Monday, May 29th, 2025
4:30-7pm
Innovate Newport
Join us for a dynamic health tech event bringing together entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and corporate strategists to explore Rhode Island and Southern New England’s growing market. Discover investment and growth opportunities, network with key players, and gain insights into emerging trends. Highlights include an in-depth analysis of the regional startup environment, showcases of innovative solutions, and resources from local authorities. Secure your spot for a prime opportunity to invest, acquire, or collaborate in this thriving sector.
Emcee
As a people-first leader with a background in talent management, clinic operations, and strategic partnerships, Andrew has built a career at the intersection of human connection and organizational growth. Today, he serves as Business & Engagement lead at NEMIC, where he channels his passion for leadership and innovation into cultivating Rhode Island’s healthtech and life sciences ecosystem.
Moderator
As a pioneering healthcare innovator and strategist, Aidan has spent his career bringing meaningful medical technologies to life. He is a founding partner at NEMIC and Magpie Medtech Venture Fund, where he empowers early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and commercialization expertise. Through every venture, Aidan remains focused on human-centered design and building systems that deliver dignity, efficiency, and better outcomes across the healthcare landscape.
Panelists
With over three decades of experience spanning academia, clinical practice, and executive leadership, Dr. Mark Turco has built a career at the forefront of biomedical innovation. Now serving as President & CEO of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, he leads statewide efforts to accelerate life sciences innovation, company creation, and strategic investment. His leadership blends deep clinical expertise with a proven track record of guiding breakthrough technologies.
As a founder, biomedical engineer, and advocate for maternal health, Melissa Bowley has dedicated her career to transforming healthcare for women and families. She is the CEO and Founder of Flourish Care, a digital health platform reimagining care delivery for mothers across the U.S. A leader in the New England startup community, she also co-founded New England Female Founders to champion and connect women entrepreneurs building high-impact ventures in HealthTech and beyond.
As a physician-scientist, venture investor, and champion of translational science, Travis Hughes, MD, PhD, MPH, has dedicated his career to advancing innovation at the intersection of research and patient care. He is a Senior Associate on the Life Sciences Investment Team at Digitalis Ventures, where he supports the growth of early- and mid-stage companies reshaping the future of healthcare. . A graduate of Harvard Medical School’s MD-PhD program, he is passionate about accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world impact for patients worldwide.
As an investor, mentor, and entrepreneurial leader, Lydia Shin Schroter, MBA, has devoted her career to catalyzing innovation in the HealthTech space. She is the Co-Founder of both NEMIC and Magpie MedTech Ventures, where she drives investment, mentorship, and ecosystem development for early-stage health innovators.She is an active voice in global investment forums and academic mentorship networks, helping to shape the next generation of healthcare entrepreneurs. Through her ventures and advisory work, Lydia continues to champion the growth of transformative technologies that improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Event Organizer: NEMIC
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The New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) is a Rhode Island–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing expert advising, funding connections, and specialized support to MedTech and healthcare innovators. By offering education, accelerator programs, and a thriving community, we help turn groundbreaking ideas into reality and drive better futures in healthcare.