ECU launches spin-off for commercial telemedicine

ECU launches spin-off for commercial telemedicine

East Carolina University has teamed with a group of private investors to establish Telemedicine Technologies, a commercial entity based in Greenville, NC, that offers training, consulting, and product-development services. The spin-off grew out of expanding interest in the university's telemedicine program, under the direction of Dave Balch, who is also technology manager for Telemedicine Technologies.

What makes Telemedicine Technologies different from most university spin-offs is its emphasis on helping to build the industry, according to Bob Watson, business development manager. The company plans to work closely with the university and its school of medicine, local hospitals, and medical and health professionals. It has also assembled a consortium of medical, communications, and information resources to assess, design, and implement new technologies and systems. Its strategic partners already include 3Com, Sprint Healthcare, and Welch Allyn.

"In addition to training, consulting, and integration services, we will develop and transfer telemedicine, informatics, and instrument technology from research to production projects," Watson said.

The goal is to offer a testbed for new product development and assessment. In return, the company will retain royalties on those technologies that become commercial products.