Greetings, listeners! Welcome back to The Accelerator with Michael Conniff. If you've been following us, you know we love to explore the realms of accelerators, startups, incubators, and all things innovation. Today, we've got a real treat in store. Joining us is none other than Dr. Bernardo Perez Villa, the Senior Innovations Engagement Partner at Cleveland Clinic.

In this fascinating podcast, Michael and Bernardo take you on a journey through a groundbreaking study recently published in Nature Medicine Magazine. This isn't just any research; it's the result of over a decade's worth of dedication and hard work by the Cleveland Clinic team. The study delves into the remarkable potential of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to help stroke patients regain control of their movements.

But this isn't just about science – it's about time. Bernardo passionately highlights the vital role time plays in the innovation process. From the inception of abstract ideas to crafting tangible inventions and ultimately ushering in full-blown innovations, time is the unsung hero.

Intriguingly, Bernardo gives us an exclusive look into his role as an engagement partner at the Cleveland Clinic. It's all about identifying unmet clinical needs and nurturing groundbreaking solutions that can make a difference and hit the market.

And speaking of differences, the discussion takes an interesting turn into the complex world of research, invention, and innovation. Bernardo draws captivating parallels with figures like Tesla and Edison, unraveling the nuances that set these concepts apart.

But here's the heart of it all: innovation. It's all about scalability and enhancing patient outcomes while ensuring a solid return on investment. Deep brain stimulation emerges as a ray of hope, especially for stroke patients. It's a revolutionary technique that awakens dormant parts of the brain, significantly improving their quality of life.

Now, what about taking these incredible innovations from the research lab and propelling them into the bustling marketplace? It's a meticulous process involving partnerships, licensing agreements, and the creation of startups. Bernardo gives us two prime examples: Mitria, a thriving startup born within the nurturing embrace of the Cleveland Clinic, and Custom Orthopedics, which found its wings as a licensed third-party entity.

So, the big question is, how do they decide whether to keep innovations in-house or set them free to flourish elsewhere? It's a collective journey – a team discussion guided by numerous factors, even paving the way for dynamic platform solutions.

But hold on, there's more. We'll take you back in time to the early days of Bernardo, when he was working in a cozy Colorado diner. Little did he know that this humble start would lead him to his exciting role at Cleveland Clinic. It's a story that truly underscores the importance of networking and seizing opportunities to reach new heights.

Yet, our podcast isn't merely a stroll down memory lane. It's a peek into the future of healthcare innovation. In a world teeming with brilliant minds, what's on the horizon for the healthcare industry in the next five to ten years? Bernardo's insights offer a tantalizing glimpse into what's to come.

We're ever so grateful for your support, and we're thrilled to bring you this engaging discussion on the potential future of healthcare innovation. Thanks for being part of The Accelerator community!