ACTION PLAN
FY / 2025-2026
MDM2 2025-2026 ACTION PLAN INTRODUCTION
Stuart Boyles introduces the bold strategies driving Arizona’s leadership in next-generation MedTech. Discover key priorities, including closed-loop technologies, workforce development, startup acceleration, and infrastructure investments, that will shape the future of medical device innovation in the region.
01
BUILD ARIZONA’S CLOSED-LOOP MEDTECH ROADMAP
PURPOSE
Create the Arizona MedTech Technology Roadmap to showcase existing capabilities, identify gaps, & guide development efforts while expanding consortium participation for long-term device development and manufacturing in our state.
CURRENT STRENGTHS
Robust ecosystem across bioscience, semiconductors, AI, and clinical research, anchored by institutions like TSMC, Intel, ASU Biodesign, Barrow, and Mayo.
KEY GAPS
Limited ISO-compliant prototyping, early-stage capital, and regulatory support force startups to outsource design and manufacturing.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Target areas include closed-loop systems, AI diagnostics, and hybrid bio-devices—leveraging Phoenix’s convergence of tech and clinical assets.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Engage incumbents to map current capabilities, surface gaps, and shape regional priorities.
Use findings to build and update a clear, actionable roadmap that supports long-term MedTech growth in Arizona.
02
ACTIVATE INCUMBENT STRENGTH TO SCALE THE ECOSYSTEM
PURPOSE
Engage leading MedTech firms in structured, recurring events that surface barriers and co-create solutions for regional growth.
CURRENT STRENGTHS
Global firms like Abbott, Medtronic, Gore, and BD anchor the region and create demand for skilled labor and innovation partnerships.
KEY GAPS
Lack of coordinated engagement and siloed research efforts limit commercialization and ecosystem cohesion.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Deeper collaboration with incumbents can strengthen supply chains, enhance workforce alignment, and accelerate co-innovation with startups.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Host two annual anchor events and four Demo Days via WearTech. Facilitate additional engagement through reverse pitches, facility tours, and innovation competitions.
03
ACCELERATE COMMERCIALIZATION THROUGH SIMPLIFIED IP STRATEGY
PURPOSE
Strengthen university–industry collaboration by developing tools and agreements that reduce friction, protect innovation, and streamline the path to market.
CURRENT STRENGTHS
Arizona’s universities are national leaders in applied research and innovation, with growing ties to clinical and bioscience partners.
KEY GAPS
IP complexity and regulatory barriers slow the transition from discovery to commercialization.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Streamlined IP agreements and clearer engagement models can unlock faster collaboration between startups, universities, and industry leaders.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Collaborate with universities, startups, and incumbents to identify pain points and share best practices. Develop pre-arranged templates, model agreements, and process guides to support faster, lower-risk partnerships.
04
STRENGTHEN WORKFORCE PIPELINES THROUGH MEDTECH MICRO-CREDENTIALS
PURPOSE
Launch training programs that align with industry needs and expand access to quality careers in medical device manufacturing.
CURRENT STRENGTHS
Greater Phoenix leads national job growth in medical device manufacturing, with strong demand across quality, compliance, and technician roles.
KEY GAPS
Talent shortages in key occupations like assemblers and software developers limit the region’s ability to meet employer demand.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Industry-aligned micro-credentials and apprenticeship-style programs can boost workforce mobility, address shortages, and promote inclusive entry points.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Engage incumbent organizations to co-design middle-skill and micro-credential curricula to support workforce development in Quality Assurance, Medical Device Manufacturing Tech, while increasing diversity in the medical device manufacturing workforce.
05
STREAMLINE CLINICAL VALIDATION THROUGH AN INNOVATION SANDBOX
PURPOSE
Create standardized pathways—legal, regulatory, and operational—to help startups and innovators rapidly launch clinical trials across Arizona hospital systems.
CURRENT STRENGTHS
Arizona’s health systems are nationally ranked and actively collaborate with innovators, offering diverse patient access and clinical expertise.
KEY GAPS
Fragmented clinical trial processes and inconsistent standards delay or derail early-stage validation efforts.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Unified trial pathways and ready-to-use templates can reduce startup costs, accelerate validation, and attract more innovators to the region.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Establish clinical trial pathways in partnership with at least one major hospital system. Develop standardized frameworks for use across additional clinical partners, including startups and incumbents.
06
ESTABLISH A MEDTECH VENTURE SYNDICATE TO COORDINATE INVESTMENT IN STARTUPS & SCALE UPS
PURPOSE
Create a structured investment network that identifies, evaluates, and funds early-stage and scaling MedTech companies in Arizona.
CURRENT STRENGTHS
Cross-sector innovation and clinical infrastructure are attracting investor attention across bioscience, semiconductors, and AI.
KEY GAPS
Local startups struggle to access early-stage capital, with most funding concentrated in later-stage firms or sourced from outside the region.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
A coordinated syndicate can streamline dealflow, reduce friction in investment decisions, and retain promising companies in the Arizona ecosystem.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Fund an initial startup to validate the model, refine investment processes, and expand participation through performance-based syndicate growth.
07
EXPAND ACCESS TO INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ARIZONA MEDTECH INNOVATORS
PURPOSE
Provide affordable, shared access to specialized labs and facilities that support product development, validation, and scale-up.
CURRENT STRENGTHS
AZ WearTech Center and the Phoenix Bioscience Core offer world-class infrastructure for prototyping, testing, and clinical collaboration.
KEY GAPS
Early-stage startups often lack affordable access to clean rooms, wet labs, and advanced testing equipment necessary for compliance and iteration.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Subsidized shared space lowers barriers to entry, accelerates R&D timelines, and improves startup retention in the regional ecosystem.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Subsidize access to shared lab and testing space, co-market available resources through WearTech and PBC, and track usage to guide future investments.
08
ENSURE LONG-TERM SUCCESS THROUGH STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE & SUSTAINABLE FUNDING
PURPOSE
Evolve MDM2 into a durable, value-driven consortium with clear leadership, diversified funding, and deep ecosystem engagement.
GOVERNANCE
Led by a cross-sector Steering Committee and Working Groups focused on core priorities like workforce, commercialization, and clinical validation. Governance charter reviewed annually.
FUNDING STRATEGY
Short-Term:
Federal/state grants, philanthropic and corporate support
Mid-Term:
Tiered membership program and offerings
Long-Term:
Investment fund, earned income from shared infrastructure
