Meet InnoSpina co-founder Gwenael Hannema and discover how he makes spinal treatments safe, fast, and accessible

23.07.2021 07:35, Isabelle Mitchell

Gwenael Hannema co-founded InnoSpina, a Venture Leader Medtech that develops innovative implants and guiding instruments to cure back pain efficiently. The EPFL spin-off optimizes the post-operative recovery by reducing the neurological risks of the surgical procedures, the anesthesia time, and the duration of the hospitalization. Learn more about Gwenael’s expectations for the Venture Leaders Medtech experience, and find out which explorer and adventurer inspires him to take his startups to new heights.

To boost the innovative power of the Swiss medtech industry, medtech startups now have their own Venture Leaders roadshow to Boston, one of the world’s major life sciences hubs and the ideal springboard for ambitious startups on their way to global expansion. Our profile series features the 10 Venture Leaders Medtech 2021, and we will introduce you to the inaugural graduates of the program. To learn more about the startups, we asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose at least six questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life.

Name: Gwenael Hannema
Location: Switzerland Innovation Park | Site Jura in Courroux
Nationality: Swiss/Dutch
Graduated from: EPFL in 2012 with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering
Your job title: Co-founder and CEO of InnoSpina 
Number of employees: 6 eq. FTE (as of 07/2021)
Money raised: CHF 1.35 million (as of 07/2021)
First touchpoint with Venturelab: First, back in 2016 with the Startup Champions Seed Night; then, in 2019, I participated in the Innosuisse Medtech Module 3 Training in Basel, which was organized by Venturelab.

“At InnoSpina, we design and develop novel implants and unique surgical guiding instruments enabling surgeons to treat chronic back pain in less than 30 minutes.”
 
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
Today, spine surgery remains a complex and time-consuming procedure with a high learning curve for the surgeon. I co-founded InnoSpina with Dr. Jacques Samani, a world-renowned spine surgeon—the inventor of the FDA cleared Coflex implant—and Nicole Beuchat, the co-founder of the additive manufacturing company 3D Precision, to leverage our combined skills and expertise to advance spine surgery. We want to provide safe and intuitive guiding instruments together with novel implants to empower spine surgeons in their daily procedures.

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision? 
The US is the primary market for our first medical product (fusion implant). The Venture Leaders program will fast-track our business development with hands-on application to better understand the US medical device ecosystem and refine our strategy. It will be a fantastic opportunity for InnoSpina to pitch to top-level US investors in preparation of our upcoming Seed round. Furthermore, it will also enable us to get additional feedback and traction by building contacts with key opinion leaders of the US spinal-care industry who could potentially join our medical and clinical advisory board.

What is your favorite book? 
Wanting to Touch the Stars by adventurer and explorer Mike Horn. For me, he is the embodiment of resilience, determination, and limitless possibilities. We have 30,000 hours of life to spend on Earth, and we shouldn’t waste time complaining, feeling sorry for ourselves, and not moving forward. We should go after our dreams, whatever they are.

What is always in your fridge? 
Freshly ground coffee and some dark chocolate—a perfect match for a break.
 
What are you most proud of? 
Having the courage to go my own way, following my passion, and driving InnoSpina forward while building a family.
 
What advice would you give your teenage self?
I would say to get more out of my comfort zone. Failing and making mistakes more often will only fast-track the learning process and help me get better every day.
 
How and where do you clear your mind? 
Hiking in the mountains to get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the wilderness I love. Rock climbing is also part of how I like to clear my mind and recharge my batteries!
 
Which startup do you wish you had founded?
Onward, a company that develops an implantable neuro-stimulation and creates innovative therapies to restore movement, independence, and health in people with spinal cord injury. I remember the inspiring article in Science back in 2012 when I was at the EPFL, and I admire Prof. Courtine and his team for their perseverance and progress on their wonderful mission!
 
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder? 
Being able to develop products that can positively impact people’s lives all around the world. It’s a long and challenging but rewarding journey to answer an unmet need by bringing an idea from the initial concept to the final product on the market. 
 
Last but not least, could you show us your workspace? 
Here is the InnoSpina team (from left to right): Gwenael Hannema (development and execution), Jacques Samani (surgery), and Nicole Beuchat (manufacturing)

  


For more information and updates on InnoSpina and the Venture Leaders Medtech, follow the Venture Leaders Medtech 2021 team with #VleadersMedtech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 
 
Venture Leaders Medtech 2021 is organized by Venturelab and supported by EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Hansjörg Wyss, Kellerhals Carrard, Paul Scherrer Institut, Swissnex Boston, University Zurich, Canton of Vaud, and Canton of Zurich.