GREG BUCHERT
CEO
MAKANI SCIENCE
WHY: Runs Irvine-based startup that has created a small, bandage-sized respiratory monitor, capable of continuously measuring breathing even during movement. Became involved with Makani through membership in local angel investment groups TCA Venture Group and MEDA Angels. Company has raised $3.5M to date.
IN THE NEWS: Received FDA clearance for the device in April and expected to begin commercialization soon. Awarded a $1.1M grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a second-generation device for neonatal care. Currently conducting a study in partnership with Rady Children’s Health.
NOTABLE: Company created from research done by UCI biomedical engineering professor Michelle Khine, who co-founded Makani alongside one of her former doctoral students Michael Chu.
QUOTABLE: “We performed, we executed and got the clearance.”
