Fast Forward Medical Innovation

We offer resources, support, and mentorship to world-class biomedical researchers at the University of Michigan, and across the state. 

Schedule an Idea Consultation
FFMI nikolovska-coleska landing
Commercialization Education

Dynamic educational resources for biomedical innovators to nurture entrepreneurship and groundbreaking research

Mentorship & Funding

Idea consultations to explore how your research can translate out of the university, including opportunities for funding

Business Development

Business catalyst, building successful relationships between U-M biomedical researchers and corporate partners

Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund

Investments in biomedical startup companies with U-M licensed IP in the domain of therapeutics, devices, diagnostics or health IT

The Front Door to Biomedical Commercialization

Our mission at Fast Forward Medical Innovation (FFMI) is to provide the expertise and knowledge to help access and navigate the unparalleled biomedical innovation resources at the University of Michigan.

Whether you’re a student, faculty, potential collaborator, or industry partner, we encourage you to connect with a Fast Forward Medical Innovation team member to explore our program's unique offerings and find your path to groundbreaking innovation.

FFMI is part of a rich ecosystem of opportunities available to biomedical researchers at the University of Michigan. Together with our collaborators, we work to create a robust network of resources that help drive innovation to successful commercialization. The FFMI team is here to provide mentorship and guidance to the abundant funding, education, and support structure resources that will benefit your research. We look forward to working with you!

FFMI Rogel Duxsin Sun
Spotlight On
Friday, May 2 - Rogel Cancer Center Lecture Series: Overcoming Cancer Drug Limitations

The Rogel Cancer Center Innovation Program, a collaboration between the Rogel Cancer Center and Fast Forward Medical Innovation, presents the second of this three-part, case-study lecture series featuring experts in developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics.

Lecture #2: Duxin Sun, PhD, Associate Dean for Research (College of Pharmacy), Charles R. Walgreen Jr. Professor of Pharmacy, Professor of Pharmaceutical Studies (College of Pharmacy), discusses Overcoming Cancer Drug Limitations.

Friday, May 2
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
NCRC, Building 300, Room 376

Cancer drug development suffers from a 95% failure rate over the past 40 years. Additionally, only 30% of newly approved cancer drugs meaningfully extend patients’ survival. This presentation will analyze reasons and propose possible solutions to overcome these challenges.

FFMI Innovation Celebration
Spotlight On
Frankel Cardiovascular Center Innovation Celebration on May 8

Join the Frankel Cardiovascular Center (CVC) and Fast Forward Medical Innovation for the Frankel CVC Innovation Celebration on Thursday, May 8, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, in Danto Auditorium.

The event features:
• Aikens Innovation Academy Pitch Showcase (9:00 am – 11:00 am) with presentations from the current academy participants
• Grand Rounds with Dr. Jacqueline Shreibati (12:00 pm – 1:00pm)
• Poster and networking session (2:00 pm- 3:00 pm)
• Innovation Challenge pitch competition that awards funds to winners in three tracks: Commercial Product/Service, Systems Improvement, and Artificial Intelligence

Judy Leopold headshot
Spotlight On
Friday, May 19 - Rogel Cancer Center Lecture Series: From Academic Drug Discovery to Start-Up: The Peaks and Valleys of First-in-Class Science

The Rogel Cancer Center Innovation Program, a collaboration between the Rogel Cancer Center and Fast Forward Medical Innovation, presents the second of this three-part, case-study lecture series featuring experts in developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics.

Lecture #3: Judith Leopold, PhD, Research Professor - Radiology, Research Professor - Pharmacology, discusses "From Academic Drug Discovery to Start-Up: The Peaks and Valleys of First-in-Class Science."

Monday, May 19
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
NCRC, Building 520, Room 1122

Learn from Dr. Judy Leopold as she discusses her experience developing first-in-class cancer drug candidates throughout her career. Dr. Leopold’s work has taken her from big pharma to academia and biotech.

