Medsider | Why Building a Community is Crucial for Medical Device Startups: Interview with Blackrock Neurotech Co-Founder and CEO Marcus Gerhardt

A common thread runs through Marcus Gerhardt’s career: If a company involves technology and disruption, it’s probably calling his name.

Marcus co-founded Blackrock Neurotech in 2008 with his long-time friend and business partner, Florian Solzbacher. Blackrock’s MoveAgain brain-computer interface (BCI) system is a breakthrough medical device that uses brain implants to allow immobile patients to control electronic devices, wheelchairs, or prosthetics with their minds.

The two founders contribute complementary skill sets. Florian provides the scientific knowledge: in addition to being co-founder and chairman of Blackrock, he’s an adjunct professor in biomedical engineering at the University of Utah.  And Marcus spent years honing his entrepreneurial skills, participating in 14 venture projects before turning his attention to Blackrock.

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