Introducing the AAPM Innovation Challenge Finalists: The Future of Pain Management Unfolds at PainConnect 2025!
The future of pain management is here, and it’s happening at PainConnect 2025 in Austin, TX! The AAPM + MIT Hacking Medicine Innovation Challenge has brought together six groundbreaking startups, each tackling pain treatment with novel technologies, cutting-edge research, and disruptive ideas. These visionary teams will compete in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition live at PainConnect 2025, where attendees can witness the next wave of pain management innovations.
Get ready to be inspired as these six finalists take the stage on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 3:00 pm:
1. Ubiquistim: Expanding the Potential of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)Spinal Cord
Stimulation is a game-changer for chronic pain, but tolerance to stimulation can limit long-term effectiveness. Ubiquistim has developed a universal, adaptable, and expandable SCS unit that prevents tolerance by incorporating multiple waveforms and bidirectional electronic devices. With AI-driven personalization and a patent-backed approach, Ubiquistim aims to make SCS more reliable and adaptable for every patient. Team: Sayed E. Wahezi, MD, Mark Foster, MBA, Corey Hunter, MD, Marom Bikson, PhD.
2. Spinally: A Next-Generation Intrathecal Spinal Cord Stimulation System
Current SCS devices are limited by their epidural placement, but Spinally is revolutionizing the field with an intrathecal spinal cord stimulation and recording system. This innovative technology enables higher precision, lower power consumption, real-time adaptation, and closed-loop therapy. With $1.4M in funding and early-stage trials underway, Spinally is poised to redefine pain neuromodulation. Team: Pawel Soluch, MSc Neuro, Carles Garcia-Vitoria, MD
3. ProneVR: Virtual Reality for Pain Relief in Prone Procedures
We know that virtual reality (VR) can reduce pain and anxiety during medical procedures, but what about patients who must lie face down for treatments like spinal injections? ProneVR is the first VR system designed for prone procedures, combining proprietary hardware, specialized software, and clinical validation. With a 100-patient randomized controlled trial already completed, ProneVR is ready to enhance patient comfort and transform procedural pain management. Team: Michael Jung, MD, MBA, Amaad Sulahria, DO, Kathy Hu, BS, Josephine Du, BA, Henry Low, BS, Arushi Patel
4. Personalized Pain Treatment (PPT): AI-Driven Decision Support for Primary Care
Most chronic pain patients start their journey in primary care, but physicians lack tools to predict which treatments will work best for each individual. PPT applies machine learning to real-world patient data from 50,000+ cases to recommend personalized, multimodal pain management strategies. This decision-support software, embedded within electronic health records, helps PCPs optimize treatment while improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary imaging and surgeries. Team: Ajay D. Wasan, MD, MSc, Indrani Halder, PhD, MBA, Greg Cooper, MD, PhD
5. Monarch Technologies: A Revolutionary Expandable Spinal Cord Stimulator Lead
SCS leads come in two types: minimally invasive cylindrical leads (which can move) or stable paddle leads (which require invasive surgery). Monarch Technologies is bridging the gap with an expandable, collapsible, and retrievable SCS lead, offering the stability of a paddle lead while maintaining minimally invasive placement. With a third-generation prototype undergoing testing, Monarch’s innovation could reshape SCS implantation as we know it. Team: Trent Emerick, MD, MBA, Youngjae Chun, PhD, Vahid Behesti Seresht
6. EicOsis: A Non-Opioid Breakthrough for Neuropathic & Inflammatory Pain
Opioids remain a major concern in pain management, but non-opioid alternatives often fall short. EicOsis is changing the game with soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors (sEHI), a novel drug class that enhances the body’s natural ability to resolve pain and inflammation. Their lead compound, EC5026, has completed Phase 1 trials and is moving toward clinical testing for spinal cord injury-related pain. With $29M in funding, EicOsis is ready to introduce a new, safer standard of care. Team: Cindy McReynolds, PhD, William Schmidt, PhD, Bruce Hammock, PhD, Irene Cortes-Puch, MD, Ju Yang, Sung Hee-Hwang, PhD
Join Us at PainConnect 2025 in Austin, TX!
These six visionary teams will pitch their innovations live at PainConnect 2025, where they will compete for funding, mentorship, and the chance to revolutionize pain treatment.
Be there for this high-energy, Shark Tank-style competition and get a front-row seat to the future of pain management. Don’t miss your chance to connect with thought leaders, industry pioneers, and the next generation of innovators!
Register Now for PainConnect 2025 and witness the AAPM + MIT Hacking Medicine Innovation Challenge live in Austin, Tx.
