.png)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – February 2, 2026 – Pediatric medical devices, essential for diagnosing and treating diseases in children, have historically faced challenges in terms of availability, options, and innovation compared to their adult counterparts. Recognizing this gap, the FDA established the Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) program in 2007. Among the pioneering entities within this program is The Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP), centered at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In an effort to assist founders in overcoming the financial obstacles that intensify this innovation gap, CTIP launched its inaugural Investor Advisory Board in 2024.
The Investor Advisory Board is comprised of individuals who allocate capital or influence capital allocation towards medical device projects with a vested interest in pediatric innovation. Drawing on expertise from various backgrounds, these individuals represent, but are not limited to, venture capital firms, corporate venture funds, family offices, and law firms.
2026 Highlights
CTIP welcomes a distinguished group of new and returning members to the 2026 Investor Advisory Board, strategically chosen to strengthen CTIP’s initiatives, share their capital-allocation experience, and pave the way for pediatric innovators' success. This exceptional group includes:
Adam Heller, Managing Partner – Oakwood Circle Ventures
Alexandra Shandiz, Principal – Kaiser Permanente Ventures
Andrew Meadow, General Partner – Health Innovation Capital
Becca Shmukler, Partner – Laerdal Million Lives Fund
Branden Rosenhan, Founding Partner – MedMountain Ventures
David Kereiakes, Managing Partner – Windham Capital Partners
David Prim, Principal – Broadview Ventures
Eric Ulchaker, Managing Partner – Serial Stage Venture Partners
Janet Boachie, Impact Investing Associate – The California Endowment
John Parker, Principal, Founder – Springhood Ventures
Justin Williams, Principal – Seae Ventures
Simone Otenaike, Partner – Aligned Health Law
Thomya Goode, Early-Stage Venture Investor – Formerly RHCapital – Rhia Ventures & Orchid Capital
Zoe Guttendorf, Investor – Formerly ARTIS Ventures
Through their participation in the Investor Advisory Board, these distinguished individuals will contribute to advancing the board's mission of increasing investment in pediatric medical devices by offering valuable insights and strategic guidance to empower CTIP’s pediatric innovators. CTIP celebrates another year of this collaborative effort to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in pediatric medical devices, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for children worldwide.
On the CTIP team, Madison Christmas manages and coordinates the Investor Advisory Board, advised by Kathryne Cooper, MBA.
Madison Christmas, Program Associate, Investment & Growth – CTIP
In her role at CTIP, Madison facilitates business education and training for portfolio members, manages and coordinates the Investor Advisory Board, collaborates with CTIP ecosystem partners, and develops new deal flow pipelines and non-dilutive funding opportunities for portfolio members.
Kathryne Cooper, MBA, Investment Advisor, Emeritus – CTIP
Investors interested in learning more or getting involved with CTIP can contact us at info@ctipmedtech.org.
Stay updated with the latest news from CTIP. Sign up for the CTIP newsletter.
For more updates from CTIP about pediatric MedTech, follow us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @ctipmedtech and online at ctipmedtech.org.
The Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP) is an FDA-funded pediatric MedTech accelerator centered at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Our goal is to facilitate the development, production, and distribution of pediatric medical devices by identifying companies working in the space and providing advice, networking opportunities, and indirect financial support on the road to commercialization.