Innovate2Impact Connects Tufts Researchers to Commercialization
When researchers at Tufts Medical School develop breakthrough health innovations, they face a common challenge: How do you move from laboratory success to patient impact?
That's why the Clinical & Translational Science Institute partnered with the Auster Center for Applied Innovation and Research to create Innovate2Impact—a program that connects medical researchers with the commercialization expertise, industry networks, and funding needed to bring health innovations to market.
CTSI brought clinical and translational research expertise from Tufts Medical School. The Auster Center contributed technology commercialization expertise, NSF I-Corps training, and connections to industry partners and investors. Together, they built a complete pathway from early concept to funded venture.
The program launched with an Innovation Expo, where researchers showcased innovations and received feedback from industry experts and clinical specialists. The Expo drew 108 attendees from 40 Massachusetts organizations, underscoring broad interest across academia, healthcare, industry, and the innovation ecosystem. Finalists received mentorship and an invitation to compete for up to $50K at the Impact Launchpad—a pitch event for early-stage health innovations with growth potential.
The Impact Launchpad offered an early look at emerging ideas and opportunities for investment, collaboration, and partnerships, and was co-sponsored by Tufts, Northeastern, and MIT, with statewide engagement.