FFMI fastpace spotlight image
Spotlight On
Launch Life Science Innovations! Register by April 30 for FFMI fastPACE

FFMI fastPACE is a multi-week course designed to help academics develop their innovations, including medical devices/diagnostics, digital solutions, drugs, educational/training interventions, research tools, and many others.

Innovators are matched with expert teaching team members for guidance on the development of a business case for adoption, implementation, or commercialization. The course begins on May 9.

aerial photo of the medical school campus Fast Forward Medical Innovation
Our Impact
2024 was another record-breaking year of biomedical innovation at the University of Michigan, and Fast Forward Medical Innovation is thrilled to be part of the rich ecosystem of innovation resources that contributed to this impressive accomplishment.
View Our 2024 Impact Report
297
total faculty, staff, and trainee participants in education programs from U-M and across the state
$150.2M
Industry Research Awards
253
Invention Reports
250M+
funding raised for all MBVF-funded companies combined
Meet the Team
FFMI-Brad Martin Bradley Martin, PhD
Director

Prior to becoming Director of FFMI, Brad led the MTRAC Hub for Life Sciences. He has served as a Mentor in Residence for U-M Innovation Partnerships, was the Director of Product Development at Aastrom Biosciences, and the Director of Cardiac Research at Osiris Therapeutics Inc. He also spent several years as a Principal Scientist with Pfizer’s Esperion Division. Brad has 15-plus years of experience in the development of drugs and biologics, and particular expertise in preclinical development and translational research in the field of cardiovascular physiology and regenerative medicine.

Brad received in PhD in Physiology in 1993 from the University of Michigan, and completed post-doctoral fellowships in the departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Physiology at the University of Wisconsin.
FFMI Mike Ranella Mike Ranella, MBA, MPH
Senior Director, Business Development

Mike leads the FFMI Business Development team. The team works with Industry partners and U-M faculty to enable and catalyze productive academic-industry partnerships, leveraging innovations to improve healthcare. He utilizes over 15 years of healthcare research experience to establish mutually beneficial deals with industry to further the mission of the healthcare system.
FFMI-Jon Servoss headshot Jon Servoss, EdD
Director of Education

Jon joined the FFMI team in 2014 as the Director of Commercialization Education where he develops and leads biomedical innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization education and training programs for U-M Medical School faculty, staff, and trainees – resulting in education and development training for more than 1,000 participants and 50 emerging biomedical technologies per year.

He has a doctorate in education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, as well as a master’s in education from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree from Adrian College.
John Seamans headshot John Seamans, MSE
Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund Manager

John joins U-M after 17 years in the med tech industry. Most recently, he was the Director of Clinical Engineering at a breast cancer screening startup (Delphinus), leading the development of medical image review and analysis software. John started his career at GE Healthcare, with roles in advanced applications, clinical research, molecular imaging, and led the development of features for non-invasive coronary artery CT imaging.

John worked as a Venture Associate evaluating startups for the Zell-Lurie Fund, and is pursuing a part-time MBA at U-M/Ross. HE holds a BSE in Electrical Engineering and MSE in Biomedical Engineering.
FFMI BD Emilija Mitrikeska Emilija Mitrikeska, MD
Associate Director, Business Development

Prior to joining FFMI, Emilija worked for the U-M Rogel Cancer Center since 2006. She brings over 10 years of experience working with oncology clinical trials.

Emilija received her M.D. from the Medical School at the University St. Cyril and Methodius in Macedonia.
FFMI Shelby Unsworth Shelby Unsworth, PhD
Associate Director, Business Development

Prior to joining FFMI, Shelby worked with both FFMI and the Cancer Center through her participation in the Research Administration Fellowship Program based in the Medical School Office of Research.

Shelby completed her Ph.D. and Postdoctoral research training in cancer research at the University of Michigan.
FFMI Ingrid Qemo Ingrid Qemo, PhD, MBA
Industry Alliance Manager, Business Development

Prior to joining FFMI, Ingrid worked at the Hospital for Sick Children in industry partnerships and commercialization, and the University of Windsor’s Office of Research and Innovation overseeing the health research portfolio.

