Connecting Innovation Across Borders: U of U Anesthesiology Visits Luxinnovation in Luxembourg
In October, Dr. Kai Kuck and Dr. Derek Sakata of the University of Utah Department of Anesthesiology met with representatives from Luxinnovation, Luxembourg’s national innovation agency, to explore new opportunities for collaboration in health innovation and data analytics.
The visit focused on two goals:
- Identifying potential participation in Luxembourgish or European research funding programs, and
- Showcasing how the Department of Anesthesiology and the University of Utah could support industry-sponsored research and academic–industry partnerships with European companies.
Discussions highlighted Utah’s expanding reputation as an innovation hub—driven by the Utah Population Database, the University’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the Department’s extensive track record in translational innovation. This includes several successful health-tech spin-offs, participation in the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group (MPOG) registry, and capabilities in FDA-relevant usability testing through its patient simulation center and bioengineering lab.
Drs. Kuck and Sakata also presented the Department’s sedation training and learning platform, an in-house technology developed and commercialized by the department.
During their visit, they met with:
- Francesca Borrelli, Senior Advisor for European R&D and Innovation Support and National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Health Cluster, and
- Regis Cire, Head of International Business Development for HealthTech.
This partnership underscored the Department’s growing global presence and its commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing patient care worldwide!