Researching neurological issues | Robotics & the pandemic | Health Tech
“Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity." — Hippocrates
Today’s issue:
May 19, 2021
PANDEMIC INNOVATION
Image by Fotomay for Shutterstock COVID pushes Kroger automation Due to the changes brought about by COVID-19, Kroger has embraced automation in a big way, including opening its first automated online customer fulfillment center. Companies that have embraced robotics during the pandemic Here's a look at how COVID-19 inspired some companies in Fast Future Country to embrace robotics in manufacturing, distribution, transportation, retail and restaurants. Health Tech platforms for stay-at-home mandates COVID-19, with its resulting stay-at-home mandates, has drastically redefined the way people seek medical help and buy products. Here are three Minnesota's based companies whose tech platforms made the transition easier. KC company selected by Department of Homeland Security Kansas City-based MRIGlobal has been selected by the Department of Homeland Security to provide COVID-19 testing solutions. The deal includes the Managed Testing Services scope of work as well as four contracts with a shared ceiling value of up to $2 billion. Black & Veatch wins top prize Also in Kansas City—Engineering and construction company Black & Veatch earned the top prize for pandemic-related solutions at the 2021 Edison Awards, the highest achievement recognition in the industry. Black & Veatch created RaMHS, a holistic approach to infrastructure supporting COVID-19 testing and vaccination. COVID-19 and long-term neurological issues Allegheny Health Network Specialists in Pittsburgh are studying the use of a novel technology to assess the long-term neurological effects of the COVID-19 virus on patients. They are looking into neuological symptoms such as loss of taste and smell, ringing in the ears, and "brain fog." Patient stories documented Researchers at the University of Louisville are studying the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 by documenting patient stories at their new Post COVDID-19 Research Clinic. Share these stories!
FEATURED EVENT With InvestMidwest
Key takeaways: Get proactive, diversify capital, & create stronger partnerships 
When InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum held its virtual Midwest Venture Showcase last month, the highlighted theme was that cities have to grow their own companies rather than rely on corporations and midsize businesses to lead the march to economic prosperity.
One of the panel moderators was Charli Cooksey, who founded WEPOWER, a St. Louis-based organization that supports Black and minority entrepreneurs in accessing capital through coaching and connections. Cooksey, who calls herself a social entrepreneur, talked to us about the takeaways of her panel.
What was the topic of the panel you led at InvestMidwest?
There were funders and entrepreneurs discussing ways to provide access to capital for women and Black entrepreneurs.
What were the main takeaways for the participants?
Overall, the theme was that funders, capital providers, and investors need to take a more proactive and assertive approach to identifying, cultivating and investing in entrepreneurs of color and women. A lot of funders and investors are of the mindset ‘You know, they’ll come to me for help, and if they don’t come to me, then I’m off the hook.’ The discussion bore out that it requires serious effort to serve entrepreneurs who are underrepresented, and the responsibility falls on the investor, because the entrepreneurs are out there.
Another takeaway was the need to think about different types of capital, maybe not always the traditional capital, but perhaps revenue-based capital, ways where so much ownership isn’t taken from companies.
Lastly, investors have to really weigh in as partners once the investment is made. They need to operate in a way where the entrepreneur realizes that the investor is there to support him or her with growing, with thriving, and making more connections.
If you're interested in seeing upcoming InvestMidwest events, you can click here. Share this story!
PUDDLE HOPS: HEALTH TECH
Fast Future has followed medical and tech news around COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic. We're adding coverage to this report related to health care innovation to feature more advances across Fast Future Country.
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