBPA, the session featured pitches from five groundbreaking companies: Moonrise Medical: develops an AI-enabled ultrasound-based guidance system for the management of peripheral vascular disease Finally Quiet!: enhances dental care with innovative, AI-driven noise-cancellation technology. PulseMedica: developing an ophthalmic medical device platform for non-invasive, image-guided laser treatment of vitreoretinal disease. Elle, MD Biotechnologies: developing zero-compromise, non-hormonal birth control. OraQ AI: OraQ's AI/ML guides precision-based treatment strategies for optimal oral health and increased treatment acceptance! These companies introduced advancements spanning multiple medical fields, aimed at revolutionizing patient care and driving growth in healthtech. A special thank you to our esteemed judges—Clint Carnell, Founder & Managing Partner, Greyspace; CEO, InBrace; Founder, OrangeTwist; Fauad Hasan, Director, Appell.ai; and Todd Zive, CEO, ZGL Group, Inc.—for lending their expertise and thoughtful feedback. #OMIF2024 #OctanePortfolioCompanies #Innovation

Anthony Chang, MD, MBA, MPH, MS, Chief Intelligence and Innovations Officer at CHOC Children's and Founder of AIMed, delivered an insightful keynote on the lessons he's learned from three decades of innovation in healthcare. Reflecting on his experience with six companies—one successful exit, three ongoing, and two that closed—Chang shared three key takeaways for aspiring innovators. First, he emphasized the critical importance of listening to potential customers, especially clinicians, early on. He noted that one of his biggest mistakes was falling in love with a technology and presenting it as indispensable before truly understanding user needs, particularly within AI. For Chang, startups need to focus less on talking and more on gathering feedback to ensure solutions meet real-world demands. Chang also discussed the role of timing in innovation, using the metaphor of a stopwatch to underline that even the most impressive technology can fail if introduced before the market is ready. He noted that timing is often more crucial than the team or available resources, as early adopters may not be prepared for a new product without sufficient education and a clear path to adoption. His final advice centered on resilience and strategic adaptation, or what he calls “pivoting with perseverance." He urged innovators to anticipate challenges and be ready to adjust as needed, treating the journey of innovation as a marathon rather than a sprint. This approach, Chang concluded, enables companies to navigate setbacks with agility while remaining aligned with market needs. We are honored to have Dr. Anthony Chang with us, sharing his invaluable insights and experience. His dedication to advancing healthcare innovation and AI is truly inspiring, and we are proud to recognize his contributions to shaping the future of medicine. #OMIF2024 #Keynote #AIMed24

Day 2 of Octane's Medical Innovation Forum kicked off strong with an engaging panel that brought together top MedTech executives to share their insights on the future of healthcare technology. Moderated by Jim Mazzo, Executive Chairman of Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Co-Founder of Octane, the discussion set the tone for an inspiring day of innovation and strategic vision. Christine Heyninck-Jantz from Edwards Lifesciences emphasized the role of AI in cardiovascular advancements, highlighting a shift towards multi-modal data and wearable sensors to personalize patient care. She noted that AI’s applications could extend across various medical fields, driving innovation from research labs directly to clinical settings. Doug Faunce, PhD, of AbbVie Ventures, and Biren Mehta from Johnson & Johnson also shared insights on effective partnerships, underscoring that a strong partnership relies on early communication and alignment of goals. Both executives highlighted the complexities of partnership dynamics, with Mehta likening it to a “dance” where clarity and shared vision are essential. Addressing challenges in MedTech collaborations, the panelists discussed how large firms manage partnerships with smaller startups. Doug Faunce emphasized the importance of recognizing external innovation and supporting it with AbbVie’s resources, while remaining transparent about goals and potential conflicts. Christine Heyninck-Jantz shared similar views, particularly on maintaining quality standards when acquiring smaller companies with unique cultures. The panel also tackled regulatory challenges, with Faunce mentioning his board-level involvement to keep startups aligned with evolving regulatory standards. In all, the discussion offered a rare window into the strategies shaping MedTech’s future, from AI integration to navigating strategic alliances. #OMIF2024 #ViewFromStrategics 

To close out Day 1 of Octane’s Medical Innovation Forum, our “Innovations and Impact: The Neurovascular Frontier in Orange County” panel highlighted the convergence of neurovascular and neuroscience advancements right here in Southern California. With expert insights from Mark Dickinson, World Wide President Neurovascular at Johnson & Johnson MedTech; Jag Dosanjh, President Neurosciences & Eye, SVP at AbbVie; and Azadeh Nasibi, Vice President of Business Development at Medtronic’s Neurovascular Operating Unit, the discussion explored how collaborative efforts in Orange County are accelerating breakthroughs to address complex neurological conditions. Moderated by Khurram Mir, Director of Innovation at UCI Health, the panel emphasized the significance of Orange County as a thriving hub for neruo innovation. Dickinson discussed the critical role of nurturing local talent and creating a collaborative ecosystem, while Dosanjh highlighted how forums like these foster connections between scientists, investors, and startups to propel innovation forward. Nasibi emphasized the substantial opportunities for stakeholders to advance treatments, particularly with approved therapies that are still underutilized. This panel offered a preview of what’s to come at the Neuro Tech Forum in April 2024, setting the stage for Orange County as a global leader in neurovascular and neuroscience innovation. We look forward to welcoming trailblazers from across the industry to continue building on these impactful discussions. #OMIF2024 #NTF2025 #FoundingPartners