The inaugural Sacramento Region Innovation Awards luncheon was held on November 4, 2016. The criteria for the award includes that the innovation must be developed by a Sacramento region entity.

The winner for the medical health category for 2016 was Evolve Biosystems!

Evolve’s winning technology submission was for B. infantis. B. infantis by Evolve Biosystems develops the next generation of microbiome-based solutions to establish, restore, and maintain a healthy human gut microbiome across a range of unmet clinical needs.

Honorable mention was given to two finalists: Matrix, Inc. and ViVita Techologies.

Osteo-P HCCP by Molecular Matrix, Inc. is focused on providing advanced research tools for cultivating and studying stem cells. Their products provide cutting edge solutions for growing cells in three dimensions.

ViVita Process & ViVita BP by ViVita Technologies, Inc. removes the immunological barriers in animal-derived tissues, rendering them immune-compatible with human patients. Leveraging this technology, ViVita aims to generate off-the-shelf tissue and organ replacements that avoid long-term medication, repeat transplants, and associated patient deaths.

History of the Award

MedStart established the Claire Pomeroy Awardin 2010 to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement within our region for innovation in medical technology.

In 2016, as part of greater community involvement, MedStart formally pooled our efforts as the judging panel for the medical technology section of the Sacramento Region Innovation awards, which is hosted by Stoel Rives LLP with support from the Sacramento Business Journal and Moss Adams LLP.

Award Criteria

The awards will be made by the Awards Committee to recognize innovators who have created important and high impact inventions and products (e.g. devices, drugs, diagnostics, medical IT products, etc.) that advance our region. Their inventions/products should transform an important aspect of the practice of medicine and/or the delivery of healthcare services, making them safer, more effective, less costly, and/or more accessible. Their invention or product must be in commercial or approved use in the medical industry. The Committee will prioritize those who have benefited SARTA’s nine county region (Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba).