UCIA’s Inaugural Investment Marks a Milestone for Regional Innovation and Economic Growth
Cookeville, TN – March 25, 2024
The Upper Cumberland Investment Alliance (UCIA) proudly announces its first investment in ATS Innovations, a pioneering medical device company, to support the development and commercialization of their groundbreaking product, the MetaFlex Therapy Glove. This strategic investment marks a significant milestone for both ATS Innovations and UCIA, underscoring their shared commitment to fostering innovation and driving economic growth in the Upper Cumberland region.
Transformative Technology for Hand Impairments
The MetaFlex Therapy Glove, developed by ATS Innovations, is a revolutionary wearable device designed to assist individuals with hand impairments in regaining mobility, strength, and dexterity. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and advanced materials, the MetaFlex Therapy Glove offers a non-invasive, user-friendly solution for rehabilitative therapy, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
Accelerating Development and Commercialization for MetaFlex Therapy Glove
The investment from UCIA will provide ATS Innovations with the necessary resources to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the MetaFlex Therapy Glove. Additionally, the partnership with UCIA will offer ATS Innovations access to mentorship, expertise, and networking opportunities, further supporting the company’s growth and success.
Téa Phillips, Founder and CEO of ATS Innovations, expressed her gratitude for the investment and partnership with UCIA, stating, “We are thrilled to receive this investment from the Upper Cumberland Investment Alliance. Their support not only validates the potential of MetaFlex but also enables us to bring this transformative technology to market faster, helping more people to get a grip on their hand health. We look forward to collaborating with UCIA to drive innovation and economic development in Tennessee!”
The Journey of ATS Innovation: MetaFlex Therapy Glove
Téa Phillips, a Tennessee Tech Mechanical Engineering graduate, began working on the MetaFlex glove during her undergraduate studies and won the Eagleworks Innovation Contest in 2018. After graduating and working for Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, TN, she decided to pursue entrepreneurship and focus on bringing the MetaFlex to market, working with the Biz Foundry Entrepreneur Center in Cookeville.
A Commitment to Local Talent and Innovation
Gene Bressler, Chairman of UCIA, emphasized the significance of investing in local talent and innovative solutions. “ATS Innovations exemplifies the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that define our region,” said Bressler. “We are proud to support their efforts to develop cutting-edge healthcare technology that has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with hand impairments. This investment reflects UCIA’s commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and building a thriving ecosystem of technology-driven businesses in the Upper Cumberland area.”
Looking Ahead for MetaFlex Therapy Glove
ATS Innovations and UCIA are excited about the opportunities that this partnership will unlock, positioning the Upper Cumberland region as a hub for healthcare innovation and economic growth.
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About ATS Innovations
ATS Innovations is a medical device company dedicated to developing innovative solutions to improve patient care and outcomes. With a focus on rehabilitative therapy, ATS Innovations aims to empower individuals with disabilities and impairments to regain mobility, independence, and quality of life. Visit MetaFlexGlove.com to learn more about how MetaFlex is revolutionizing healthcare.
About Upper Cumberland Investment Alliance (UCIA)
The Upper Cumberland Investment Alliance (UCIA) is a member-owned, regional angel investment fund committed to driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for prosperity in the Upper Cumberland area. Through strategic investments and partnerships, UCIA supports entrepreneurship, job creation, and community development initiatives.