CurveAssure, a spinal innovation startup, was recently awarded $140,000 through the prestigious and first-of-its-kind Johns Hopkins University (“JHU”) President’s Venture Fellowship. This venture is co-founded and led by Evan Haas and Antony Fuleihan, two fellows at JHU’s Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design (“CBID”).

Revolutionary Venture

Each year, 250,000 patients undergo unnecessary spinal fusion surgery because spine surgeons lack critical information about their patients’ spinal function outside of the clinic. The CurveAssure system aims to enhance clinical decision-making and enable personalized patient care. With CurveAssure’s innovative wireless sensor technology, clinicians can make more informed decisions about their patients’ treatment options, allowing them to better personalize both surgical and non-surgical plans. 

A Year of Achievements

Evan Haas and Antony Fuleihan have had great success throughout the year with their venture. Some recent accomplishments include earning First Place at the FastForward U Fuel Accelerator Demo Day, First Place Graduate Business Plan Competition and First Place Graduate Elevator Pitch Competition at the International Stu Clark New Venture Championships, and First Place at the Carey Business School Student Venture Showcase. The President’s Venture Fellowship is another remarkable achievement that highlights the innovative nature of CurveAssure’s core technology and the co-founders’ commitment to revolutionizing the meaning of holistic spinal care. 

The President’s Venture Fellowship

The 2023 JHU President’s Venture Fellowship is an inaugural award intended to recognize a promising startup venture and encourage student entrepreneurship. As the largest award for student entrepreneurship ever offered by JHU, this fellowship is highly competitive. Sponsored by the Office of the President and funded through philanthropic alumni contributions, the fellowship provides $100,000 in funding and a $40,000 stipend salary to awardees. These funds are intended to support the continued growth of recipient biotech ventures, while promoting the longevity of student innovation both inside and outside the classroom.