Mitch Wilson and Mariner Endosurgery: A Journey of Innovation and Growth
Mitch Wilson began his association with Mariner Endosurgery in 2015 during his MBA studies when he participated in Innovation Factory’s Synapse Life Science Pitch Competition. It was here that he met Dr. David Langlois, who had just obtained his first U.S. patent and was eager yet uncertain about how to transform his concept into a marketable product.
The Path to Commercialization
With a patent secured, Langlois sought to bridge the gap in getting his initial product to market. His collaboration with the Innovation Factory led him to the Synapse Pitch Competition. Wilson joined Langlois’s team for this competition, where they utilized training and mentorship to develop a robust commercialization plan and investor pitch. Although they didn’t advance far the first time, their partnership laid the groundwork for future success.
The following year, Wilson had stepped up as CEO and re-entered the competition. With improved strategies and a refined pitch, Mariner Endosurgery secured second place, gaining valuable visibility. Their project crystallized into the LaparoGuard™ AR, an augmented surgical system that provides surgeons essential advanced visualization and augmented reality tools for minimally invasive procedures.
Milestones and Growth
Mariner continued to build on their success, hitting significant milestones shortly after their competition win. In 2017, they closed an investment round with local angel investors and surgeons, followed by FDA clearance for the LaparoGuard in 2018. The device was first employed at Hamilton Health Sciences’ General Hospital, with further evaluations taking place across the U.S. and Europe.
Investment from Hamilton’s Bay Area Health Trust allowed Mariner to scale its operations further. They benefitted from the mentorship of Innovation Factory’s Expert Advisors, including CEO David Carter, which played a crucial role in building and growing the company.
Wilson affirmed that Hamilton would remain Mariner’s base due to its supportive ecosystem. The region’s connection to institutions like Innovation Factory, Synapse Life Science Consortium, McMaster University, and Hamilton Health Sciences has fostered Mariner’s growth from an idea to a mature, scalable life science company. Wilson emphasized that Hamilton provides essential resources, from talent and supply chains to access to local hospital decision-makers who are supportive of innovation.
Challenges and Adaptations
The COVID-19 pandemic tested Mariner’s resilience, as the industry faced numerous challenges. The company adeptly pivoted to meet the needs of the Canadian government, resulting in a stronger financial position and a renewed focus on R&D for surgical devices. Recognizing the company’s maturation, Mariner brought in seasoned medical device executive Mike Daniels as its new President, with Wilson and the Board of Directors fully supporting this transition.
New Beginnings for Wilson
Although stepping down from his role as President, Wilson sought to contribute to the innovation ecosystem in fresh ways. He now manages his family’s investments at Peony Investments VMW Ltd. and has re-engaged with the Innovation Factory community as an Expert Advisor, providing guidance to entrepreneurs looking to scale their startups.
As Mariner Endosurgery continues to innovate with a pipeline of new medical devices, including the SURGinvent, they exemplify the power of collaboration, mentorship, and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology.