Q&A with Shawn Fojtik, CEO, Control Medical Technology and Distal Access.

WHY IS BEING IN UTAH IMPORTANT TO YOUR COMPANY?

Utah has a strong commitment to patient care and we can get more done for a given (venture) dollar.

WHAT DO YOU THINK UTAH DOES BETTER/BEST?

Return on investment.

WHAT DO YOU THINK UTAH DOES WELL IN SUPPORTING THE LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY?

Overall governmental support programs (TCIP, BiG, USTAR etc.) build a positive environment for entrepreneurs. Administration costs for a startup is the least-efficient spending. Support from shared services to providing matching fund grants, helps a new company focus dollars on innovation, prototyping, and commercialization.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR THE UTAH LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY?

Medical device commercialization is an apprentice-like business. Future leaders need mentors that allow developing talent to see and participate in how devices are commercialized.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE OR DESCRIBE THE UTAH LIFE SCIENCES ECOSYSTEM?

Strong ecosystem and talent base with high-growth potential.

HOW DO YOU INNOVATE?

We look for patient safety, procedural effectiveness, and/or financial gaps. Often, we draft behind more complex movements in the space, like atrial fibrillation treatment or complex stent-blood clot retrievers, with a simple technology to make those procedures safer, faster, better, and/or cost less.

WHAT ARE...