CEO AUMMIS (The Collider Programme)
AUMMIS | Stem-free Uterine Manipulator for Minimally Invasive Surgery
CEO & Co-Founder Opportunity | MedTech | Gynecologic Oncology
Laparoscopic hysterectomy depends on a uterine manipulator, and almost every model on the market works by inserting a rigid stem into the uterus. Clinical evidence has linked these manipulators to a higher risk of cancer recurrence, because the stem damages tissue, manipulates the tumor and can spread malignant cells. As a result, many oncology patients still undergo open surgery.
AUMMIS removes the stem. Its vacuum-assisted system holds the cervix with interchangeable cups, so surgeons can mobilize the uterus in laparoscopic and robotic surgery without traumatizing tissue or touching the tumor. The project was born at FISABIO and Universitat Jaume I, and is now looking for the CEO who will turn it into a company.
Where AUMMIS stands today
- Functional prototype, with proof of concept completed on cadaveric bodies (TRL 4)
- Granted Spanish patent, with EPO and US applications pending and freedom to operate confirmed in Europe and the US
- Classified as a Class IIa medical device
- ~1.3 million hysterectomies performed worldwide every year
- A market dominated by large surgical device players whose manipulators are mostly stem-based, a clear path to licensing or strategic partnership
- A defined roadmap to CE marking, with pilot clinical studies planned for 2027 and a financial strategy combining non-dilutive funding and private investment
- €143K grant from the Valencian Innovation Agency (AVI), co-funded by the EU (ERDF), to advance development, validation and transfer of the device
The founding team
- Dr. J. Antonio Llueca Abella – Future CSO. A gynecologic oncology surgeon and Principal Clinical Investigator at FISABIO, he identified the problem in the operating room.
- Dr. Javier Andrés de la Esperanza – Technical lead. A biomechanical engineer and Principal Technological Investigator at Universitat Jaume I.
Your role as entrepreneur
By the end of the 4-month validation phase, you will have:
- A defined business model and partnering strategy: licensing, co-development or a path to direct sales
- A regulatory and clinical roadmap under MDR, toward CE marking and FDA
- A funding plan for the next 24 months, combining non-dilutive programmes and private investment
- First conversations opened with medical device manufacturers and distributors
- Agreement with the founding team on the company structure and spin-off creation
The Offer
- Significant co-founder equity stake as CEO upon company incorporation
- €8,000 stipend during the validation phase (4 monthly instalments of €2,000)
- Opportunity to access a participative loan of up to €75,000 to finance the first phases of the project
- The Collider venture-building programme: mentors and specialists in medtech, IP, regulatory, go-to-market and fundraising, plus support with spin-off creation
- International exposure through The Collider ecosystem (4YFN, Mobile World Congress, corporate & investor networks)
- Coworking space: Barcelona (Tech Barcelona – Pier 01), Castellón (Campus Espaitec UJI)
- Two years of post-incorporation support, including in-kind services, community access and portfolio perks
- Expected start: February–March 2027
What you bring
- Previous founder or early-stage startup experience
- Proven track record in the medical device industry, in BD, product, regulatory or general management, ideally with surgical devices or disposables
- Hands-on experience moving a device through MDR/CE or running clinical studies. You know what it takes to go from prototype to first-in-human.
- A network in the medtech industry: manufacturers, distributors or strategic partners
- Experience closing deals, such as licensing, partnerships or fundraising, including non-dilutive funding (EU, CDTI or similar)
- Ability to translate clinical evidence into a business case that convinces partners, investors and regulators, working closely with surgeons and engineers
- Eligible to work in Spain and fluent in Spanish and English
Strong pluses
- Background in gynecology, oncology or minimally invasive and robotic surgery
- FDA experience
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