Saginaw Future Inc., a Michigan-based economic development agency, has launched a medical devices and technology initiative designed to attract, retain, and assist medical device, diagnostic, and life sciences firms in the central region of the state. To date, the agency has raised nearly $700,000 for the initiative and is applying for a $2 million grant from a state fund designed to promote job growth and new investment in the state.

Sevrain: Guiding Michigan's medtech future.

Christophe Sevrain, former head of Delphi Medical Systems Corp. (Troy, MI), has been contracted to lead the new initiative. “Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, instrumentation, diagnostics, and biotech research are growing faster in Michigan than in any other state,” he says. “The Saginaw Valley's role will help keep that momentum going.”

Last fall, Saginaw Future received $100,000 in grants to develop strategy recommendations for regional development and job growth in the medical device and diagnostics industry. The funding was provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Saginaw Community Foundation, and Saginaw County Revolving Loan Fund. Working with a medical device and technology committee, which included representatives from regional medical device companies, Saginaw Future formulated a strategy for developing start-up and corporate spinout medtech companies, as well as supporting existing companies transitioning to medical manufacturing. The initiative will target the regional area of Saginaw, Bay, and Midland counties.

According to Sevrain, Michigan's historically strong presence in the automotive industry has built the infrastructure necessary to support medical device companies. “The Saginaw region understands advanced manufacturing and has a highly skilled workforce in place, which are key advantages to transitioning into medical manufacturing.”

Crary: Sparking change in mid-Michigan.

JoAnn Crary, president of Saginaw Future, says Sevrain's involvement in the initiative represents a significant opportunity for the mid-Michigan region. “Sevrain is an agent of change with extensive experience in start-up companies, which is what we will be creating with the initiative.”