Meet Elizabeth Wong from DoubleLock Healthcare
Q: Could you introduce yourself and your startup, DoubleLock Healthcare?
A: Absolutely, I’m Elizabeth Wong, the founder and CEO of DoubleLock Healthcare. We specialize in addressing a critical issue in healthcare – the risk of infections associated with intravenous (IV) treatments. Our solution is the patented DoubleLock sterile entry intravenous port and syringe system. We’ve made significant progress with our product; our proof of concept was recently completed using prototype number 11, which achieved a 100% success rate in preventing bacterial transmission through the IV port. This achievement is a significant milestone for us in ensuring safer healthcare treatments.
Q: How did the idea for DoubleLock Healthcare come about?
A: My experience as a frontline clinical provider, both as a registered nurse and a certified registered nurse anesthetist for over 40 years, was the genesis of DoubleLock Healthcare. In my duties, I frequently had to draw up drugs into syringes, connect them to intravenous (IV) ports, and administer them to patients. It became apparent that these IV ports and syringe tips are prone to bacterial contamination, which can lead to healthcare-associated infections, such as catheter-related bloodstream infections, central-line-associated bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections via bacterial seeding. The current solution, recommended by manufacturers and hospital policies, is to use an alcohol swab to clean the IV port. However, this doesn’t address syringe tip contamination and is challenging to comply with consistently, especially in urgent or emergency situations where multiple drugs are administered rapidly.
Through problem discovery interviews with other providers, it was clear that compliance with IV port asepsis is often below 50%, and practically non-existent in high-pressure scenarios. Moreover, syringe tip asepsis is rarely addressed. This widespread issue led me to develop a solution. With the help of engineers, we created our 11th prototype, which features an IV port encased in a sterile chamber, with a permanent retractable protective cover, and a complementary syringe whose tip is also enclosed in a sterile chamber. This design allows for drug injection through a sterile environment without the need for alcohol swabs or caps. The name “DoubleLock” derives from the product’s unique feature: a slide lock on the IV port guides the IV port into the syringe head and a pin lock stabilizes the connection, when engaged these two locks create a double locking mechanism, ensuring a stable and sterile connection. This innovation is aimed at significantly reducing the transmission of bacteria through the IV port and as a result decreases the risk of developing a healthcare-associated infection.
Decision to Join MassChallenge
Q: What led you to join MassChallenge?
A: After successfully completing our proof-of-concept, the next step for DoubleLock Healthcare was to secure funding for phase two, which involves developing our pre-production prototype number 12 and preparing for FDA submission. We were seeking around a million dollars, a substantial amount, and it was crucial that our company appeared robust and trustworthy to potential investors. I began exploring various accelerator programs to enhance our company’s readiness for investment. MassChallenge stood out because of its mission to support startups tackling significant challenges. Given that healthcare-associated infections are a global issue, not just limited to the U.S., our solution had wide-reaching implications.
The application process for MassChallenge was comprehensive. It required us to have a professional presence, like a website and a LinkedIn account and demanded clear and concise explanations of our project. We successfully navigated through the initial round of judging, where MassChallenge screened applicants fitting their criteria. Following this, we participated in two rounds of online judging, presenting our business using a deck tailored to our industry – medical devices. Our successful progression through these rounds led to our acceptance into the MassChallenge program. This was a crucial step for us in seeking the funding and support needed to advance to the next stage of our development.
Factors Leading to Acceptance into MassChallenge
Q: What factors do you think contributed to your acceptance into the MassChallenge program?
A: I believe our thorough preparation played a crucial role in our acceptance into MassChallenge. We had already completed the ideation and feasibility stages for our product, demonstrating its viability. Including our laboratory test results in the business presentation was vital, as it showcased the feasibility of our idea and affirmed that we are a company worth investing in. In addition to our solid preparation, I think our enthusiasm and commitment to patient care also contributed to our acceptance. Our primary goal with DoubleLock is to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of their lives. This dedication to making a significant impact in healthcare, I believe, resonated with the values and objectives of MassChallenge, helping to set us apart from other applicants.
Structure of the MassChallenge Program
Q: Can you describe the structure of the MassChallenge program after acceptance?
A: The MassChallenge program begins with weekly meetings, introducing participants to the ‘Running Lean’ methodology developed by Ash Maurya. This approach is designed to position startups in a way that attracts investor interest. Key elements include creating a business model canvas and establishing traction milestones. We also conducted additional problem-discovery interviews as part of the program’s projects. A significant part of the program was the four-day kickoff event in Dallas, where we met other accepted companies, around 125 in total. This provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with startups in our specific cohort, which in our case was medical devices or health tracking. The value of in-person interactions was immeasurable in this context.
