An Innovative Approach to Traumatic Brain Injuries
New Rev member Conan MedTech Corps, founded by Bayan Alturkestani, is developing a diagnostic device for mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) — and earning significant recognition along the way.
The device will allow medical professionals like sports medicine doctors and athletic trainers to diagnose patients with potential mTBI on the field. Alturkestani, believes that health and wellbeing are one of the fundamental rights that aid in the advancement of humankind.
As a biomedical engineer, Alturkestani is focused on empowering people through medical solutions that advance the healthcare system, and plans to keep working on further innovations to revolutionize the diagnostic and treatment methods for diseases that are challenging to diagnose or treat.
“Our mission is to create an environment that stimulates and fosters creativity and innovation to produce the most technologically advanced and efficient medical solutions to improve patient quality of life,” she said.
Alturkestani has received several awards for her innovative work. Most recently, she was recognized as a Top 100 Healthcare Leader at the 2020-21 International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare in Las Vegas. Conan MedTech was also named the first-place winner of the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) Competition for Entrepreneurship in 2019.
Additionally, as an undergraduate student at Temple University, Alturkestani was a recipient of the Lori Hermelin Bush Seed Fund grant. In addition to receiving funding to support her work, she was able to participate in an intensive summer startup session that allowed her to jumpstart her startup journey.
As a female founder, another aspect of Alturkestani’s mission is to empower other female STEM innovators and entrepreneurs. After receiving the Lori Hermelin Bush Seed Fund grant, which is reserved for female entrepreneurs, she wanted to pass on the support and knowledge she had received.
“I majored in biomedical engineering, and I have a passion for entrepreneurship. I like everything from entrepreneurship management to medicine, and designing innovation,” she said. “I really want to support women in these fields, and in particular, the STEM field.”
Alturkestani’s passion for entrepreneurship runs deep, and she’s enjoyed the collaboration and mentorship she’s received as a Rev member. She particularly credits Gregory Ray, her Rev Entrepreneur-in-Residence, for providing support and valuable feedback.
“Dr. Ray has a deep and broad competence in terms of knowledge and experience through practice and education in both Science and Business Administration. We can go to him for whatever we feel like we need. He’s been very supportive and helpful, and I really appreciate that,” she said.