usMIMA, start-up created through d·HEALTH Barcelona, wins BioEmprenedorXXI award 

usMIMA, a start-up that was created through the d·HEALTH Barcelona postgraduate program promoted by Biocat to accelerate innovation in medical technology for healthcare, was the winner of the 2014 edition of the BioEmprenedorXXI award, which recognizes the business projects in the life sciences sector with the greatest potential for growth.

usMIMA was recognized for its development of a wearable medical device controlled by central software that simulates therapeutic massages as a non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment for chronic constipation without side effects. The team is made up of four entrepreneurs with multidisciplinary profiles who detected the business opportunity while on a clinical immersion at the Institut Guttmann, as part of the d·HEALTH Barcelona program. The start-up received a cash prize of €12,000, as well as a free stay in the Barcelona Activa Glòries business incubator and fiscal and financial guidance from the Vilar Riba group, plus the status of an associated company at the Barcelona Science Park (PCB).

Additionally, Subtilis Biomaterials and Tractivus were chosen first and second runners-up in BioEmprenedorXXI, receiving €6,000 and €3,000 respectively and the status of associated companies at the PCB. Subtilis Biomaterials, a spin-off of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, designs, manufactures and markets orthopedic and dental bone-regeneration solutions. Tractivus, which is the result of a collaboration between GEMAT (Materials Engineering Group), Instituto Químico de Sarriá (IQS) and the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), has designed two types of technology with antibacterial properties to administer the proper dose of drugs over time, designed as a solution to stent-related complications.

The finalists also included the Kocoon project, also from d·HEALTH Barcelona, which has designed a sophisticated device that uses new materials to protect premature infants from excess noise.

“la Caixa”, the Barcelona City Council –through Barcelona Activa- and Biocat promote this award, valued at a total of €21,000, plus a package of growth-acceleration activities and training, internationalization and incubation actions, for the winning company and two runners-up.

Over the seven editions held so far, the BioEmprenedorXXI program has guided 108 business projects, 77 of which have set up companies, obtaining more than €41.5 millions in funding and creating more than 250 direct jobs.