Ingrid completed her Ph.D. in molecular biology and M.B.A. at the University of Windsor.
FFMI-Ashley Schork Ashley Schork, MNM
Program Manager, FCVC Innovation Program

Ashley Schork joins FFMI after spending over six years working at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute (LSI) administratively managing several research centers in the areas of structural biology, cryo-electron microscopy, drug discovery, and high-throughput screening. Prior to the position at LSI, Ashley worked at Arbor Research Collaborative for Health providing administrative support to NIH and PCORI funded nephrology studies.

Ashley has both her BA and a Masters in Non-Profit Management from DePaul University.
FFMI-Katherine Schultz headshot Katherine Schultz, MA
Learning Experience Designer

Katherine joins FFMI from the Center for Academic Innovation (CAI), where she served as a Learning Experience Design Student Resident and Online Student Services Fellow during her graduate program. Prior to her work at CAI, she worked at U-M’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions where she was involved in developing training opportunities and materials.

Katherine holds a bachelors, masters, and graduate certificate from the University of Michigan.
FFMI Nimisha Nandankar Nimisha Nandankar, MS
Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund Analyst

Previously, Nimisha worked as a Venture Intern at Foundation Venture Capital Group (New Jersey Health Foundation) and as a Senior Fellow at the Rutgers Technology Transfer Office.

Nimisha has a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from UC San Diego and a Master of Science in Physiology and Integrative Biology from Rutgers University. She is set to defend her PhD in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences this August from Rutgers University.
FFMI-Charlotte Brayman Charlotte Brayman
Senior Administrative Assistant

Charlotte comes to FFMI from Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation MedRehab, where she was an administrative assistant for the ACU manager.

