MEDVIA announces US internationalization program for 2024: workshop series + US mission
Updated 30 April 2024
MEDVIA is pleased to announce our new internationalization program for 2024. “Say yes to the US” is a seven-part series on breaking into the US market, organized in partnership with Smart Hub Flemish Brabant and MEDVIA member Crowell & Moring.
The monthly series began in January and will culminate with a mission to New York and Las Vegas from 16-24 October, taking in events and visits to clusters and accelerators.
Why a program on the US?
The regulatory environment in Europe for healthtech innovations can be complicated and time-consuming, while the US is home to a large single market. This means that some start-ups should consider launching their product in the US first. Other companies will be looking to expand their market beyond Europe.
For some innovations, faster impact can be achieved in the US, and can also be more lucrative. Reimbursement policies are streamlined, making building a business case easier and faster. If you want to get your company going and raise the capital to launch in your home market, the US can be an excellent place to start.
Even for R&D companies without products to put on the market, keeping an eye on the US is important. Non-dilutive R&D funds for starters and scale-ups through government grants and funding is definitely worthwhile to follow! Every session will feature special guests who are experts in the topic.
When and where are the sessions?
The sessions take place monthly until June in either Brussels or Flemish Brabant. The final gathering, early in September, will be a preparatory session for a mission MEDVIA organizes to the US. The date for this session will be communicated soon.
The mission to the US will take place over one week in the second half of October. See the dedicated section lower down the page for details.
In the meantime, you can register for all of the sessions now! While it is our hope that you attend all the sessions – especially if you are planning to join the mission – you may register for the sessions of your choice.
Session 5: Building your product strategy in the US
30 May, 14.00-17.30
PwC Brussels, Culliganlaan 5, Diegem
Program to be announced soon.
Future session dates and topics:
Session 6: Forward thinking / How the US views emerging technologies, US-specific opportunities
26 June / Register here
Session 7: Preparing for mission to the US
September, date TBA
Mission to US
The US Mission will take place from 16-23 October, 2024.
- 16-19 October: Hub visit, New York City, NY
- 20-23 October: HLTH US Conference, Las Vegas, NV
For updates on this event and to register, click here. Detailed program to come!
Who can attend the internationalization series?
Say yes to the US, which includes the seven-part series and the mission to the US, is open to all healthtech companies wanting to learn more about doing business in the US. Companies should be involved in R&D activities. It is possible to attend all or part of the sessions, whether or not you attend the mission in the autumn. It is also possible to join the mission without participating in the sessions. Though if plan to join us for the mission, we highly recommend joining us for the sessions!
How much does it cost?
MEDVIA members: Free
Companies in Flemish Brabant: Free
Members of BioWin or Lifetech.Brussels: €175 per person per session
Others: €250 per person per session
Exception: Session 3 took place as part of an event hosted by the American Embassy in Belgium. Therefore, there was no charge for anyone for attending this session.
Sessions are free for MEDVIA members and for companies based in Flemish Brabant. This is due to a partnership with Smart Hub Flemish Brabant. A no-show fee of €250 will apply to organizations attending for free (with an exception for Session 3).
Mission: Anyone planning to take part in the mission is advised to set aside some €5,000 for travel, accommodation and event fees. We will communicate later about any subsidies or discounts that might be available.
Previous sessions
Session 4: Navigating FDA regulations
25 April, 14.00-17.30
Crowell & Moring, 7 Rue Joseph Stevens, Brussels
Program, session 4:
- Linda Malek and Jason Johnson of Crowell Health Solutions on FDA Requirements
- Kyun Thibaut of Covartim on FDA submission process
- Panel (with above speakers): Key Differences between CE marking and FDA certification process
Session 3: Choosing a landing site / Meet MEDVIA’s partner hubs
27 March, 11.00-13.45
BNP Paribas Fortis, 1 Rue de la Chancellerie, Brussels
Program, session 3:
- Matthew Moisan, partner at Crowell & Moring’s New York office
- State Representative Panel Discussion: Hub hotspots
Panelists: Marine L’Herrou, Empire State Development, New York / Geert Hovens, representing the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development / Ellen Kraft, Managing Director, Georgia Department of Economic Development / Nils Künkler, Consultant FDI European Office, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Moderator: Antje Abshoff, Managing Director International Business Development, Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Session 2: Entry strategies and considerations
29 February, 14.00-17.30
Crowell & Moring, 7 Rue Joseph Stevens, Brussels
Program, session 2:
- Market Entry Strategies by Lex Eley, Partner at Crowell & Moring, Washington, DC
- Case studies panel: When and how to enter the US market
Panelists: Peter Kinhan, CEO of Dermicus / Lex Eley, Partner at Crowell & Moring / Ward Servaes, co-founder of moveUP - Networking drink
Session 1: Why go to the US?
25 January, 14.00-17.00
De Hoorn, Sluisstraat 79, Leuven
Program, session 1:
- Introduction to the series
- Doing business in the US and working with Americans: Real-world experiences and insights
- Case studies panel: Why didy ou launch in the US? Featuring: Jan Verheyden, VP Partnerships at Icometrix / Kathleen Verleysen, CEO of miDiagnostics / Julien Penders, COO of Bloomlife
MEDVIA’s greater strategy
Say yes to the US is part of MEDVIA’s Tackling Global Markets strategy. This strategy is one of several we will be rolling out in 2024. What are the others? We’re glad you asked:
- Tackling the Home Market (BE/EU)
- The Future of Healthcare (Futureproofing the Belgian healthtech sector)
- Money, Money, Money (Getting funding, including our project calls)
MEDVIA will position our programming in 2024 within these strategies.
Say yes to the US is held in partnership with:
