What We Need
We need $30,000 for our team to develop the 3D printed ligament prototype this summer. The prototype will be completed by September 2017 which is when we will continue to the next phase of development that involves research trials to test ligament strength and bio-compatibility.
The $30,000 will go towards
- 3D Bioprinter
- PLGA or Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)
- Other materials including co-polymers, collagen, and hydrogels
- Provisional patent filing fees
- Autocad software upgrade
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Our Team and Mentors
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| Peter To | Vision | American University- Biology
Peter is focused on the success of this team to create a breakthrough solution for ACL reconstruction. He is devoted to the combination of STEM and business to create a successful company that brings rapid recovery from ACL surgery to sports medicine.
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| Cara Chao | Operations | American University- Biology
Cara is responsible for company operations and managing critical project timelines. She is a key player reviewing Flexadyne's strategic plans and implementation.
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| Michael Podielsky | Technical | American University- Biology
Michael leads design in research and development and is our 3D printing specialist. He is dedicated to building the best product for our customers. Michael brings 3 years of 3D design, CAD, and 3D printing expertise to our team.
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| Jennifer DeSimone | Outreach | American University- Biology
Jennifer, a NCAA Division I lacrosse team captain is extremely passionate about athletics and delivering this product to the sports community. She conducts customer validation, outreach, and marketing for our team.
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| Carl Moore | Media | American University- Film & Media Arts
Carl has worked extensively in media production and graphic design. He designs Flexadyne content that communicates and presents our vision.
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| Alexa Guittari | Engineering | Catholic University- Biomedical Engineering
Alexa works with our research and development. Her skills in CAD and background in engineering contributes to designing the files necessary for 3D printing the ACL. She is also a NCAA Division III athlete with special interests in developing a better ACL solution to help the sports community.
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| William Bellows | Business Mentor | American University
Professor Bellows, Co-Founder of Copithorne & Bellows and Co-Director of the AU Incubator brings a wealth of knowledge from the business world to guide us in building our startup.
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| Tommy White | Business Mentor | American University
Professor White, Co-Founder & Former CEO of IP3 and Co-Director of AU Incubator advises our team in finances, business strategy, and marketing.
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| Matthew Hartings, PhD | Science Adviser | American University
Dr. Hartings, a professor of Chemistry, conducts research in 3D printing and materials. His research has lead to novel 3D printing advancements. We consult with Dr. Hartings because of his expertise before finalizing decisions on materials, design, and 3D printing.
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The Flexadyne team is a venture in the AU Incubator
Why We Care
There are over 250,000 ACL injuries that occur each year in the United States and this team is personally connected and motivated by some of those stories. The start of Flexadyne was inspired at Reeves Field at American University. Peter To, our Co-Founder was upset but also inspired after seeing an ACL tear in an AU soccer game. He has seen ACL injuries happen again and again and has several close friends that have suffered the unfortunate season ending injury. ACL injuries are heartbreaking and unfortunately we have seen quite a few in American DI Athletics. Peter decided to put the Flexadyne team together to solve the ACL problem.
Traction
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Future Milestones
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Risks & Challenges
Our biggest challenge will be bio-materials safety and efficacy. Flexadyne has to show safety and efficacy in animal models before we can make a MVP and run clinical trials in humans. This will be the biggest overall hurdle between prototype and market entry.
The Flexadyne team is committed to working together in the AU Incubator with our mentors to develop prototypes in order to show this research data and stay on top of our project timeline! We are a driven multidisciplinary and technically trained team with lab experience and a touch of business committed to hitting our milestones!
Why Indiegogo
Funding from Indiegogo will contribute to getting our research and development team up and running. Additionally, Indiegogo is not only a funding platform for us but a medium for feedback. Contact us with your questions and comments!
The Flexadyne team is a venture in the AU Incubator
