A Letter from GCMI Interim Executive Director Saylan Lukas – GCMI’s Continuing Commitment to Excellence in Medtech Innovation

Saylan Lukas headshot

Medtech and life science innovation is rigorous. It requires high levels of acumen and proficiency in multiple disciplines. It can also be immensely capital intensive.

Tiffany Wilson founded Atlanta’s Global Center for Medical Innovation (GCMI) in 2012 to help medtech innovators de-risk their technologies, increasing their odds of successful commercialization and positive patient outcomes within a capital efficient pathway. The organization originated with support from the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, and an i6 Challenge Grant.

In 2016 GCMI, a Georgia Tech affiliate, acquired responsibility for T3 Labs – an industry leading preclinical CRO – making GCMI truly an end-to-end medtech innovation center. More than six years on, the institutions determined that demand for costly preclinical work, especially good laboratory practices (GLP) studies required by regulatory submissions, is driven too far downstream in the product development process for optimal operational efficiency. GCMI therefore chose to focus on core design and development pathways in a more concentrated fashion leading to the November 2023 sale of T3 Labs to Veranex.

No, GCMI has not been “taken private.”

GCMI’s Continuing Commitment to Excellence in Medtech Innovation

GCMI remains a non-profit affiliate of Georgia Tech. As we have for more than a decade, we help clinician innovators, start up companies, engineers and scientists with university supported technologies, industry partners, hospitals and health systems realize and commercialize new medical technologies. We maintain ISO 13485 compliant quality management systems and possess expertise in all relevant subject matter critical to successful medtech innovation and commercialization. That expertise includes the imperative clinician’s perspective via our Medical Director and pediatric urologist, Emily Blum, MD. We can also serve as manufacturer of record for novel medical technologies including those used in compassionate use provisions and investigational studies.

Saylan Lukas demonstrating with a prototype

Our work in support of Georgia’s life science innovation ecosystem specifically includes Hong Yeo’s flexible wireless stethoscope, multiple projects in collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Piedmont Healthcare physicians and clinical teams, NFant Labs, OXOS Medical and GloShield by Jackson Medical among others. GCMI also plays a pivotal role in the Center for Medtech Excellence (CMTE), which is focused on catalyzing the development and commercialization of breakthrough biotechnology, medical devices, life science and therapeutic innovations. Within CMTE, we have supported Dr. Noze Best and it’s NozeBot Baby Nasal Aspirator and Hub Hygiene’s easySCRUB device.

Georgia’s medtech innovation ecosystem has all of the assets needed for success with high quality of life and lower cost of living compared to locales like Boston and the Bay Area with more august reputations in the discipline. Our ecosystem of clinicians, hospitals, patients, universities, engineers, entrepreneurs, investors, solutions providers and supporting state and municipal resources is robust. Atlanta specifically has additional biomarkers for medtech innovation like grant funding including the Georgia Research Alliance, startups spun out in the past, a mature funding ecosystem and patents issued. Our foundation is strong. Our growth potential is high and GCMI intends to actively foster that growth.

At the end of the day, GCMI is fully committed to successful medtech commercialization that improves outcomes. We welcome you to contact us at any point in a medical technology’s pathway from the ‘back of the napkin’ to the bench, manufacturing, bedside and beyond.

I invite you to take a moment to follow our new organizational profile on LinkedIn and take a look at our new web presence https://gcmiatl.org

Sincerely,

Saylan Lukas

Interim Executive Director, Global Center for Medical Innovation

Students can attend the Georgia Life Sciences Summit for just $150?

