The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced $400,000 in grants to support early-stage startup companies through its Launch Minnesota Business Operation Innovation Grants program. Among the recipients is Delve Health, a Golden Valley-based med-tech startup developing a digital platform that integrates with wearable health devices such as the Apple Watch.
Delve Health: Revolutionizing Clinical Trials with Wearable Tech
Delve Health specializes in digital health solutions that streamline clinical trials by leveraging data from wearable devices. This innovation aims to enhance patient recruitment and retention while improving trial efficiency.
Delve Health Founder and CEO Wessam Sonbol had this to say:
“One of the biggest problems in the clinical trial industry is finding the right patients,” “But even when you find them, can we keep them in the trial? Can we make it easier for them to be part of the study? That’s what we focus on.”
The platform connects wearable devices to clinical trials, allowing researchers to access real-time health data without requiring patients to visit medical facilities. This capability reduces logistical burdens for participants and accelerates data collection, ultimately speeding up the drug development process.
Advancing Clinical Trials with Real-Time Data
Delve Health’s cutting-edge technology seeks to optimize clinical research by reducing the time and cost associated with pharmaceutical trials.
“Maybe instead of a drug taking 10 years and costing $2 billion, we can shave off six months and help save more lives,” Sonbol explained.
By integrating real-time health data from Apple Watches and other wearables, Delve Health aims to enhance accuracy, increase patient compliance, and streamline clinical studies. This approach not only benefits research institutions but also fosters greater patient engagement in medical trials.
State Funding Supports Expansion and Market Growth
The $30,000 grant received by Delve Health will be instrumental in expanding its operations, marketing efforts, and client acquisition strategy. Sonbol emphasized that every dollar counts when scaling a startup.
“Every dime is important, and every movement is critical,” he said. “Marketing and advertising ensure that when we speak about what we do, people truly understand our impact.”
With the state funding, Delve Health plans to attend key industry conferences across the country to network with potential clients and investors. These efforts will help solidify the company’s presence in the growing digital health sector.
Other Med-Tech Startups Benefiting from DEED Grants
Delve Health is not the only Golden Valley-based startup receiving support from the Launch Minnesota Business Operation Innovation Grants. Two other companies, AcQumen Medical and Daynamica, also secured funding through the program.
The Launch Minnesota Business Operation Innovation Grants initiative is designed to support early-stage businesses with up to $35,000 in funding for operational costs.
Minnesota’s Commitment to Startup Growth and Innovation
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recognizes the significant impact small businesses have on the state’s economy. By investing in high-potential startups, the agency aims to foster economic growth, drive innovation, and create job opportunities.
“DEED knows that small businesses have a big impact on our state’s economy,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “By investing in innovative, early-stage businesses, we’re creating opportunities for companies to grow and thrive in Minnesota.”
This initiative aligns with Minnesota’s broader economic development strategy, which prioritizes supporting technology-driven startups, boosting job creation, and enhancing the state’s competitiveness in key industries, including healthcare technology.
The Future of Med-Tech Innovation in Golden Valley
The medical technology sector is rapidly evolving, with startups like Delve Health playing a crucial role in transforming healthcare delivery. As wearable devices and AI-driven platforms become more integrated into clinical research, the potential for faster drug approvals, improved patient outcomes, and cost reductions continues to grow.
Golden Valley’s thriving startup ecosystem, combined with state funding programs like Launch Minnesota, positions the region as a hub for med-tech innovation. Companies like Delve Health, AcQumen Medical, and Daynamica are at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions that will shape the future of healthcare technology.
State Support Fuels Growth for Med-Tech Startups
The $400,000 in state grants awarded through Minnesota DEED’s Launch Minnesota program reflects the state’s commitment to fostering startup growth and technological advancement. Delve Health’s innovative approach to clinical trials, along with the support for other Golden Valley-based startups, highlights Minnesota’s proactive investment in the future of healthcare technology.
With the funding boost, Delve Health is well-positioned to expand its market reach, accelerate clinical research, and contribute to the evolution of med-tech solutions. As Minnesota continues to champion startup innovation, the healthcare technology sector stands to benefit from cutting-edge advancements that will shape the future of patient care and clinical research.
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