In this episode, Dr. Malcolm Townes breaks down how WashU is building a more execution-focused commercialization engine through its Gap Fund, designed to advance non-drug, non-therapeutic technologies by funding the technology (not startups) to avoid conflicts and drive sharper development decisions. He shares why hands-on, milestone-based funding and rigorous customer discovery are essential to uncovering “unknown unknowns,” preventing expert blindness, and aligning products with real clinical workflows. The conversation also explores how WashU leverages EIRs and Venture Fellows to add commercialization horsepower, why “coachability” is the strongest predictor of success, and what innovators most often miss: FDA clearance isn’t enough—market access and reimbursement require different proof, data, and strategy.

Dr. Malcolm Townes LinkedIn
Washington University in St. Louis Gap Fund Website
Duane Mancini LinkedIn
Project Medtech Website
Project Medtech LinkedIn

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