Charlotte holds a master’s in health administration from Southern New Hampshire University, and an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.
Innovation Portfolio
Hundreds of researchers across the University of Michigan are a part of our biomedical innovation ecosystem. Michigan Experts offers profiles for faculty at the University of Michigan, where you’ll find publications, social media activity, and potential collaborators among the world’s academic leaders and best.
See More
portrait of Ariella Shikanov Ariella Shikanov, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Project: Novel cell therapy targets premature ovarian insufficiency
FFMI-Aditya Pandey Aditya Pandey
Professor, Neurosurgery
Medical Director, Neurosurgery
Professor, Otorhinolaryngology
Project: Device to Help Stroke Patients
FFMI-John Charpie John Charpie, MD., PhD
Clinical Professor, Pediatrics-Cardiology
Medical Director, Pediatrics-Cardiology
Section Head, Pediatrics-Cardiology
Project: Nerve-Controlled Prosthesis
FFMII-Molly Stout Molly Stout, MD, MSCI
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Section Head, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Project: Device to Predict Preterm and Term Birth
FFMI-Howard Petty Howard Petty, PhD
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Services
Project: Prediction of Cancer Recurrences with Biomarkers
FFMI-Jianping Fu Jianping Fu, PhD
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Project: Novel human developmental toxicity testing platform
FFMI-Maria Cascalho Marilia Cascalho, MD, PhD
Professor, Transplant Surgery
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Project: C3d Immunotherapies: A Novel Platform to Treat Cancer
FFMI-Lola Eniola Adefeso Lola Eniola-Adefeso, PhD
Associate Dean, College of Engineering Office of Graduate Education
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Project: Novel targeted treatment for lung injury
FFMI- Jun Hee Lee Jun Hee Lee, PhD
Professor, Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Associate Director of Academic Programs - Molecular and Physiology
Research Professor - Internal Medicine - Institute of Gerontology
Project: Seq-Scope - Providing finer spatial resolutions for basic and clinical researchers
FFMI-David Markovitz David Markovitz, MD
Professor, Internal Medicine - Infectious Diseases
Project: Novel treatment for osteoarthritis
FFMI-Susan Shore Susan Shore, PhD
Professor Emeritus/a, Otorhinolaryngology
Project: Michigan Tinnitus Device
FFMI-Paul Cederna Paul Cederna, MD
Professor, Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Service Chief, Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Section Head, Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Project: Nerve-Controlled Prosthesis
FFMI-Hitinder Gurm Hitinder Gurm, MD
Chief Clinical Officer, Michigan Medicine
Professor, Internal Medicine - Cardiology
Project: Novel Strategy Offers Improved Treatment for Arterial Plaque Calcifications
FFMI-Anna Schwendeman Anna Schwendeman, PhD
Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Project: EVOQ Therapeutics- Delivering immunotherapies to improve the lives of individuals fighting autoimmune disease
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Questions?
Contact Us
North Campus Research Complex (NCRC)
Building 520, 3rd Floor
2800 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800
Phone: 734-615-5060
About Us
Fast Forward Medical Innovation is a unit of the Medical School Office of Research, where our mission is to foster an environment of innovation and efficiency that serves the Michigan Medicine research community and supports biomedical science from insight to impact.
Upcoming Research Events All Office of Research Events
Revolutionizing Single-Cell Genomics
Join Illumina and the BRCF Advanced Genomics Core for a seminar that focuses on how to address industry challenges, including inflexible workflows, limited scalability, and high costs associated with instrumentation and consumables.
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Flow and Cookies at NCRC
Help yourself to a cookie and learn how the Flow Cytometry Core can enhance your research. Core experts will speak about services and instrumentation capabilities.
Event runs February 28, 2025 - April 25, 2025
Not Regulated, Secondary Use, and Umbrella Applications
This course will review the Not Regulated, Secondary Use, and Umbrella application types in eResearch and when these application types are applicable.
A zoom meeting on a laptop
OHRP’s Subparts B, C, and D - Special Populations
This course will examine the additional regulatory requirements for conducting research involving pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, children, and prisoners, including the requirements for these populations in a research project and obtaining informed consent.
Someone using a laptop and a smart phone during a zoom meeting
Federal and Institutional Requirements for Human Subject Research
This course will introduce the basics of conducting human subject research in compliance with federal regulations and institutional practices.
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Rogel Cancer Center Innovation Program Lecture Series: Overcoming Cancer Drug Limitations
The Rogel Cancer Center Innovation Program, a collaboration between the Rogel Cancer Center and Fast Forward Medical Innovation, presents the second of this three-part, case-study lecture series featuring experts in developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics.
A speaker addressing a class at NCRC
Elements of Informed Consent
This course offers an overview of informed consent in human subject research. The course will examine IRBMED’s standard consent template and focus on how it reflects federal requirements.
A laptop shows many people participating in a Zoom event.
Assistant Professor Research Forum
"Leveraging AI for Your Research" is the theme for this year's Assistant Professor Research Forum.
assistant professors in a meeting at the NCRC Dining Hall
Introduction to eResearch
This course is intended for those unfamiliar with eResearch, the university’s electronic research administration site. This course will provide a basic knowledge of working in and using eResearch while examining the process for creating and submitting an initial project application.
A computer screen showing multiple people participating in a zoom event
Featured Research News All Office of Research News Photo of a woman sitting in front of a laptop looking at the large team grant sharepoint website
Office of Research
New Large Team Grant Resources for the UMMS Research Community
Large Team Grants (LTGs) are complex, multi-disciplinary proposals that consist of multiple projects and cores. To assist Medical School faculty and support staff who are developing and submitting large-scale proposals, the LTG Core in Grant Services & Analysis (GS&A) recently launched a Large Team Grant Resources SharePoint site.
climber on a rocky outcrop at dusk
Office of Research
Call for R01 Boot Camp Mentees and Coaches
R01 Boot Camp is an intensive mentorship program designed to help early career faculty receive their first NIH Research Project Grants (R01, or equivalent). While developing proposals over the 9-month course, mentees attend a variety of workshops on topics such as grant writing, budgeting, and constructing components of the grant application.
FFMI-BCDP
Office of Research
Apply by April 14 for the Biotech Career Development Program
The Biotech Career Development Program (BCDP) is a structured, cohort-based career development program for STEM graduate students and postdocs that guides participants through self-reflection, skill-building, and career exploration strategies in advance of seeking full-time employment or an internship/externship.