John Fernandez, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, visits Technology Enterprise Park

John Fernandez, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, made a visit to Technology Enterprise Park (TEP) to participate in the dedication of the Georgia Center for Medical Innovation (GCMI). GCMI was awarded an I-6 grant in a competitive process managed by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). GCMI’s $1 million grant was one of only six awarded in the U.S.

As the Southeast's first medical innovation center, GCMI is a state-of-the-art product development facility which specializes in transitioning new medical innovations from concept to commercialization. Located adjacent to Georgia Tech's campus, the 12,000 square foot facility houses design, material, and mechanical engineering resources; furthermore, the facility is equipped with prototyping equipment capable of producing medical devices for development, pre-clinical testing, and clinical studies.

GCMI is affiliated with several prominent medical and academic institutions including the Georgia Institute of Technology, Saint Joseph's Translational Research Institute (SJTRI), Piedmont Healthcare, and the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA). The center will largely serve as a much needed pilot-lab for the collaborative initiatives between physicians and engineers.

Over  the past year, TUFF has granted $100,000 to the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Tech Foundation to help fund this new center which will contribute to the State’s economic development and to the commercialization of intellectual properties within the region. TUFF salutes GCMI's Executive Director Wayne Hodges, as well as all supporting staff, in catalyzing this progressive opportunity.