August 7, 2026
One of the biggest benefits of becoming a Georgia Life Sciences Student Member is access to discounted registration for Georgia's premier life sciences conference—bringing together CEOs, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the state. Better yet, Student Membership is only $25 per year , making it one of the best investments you can make in your future. The Georgia Life Sciences Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) is the official student membership community of Georgia Life Sciences, created to connect students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals with Georgia's thriving life sciences ecosystem. As an ELN member, you'll build meaningful peer-to-peer relationships, engage with industry leaders, explore career opportunities, and gain access to professional development programs designed to help you launch a successful career in the life sciences. As a member, you'll have opportunities to: Connect with fellow students, postdocs, and emerging professionals from across Georgia. Expand your network through peer-to-peer engagement and professional networking events. Learn from industry leaders and gain exposure to Georgia's life sciences ecosystem. Participate in workforce and career development programming. Access Career Connections Student members also receive exclusive access to the Georgia Life Sciences Career Connections LinkedIn Group , where you can: Discover internships and job opportunities. Connect with employers, recruiters, and industry professionals. Stay informed about career fairs, networking events, and workforce initiatives. Engage with a growing community of future life sciences leaders. Student Member Benefits Georgia Life Sciences Student Membership: $25/year Georgia Life Sciences Summit Registration: $150 Access to the Emerging Leaders Network Career Connections LinkedIn Group Networking events and professional development opportunities Industry news, workforce resources, and member communications Whether you're exploring careers in biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, digital health, or research, Georgia Life Sciences connects you to the people and opportunities that can help shape your future. Join today . Build your network. Advance your career.

Who will be Presenting at the Georgia Life Sciences Summit Startup Showcase

August 6, 2026
From breakthrough therapeutics to next-generation medical technologies, tomorrow's innovators take the stage at the Georgia Life Sciences Summit. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, the Startup Showcase will highlight eight of Georgia's most promising early-stage life sciences companies as they present their innovations during the Summit Luncheon on August 26. These emerging companies are tackling some of healthcare's biggest challenges across therapeutics, diagnostics, AI, and medical technology, while demonstrating the depth of innovation taking place throughout Georgia's life sciences ecosystem. Meet the 2026 Startup Showcase Companies: Abundance Biopharma Corporation Athna Biotech Atomistic Insights NovAb Nytricx Oridivus TremeBio YoungHeartValve Following the presentations, each company will participate in a live investor Q&A featuring an exceptional panel of venture leaders: Emily Dinu, Numinous Capital John Gutierrez, Ascenta Capital Dr. Emma Heckenberg, Solas BioVentures Patrick Jordan, NovaQuest Capital Management Tim Opler, Stifel Whether you're an investor looking for the next breakthrough, a corporate leader seeking innovative partners, or simply interested in the future of life sciences, the Startup Showcase offers a front-row seat to the companies poised to shape what's next. Join us August 25–26 at the Georgia Life Sciences Summit and discover the next generation of innovators driving Georgia's life sciences economy.

Georgia Life Sciences Applauds Congressman McCormick for Introducing Federal Biotech Leadership Legislation

July 24, 2026
July 24, 2026, Atlanta, GA - Georgia Life Sciences applauds Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) for introducing the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act , legislation designed to strengthen America's leadership in biotechnology by establishing a senior biotechnology leadership position within the U.S. Department of State. As biotechnology continues to drive breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and national security, the United States must remain a global leader in innovation while strengthening strategic partnerships with allies around the world. The proposed legislation recognizes biotechnology as a critical component of U.S. economic competitiveness and foreign policy and would help ensure that the federal government is well positioned to advance these priorities internationally. The legislation also reflects recommendations from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology , which called for a more coordinated national approach to advancing biotechnology and protecting U.S. leadership in this strategically important sector. "Georgia is home to one of the nation's fastest-growing life sciences ecosystems, and policies that strengthen America's global biotechnology leadership directly benefit innovators, researchers, manufacturers, and patients," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "We appreciate Congressman McCormick's leadership in recognizing biotechnology as both an economic engine and a strategic national priority." Georgia Life Sciences looks forward to working with policymakers at both the federal and state levels to advance policies that foster innovation, strengthen the U.S. bioeconomy, and ensure America remains the global leader in biotechnology.
MORE POSTS