Two Winners Chosen for APCI, MedTech Color ‘Make Your Medical Device Pitch for Kids!’ Competition

Months after announcing five finalists for the most recent edition of the Make Your Medical Device Pitch for Kids! Competition focusing on recognizing and supporting African American and Hispanic pediatric medical device innovators, the Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation (APDI),  a federally funded consortium led by Children’s National Hospital, and MedTech Color have awarded two winners: Rubitection and Kofimi Technology Inc.

In relation to why it was decided to focus on pediatric medical devices for the competition, Katrina Holland, MedTech Color executive director, told MD+DI, "MedTech Color made the decision to focus on the pediatric population as a part of pitch to increase our impact. Though many believe the market is too small to invest in, we believe the opposite because the downstream impact of improving healthcare outcomes for people of color is significant. We are starting at the beginning of the life cycle for this reason."

The winners were selected from five finalists who had been previously handpicked from 27 pediatric entries by MedTech Color and APDI judges. Those finalists gave pitch presentations on their innovations, including its attributes, benefits to patients, and pathway to commercialization to five expert judges. The event was held on March 15 at the University of California, Los Angeles, as part of the annual MedTech Color Pitch Competition during LA MedTech Week 2024.

“We believe there is a community of companies focused on platforms that treat or diagnose pediatrics,” said Kwame Ulmer, founder of MedTech Color, in the press release announcing the winners. “This partnership allows us to significantly increase the support we provide for entrepreneurs in this area. We are delighted to be a part of the Children's National community to drive positive patient outcomes." 

Rubitection and Kofimi received a combined $50,000 in grant funding from APDI, which was made possible by FDA to support advancement of pediatric medical technologies. Additionally, all finalists received access to a network of supportive resources and expertise as part of their connection to APDI and MedTech Color.

“Funding innovators of African American and Hispanic backgrounds is crucial for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives because it addresses systemic barriers and inequities that have historically hindered this group from accessing resources and opportunities in the life sciences sector,” said Kolaleh Eskandanian, PhD, MBA, PMP, vice president and chief innovation officer at Children’s National and APDI program director and principal investigator, in the release. “Supporting a diverse group of innovators enriches the research and development process by bringing a variety of perspectives and viewpoints representing all populations.”