During the kickoff, we engaged in various projects, including developing a ‘handshake pitch’ – a concise, 30-second pitch to deliver when meeting someone new. For DoubleLock, this pitch highlighted our development of a cleaner, faster, safer IV port and syringe system. Following the kickoff, the program continued with weekly meetings. Each participant was assigned a MassChallenge mentor to guide us through the LeanStack program and assess the feasibility and viability of our project. Additionally, we had the opportunity to select and meet with other mentors who had expertise in our industry. MassChallenge’s extensive mentorship network was a major asset, connecting us with experienced professionals knowledgeable about our specific field. This mentorship, combined with structured learning and networking opportunities, formed the core of the MassChallenge experience.
Duration and Long-Term Benefits of MassChallenge
Q: How long does the MassChallenge program last, and what are the long-term benefits?
A: The MassChallenge program spanned from May to the end of October. It involved various ongoing projects such as developing the Lean Canvas, which isn’t something that can be completed in a week but rather is perfected over time. We also engaged in traction workshops and customer discovery interviews, among other activities. The program is structured as a continuous learning and development process. After its completion in late October, participants become MassChallenge alumni. This status grants us lifelong access to all of MassChallenge’s resources. Being an alumnus means we can continually tap into the network and support provided by MassChallenge, which is an invaluable, enduring benefit of the program.
Funding and Competitions in MassChallenge
Q: Does MassChallenge provide any funding to participants?
A: MassChallenge does not provide direct funding for participating in its accelerator program. However, they do host a competition known as the Mass Challenge competition, which participants can apply to enter. This competition offers the opportunity to pitch for monetary awards, although it’s separate from the accelerator program itself. We applied to this competition but unfortunately were not selected for it. The competition, scheduled to take place in Boston, features 20 companies presenting their pitches, with the winners receiving monetary funding as awards. Despite the lack of direct funding for entry into the accelerator, MassChallenge provides other valuable resources and opportunities, such as this competition, to gain financial support.
Key Milestones Achieved in MassChallenge
Q: Could you share some significant milestones you achieved during the MassChallenge program?
A: Throughout the MassChallenge program, we reached several important milestones. One of the key accomplishments was completing the Lean Canvas. This was a significant step as it allowed us to visualize the entire structure of our company on a single page, providing clarity and focus. Another milestone was conducting problem discovery interviews. These interviews were particularly enlightening and rewarding. I engaged with various providers about the administration of IV drugs and the issues associated with it. Remarkably, every provider I spoke to did acknowledge the problem with current IV drug administration methods. This universal recognition affirmed the need for our solution and underscored the significance of our work at DoubleLock Healthcare. These milestones not only marked our progress but also reinforced the value and potential impact of our product in the healthcare industry.
Facing Challenges and Expectations in MassChallenge
Q: Did you encounter any challenges during MassChallenge, or were there aspects of the program that didn’t meet your expectations?
A: Entering the MassChallenge program, I kept an open mind without any specific expectations or preconceived notions about what the program would entail. This mindset allowed me to fully embrace and appreciate everything the program had to offer. I didn’t face any particular challenges during the program, largely due to my approach of being receptive to all the experiences and learning opportunities presented. The resources provided, including the books and educational materials, were repeatedly helpful. I’m especially thankful for the time and expertise shared by the mentors I interacted with. Their guidance was invaluable. This lack of expectations helped me to avoid any potential disappointments and to gain the maximum benefit from what the program had to offer.
Current Status and Future Goals of DoubleLock Healthcare
Q: What is the current status of DoubleLock Healthcare, and what are your goals for 2024?
A: Following our participation in MassChallenge, one key area of improvement has been in refining our business presentation. I’ve dedicated time to working on and practicing this presentation with peers and mentors. Since January, I’ve begun actively reaching out to investors, sharing our business presentation for their consideration. This outreach has been fruitful, as I’ve secured several interviews with investors who responded positively to our solicitation. We have additional meetings scheduled for the near future. Our primary goal is to secure funding for phase two of our project. This phase is critical for us as we continue to develop and refine our product, moving closer to bringing our solution to the market and making a significant impact in the healthcare industry.
Advice for Founders Applying to MassChallenge
Q: Do you have any final advice for founders considering applying to MassChallenge?
A: For founders interested in applying to MassChallenge, it’s important to be aware of the application timeline. The application window for MassChallenge opens on January 23rd, 2024, and remains open until February 29th, 2024. During this period, prospective applicants should prepare and gather all necessary materials to apply. I highly recommend the MassChallenge accelerator based on my experience. It’s crucial to organize and compile your application thoughtfully and thoroughly. Make sure to visit their website, masschallenge.org, for detailed information and the application process. Preparing in advance and submitting a well-considered application can significantly enhance your chances of being accepted into this valuable program.