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MACcelerate is bridging the gap between clinical expertise and entrepreneurial innovation in the MedTech sector.
The best medical innovations occur when health care professionals, entrepreneurs and technologists collaborate. MedTech innovators have expressed that they struggle to identify or access the right clinical advisors and support.
MACcelerate bridges the clinical gap between groundbreaking ideas and life-changing medical technology (MedTech) and digital health solutions.
As the dedicated accelerator at McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote Medical School Waterloo Regional Campus, and nestled in the innovation hub of Communitech, we offer unparalleled access to medical expertise, cutting-edge innovation resources and a vast network of top clinicians and researchers.
We believe in the power of collaboration. Our programs unite visionary entrepreneurs with leading health-care professionals, fostering multidisciplinary partnerships that drive innovation forward. From concept to market-ready product, we are here to transform your MedTech dreams into patient-centric realities.
Join MACcelerate and be at the forefront of health-care innovation. Together, we will shape the future of medicine to improve health outcomes.
Who we empower
At MACcelerate, we are building a dynamic ecosystem of healthcare innovation. Together, we are not just improving healthcare outcomes, we are fostering innovative medical leadership and driving regional economic growth.
Our doors are open to visionaries who are passionate about transforming health care:
Aspiring & Established Entrepreneurs Join Us
Are you nurturing a groundbreaking MedTech idea or steering a startup? Whether you need clinical insights, trial support or research services, we are here to propel your vision forward.
Clinicians & Health Professionals Get Involved
Your expertise is invaluable. Join us in shaping the future of health care by mentoring, advising or collaborating with innovative MedTech and digital health startups.
Partners & Investors Learn More
Interested in making a lasting impact on health-care innovation? Offer your support, funding, connections, or investment to fuel the next generation of MedTech and digital health solutions.
Programs & Services
At MACcelerate, we’re your catalyst for MedTech success. Our suite of programs and services is designed to support your journey from concept to practical, patient-focused and market-ready MedTech innovations.
Here’s how we empower you:
Clinical connections: Your gateway to medical expertise Join Us
- Clinical advisory services: Tap into McMaster’s elite network of health-care professionals, researchers and experts.
- Research and trials: Access state-of-the-art infrastructure to test, validate and refine your MedTech solutions.
- Clinical insights: Gain critical understanding of health-care workflows and patient needs to ensure your innovation hits the mark.
MedTech entrepreneurship programs: Cultivating tomorrow's health-care leaders
- Health Innovation Bootcamp: Immerse yourself in entrepreneurship essentials and validate your ideas through practical challenges.
- Innovated Health Elective: McMaster medical students and residents dive into MedTech innovation with real-world internships and design thinking.
- MedTech Accelerator: Scale your startup with Communitech’s cohort-based program, crafting a solid growth strategy for success.
MedTech innovation events and networking: Connect, collaborate, innovate
- MedTech mixer events: Forge powerful connections between clinicians and innovators.
- Innovated Health Science Fair: Showcase your startup and compete for recognition in the MedTech arena.
- Health Innovation speaker series: Gain insights from industry leaders shaping Canada’s MedTech and digital health landscape.
MACcelerate Leadership
Meet the visionaries steering our mission to revolutionize MedTech and digital health.
Our leadership team combines medical expertise, entrepreneurial acumen, program experience, and commitment to help you bridge the gap between clinical needs and technological solutions.
Margo Mountjoy, co-founder of MACcelerate
Margo Mountjoy is a clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University. As the regional assistant dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University, Mountjoy promotes learners to explore cutting-edge advances in medical technology and to pursue their own innovative ideas.
Margo Mountjoy is also a clinician scientist. working for several international sports organizations in the field of sports medicine, including the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, International Golf Federation, World Rugby and for the World Anti-Doping Agency. She is an active researcher and advocate of athlete health and well-being at the national and international levels.
Mohamed Alarakhia, co-founder of MACcelerate
Mohamed Alarahkia recognized the need to close the gap between MedTech and digital health innovation and clinical experience. His significant experience as a clinician and entrepreneur provides critical insight and guidance to MACcelerate.
Alarakhia is the CEO of eHealth Centre of Excellence. In his academic capacity, he is an assistant clinical professor, and the faculty digital health and innovation lead, at McMaster University’s Waterloo Regional Campus Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Alarakhia is a clinical practitioner and works at local, provincial and national levels to move digital health initiatives forward.
Erin Skimson, director of MACcelerate
Erin Skimson has a background in business leadership, technology transfer and executive coaching. She was vice-president at Trapeze Group and Miovision, led the tech transfer office at the University of Guelph and launched medical devices with Stryker Canada.
Skimson has also worked internationally in the health-care sector, as a health educator in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.
Graham Campbell, business development manager of MACcelerate
Graham Campbell is an experienced manager of academic and technology collaborations, research studies and educational programs at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and the Big Data & Geriatric Models of Care Research Group. Graham has also contributed to several MedTech startups.
He is now using these skills at MACcelerate to advance research and innovation in health and social sciences through collaborative and creative solutions.
Our Partners
MACcelerate thrives on collaboration. We are grateful to our exceptional partners who share our vision for transforming healthcare through MedTech and digital innovation. These organizations amplify our impact, fueling programs and empowering innovators. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare.
Meet the visionaries powering your success:
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