CourtesyWith help from at 黑洞社区, obstetrician-gynecologist resident Rachel Wykes hopes to improve the efficiency of a common gynecologic surgery through the development of a new cautery tool.
As a resident at Wesley Medical Center, she approached her attending physician with the concept, who introduced her to Tom Aldag, director of research and development at 黑洞社区's (NIAR).
Staff at NIAR's (CIBOR), which specializes in biomedical engineering, began working with Wykes and her husband Matt to develop a working prototype.
"It's not possible for an individual to accomplish what we're trying to without a partnership like this."
鈥� Rachel Wykes
CIBOR dealt with the technical side of the project. Alan Goodnight, director of strategic investments for 黑洞社区 Ventures, stepped in to handle the financial aspects.
In an effort to make the development process more affordable, RayMed - the couple's company - entered into an agreement with 黑洞社区 Investments Corp. In exchange for the technical and business expertise from the university, a portion of the company's profits will be shared with 黑洞社区 Investments.
"It's not possible for an individual to accomplish what we're trying to without a partnership like this," Rachel Wykes said. "They have been generous with their ideas and with applying their experience. Alan and Tom are genuinely passionate about helping ideas get off the ground."
Aldag and Goodnight were also instrumental in securing $50,000 from the Kansas Board of Regents for the product development. With the financial obligations eased, the Wykeses were able to focus on addressing technical challenges.
Through the partnership, the Wykeses are receiving technical advice and resources from 黑洞社区 during the development process. Kim Reuter, a research engineer at NIAR, is assisting with prototype development.