Hi there, Welcome to Talent Unseen!
I am super excited to share the journey of Dr. Momcilo Gavrilov, an innovator in the field of biotech and co-founder of SHARP Diagnostics. I am still amazed at his passion for pursuing a doctor of philosophy, postdoctoral appointment from one of the top-notch universities, like Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Firstly, I did interview startup founders who study their masters, but my recent interaction with Momcilo provided me with insights on how to excel in the field in which we choose. He did his PhD in statistical physics, getting to know more on the thermodynamics of information and later postdoc on the topic “how biological molecules process information,” which led to SHARP Diagnostics.
According to Momcilo, he co-founded the company SHARP Diagnostics with Taylor Cottle, PhD, which originated from postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Prof.Taekjip Ha at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. It was founded with the idea to “find a solution faster, more affordable than PCR, and without a thermocycle machine to overheat molecules.
Journey of SHARP Diagnostics: Support from Johns Hopkins
Momcilo shared that “his research was interrupted by the global pandemic COVID-19 and there is a call for proposals, which led them to compete against the most used technology, polymers chain reaction(PCR) for effective diagnostics. So they identified the issues with the process and paved the way for research on the experiments to replace PCR.
Later, after a year, they identified a technique to replace PCR. As a game changer, both the co-founders, Taylor Cottle and Momcilo, met at a business pitch competition and joined Hop Start 2022. In March 2023, SHARP Diagnostics was established, and in October 2023, they filed an application for an Activate fellowship and were accepted as fellows with the mission to improve global health through innovation.”
Momcilo shares the advantages of SHARP over PCR are
-
- No overheating of biomolecules.
-
- It does not require an expensive thermocycle machine.
-
- There is no sophisticated technology to process the sample.
This story of SHARP Diagnostics highlights the fact that networking and attending various pitch competitions can help you find your next co-founder!!
Trends in the field of medical diagnostics: SHARP Diagnostics
Momcilo shares that medical molecular diagnostics requires the assistance of highly trained professionals to carry out the testing algorithms for various diseases. This process involves collecting the sample, transporting it to the specialized lab to process it, and conducting the tests. Later, the health care professional interprets the results, which are time-consuming and resource-intensive in remote communities.
So to overcome these issues, SHARP Diagnostics envisioned it and relied on a fully automated algorithm, which reduces the need for highly trained professionals. The device is automated to perform the task and later use the telemedicine tools to discuss it with health care professionals, which can result in high-quality diagnostics.
This automation technique used by SHARP Diagnostics reduces the long waits for diagnostics. It improves global health, reduces relying on highly trained professionals for sample diagnostics, and helps provide required diagnostics to remote communities.
Learnings from Trends: The SHARP Diagnostics technique reduces the need for health care professionals and makes the process simpler for the customers using the product.
Challenges in the Medical Technology Sector
When asked about the various challenges in the technology sector, Momcilo mentioned, “Building a team is the most significant challenge with the blend of talents to collaborate with medical professionals, engineers, medical doctors, and business professionals to make the coverage of all the operations required for the company.
Networking and finding individuals with the skills to contribute to the company are pressing issues, and securing the funding that helped them be part of the Activate Program and get the fellowship from Activate.
Another challenge that medical professionals require is to ensure technology is reliable, follow scientific measures to mitigate the risk, and adopt various strategies to maintain flexibility to provide global health equity.
Skills required for students in biotechnology: advice from Momcilo
Momcilo shared, “Students in biotechnology require technical skills to build a stronger foundation in molecular theories and the results from the molecules.
Following trends in biotechnology and medicinal trends can help you prosper. Apart from the technical side, students require soft skills to talk to people, present their ideas, and networking.”
Contribution of Computer Science students to Medical Diagnostics
Being a computer science student by myself, I really gained a lot of knowledge from Momcilo and his thoughts. Momcilo advised, “We need Computer Science students to develop the AI and machine learning algorithms for analyzing medical data by improving the accuracy of the test and predicting the outcome based on patient data.”
One has to analyze PCR signals and recognize patterns in the signals by developing low-cost tools that generate data and require data professionals. Seamless data sharing between data devices, like pulse detection, and similar things like molecular detection and integration into a single platform.
Creating user-friendly interfaces to access the healthcare platform for patients and cybersecurity in healthcare is essential for preventing data breaches in hospitals.
Role of SHARP Diagnostics in Leveraging Technology to Improve Global Health
Our mission is to “improve global health equity and develop new technologies that are faster, more sensitive, and more affordable and that help everyone in need around the globe.”
Offerings to customers:
A tube with the enzymes, their own sample, and reagents; if the test is positive, it changes to a different color, and that signal is converted to a voltage signal, which requires data processing to determine whether the test is positive or not.
A research scientist takes the tube and mixes it with electronic data, and computer science students are required to process the data.
Future developments of SHARP: End Users
-
- Develop a viable product for research by scientists and medical diagnostics for general populations, which further requires FDA approval.
-
- Consumer-based product that allows users to test at their own convenience.
Momcilo’s motivation to work every day:
Momcilo shares that “he is really passionate about science and what he does, and he recommends people choose what they like to do. You feel satisfied with your project’s progress. When SHARP was being developed, that was enormous happiness.”
One word about SHARP Diagnostics Journey: Exciting
As we conclude Momcilo Gavrilov story, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has read it this far. The insights shared by Momcilo remind us all of the importance of staying updated on biomedical trends, even as computer science graduates.
Stay tuned as we continue to uncover more stories from diverse startup founders. Until next time, keep striving for your dreams and exploring the endless possibilities that await!