Cast21's product is breathable, lightweight and can even get wet. Regional One Health patients who have tried it give it positive reviews. The Cast21 team trained Regional One Health surgeons on how to apply their device on patients. As Cast21 moves forward, so too does the Center for Innovation. Alvarez recently announced a partnership with SweetBio, which bioengineered a new material using Manuka honey and created a wound care device with the potential to combine the effectiveness of an advanced dressing with the convenience of a traditional dressing. At Regional One Health, they’ll test the product on the management of wounds such as ulcers, surgical sites and more. Kayla Rodriguez Graff, SweetBio cofounder and CEO, calls it the next phase of her company’s story — and one that wouldn’t happen without the Center for Innovation. Alvarez is equally excited, noting it’s another step toward the center’s ultimate goal of creating an environment where Regional One Health takes the lead in turning Memphis into a hub for creating the health care of the future: “We want to build an ecosystem in Memphis that attracts innovators to improve health care and help the city grow. We’re successful if they’re successful.” What they do: Utilize Manuka honey to bioengineer medical devices for healing wounds such as abrasions, ulcers, trauma injuries and surgical sites sweetbi Products: Apis, an FDA-approved resorbable membrane in which honey improves healing Headquarters: CommuniTech Research Park, Memphis Founded: 2015 by sister and brother Kayla Rodriguez-Graff and Isaac Rodriguez Key achievements: Springboard Enterprises Health Innovation Hub 2019 alum, ZeroTo510 and LaunchTN graduate, finalist in Steve Case’s 2018 Rise of the Rest tour, featured in Forbes magazine and on 60 Minutes Learn more: sweetbio.com
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