Meet Jessica Gilgenbach, CEO SmartPath AG

Please tell us about SmartPath AG

Our mission at SmartPath is to expedite the process of bringing new technologies to patients in a faster and cost-efficient manner, as nothing brings us more joy than improving patients’ quality of life. We are committed to leveraging our expertise, resources, and network to support startups in overcoming the hurdles they face. By providing guidance, strategic advice, and streamlined processes, we aim to accelerate the journey from concept to market, enabling startups to deliver innovative solutions that benefit patients more quickly.

We envision a future where innovative medical solutions reach patients faster, improving their quality of life and addressing unmet medical needs.

In my previous corporate role, I was involved in assessing startup products as part of the corporate`s open innovation and M&A process. Life Science startups often reached out for joint development approaches mainly due to lack of capabilities and Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance know-how. The response from the corporate was always the same: “interesting product idea, please come back when your device is ready to sell, we are happy to distribute.” 

We therefore founded SmartPath AG in 2021 aiming to help life science startups by providing them the needed know-how of our 5 FTE team to bring their products faster to the patient.

Tell us more about your plans for 2024 and what is your long-term vision.

For the last quarter of 2024, we would like to support five additional Life Science startups with their development activities. Our support could be anything from helping with the product classification and developing the regulatory strategy, to assisting with usability engineering, FDA pre-submission meetings, eQMS implementation to C-level coaching. Our long-term vision is to become the go-to partner for any Swiss life science startup with fast go-to-market KPI.

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?

Helping our clients to achieve their milestones, builds trust between their boards and teams. This year, we have implemented eQMS systems, prepared biocompatibility plans and reports as part of Medical Device Regulation resubmission, successful submitted issue Request as part of a 510(k) clearance and pre-submission meetings with the FDA. If we need to name one, it was finding a solution for a customer where the FDA initially requested clinical data by taking the existing studies to show safety and effectiveness of their implantable device.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?

Networking, networking, networking! – From day 1!

Especially as a consulting startup, the exchange with other startups is so important. And not only to gain additional customers or understand customer needs but to give and receive free-of-charge advice.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

We love to solve problems! There are many evolving issues during the product development process in a life science startup. Behind each problem, there is a great startup team and in most cases a great product idea needed by patients. Contact us if you need help to solve your problems!

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?

Especially in life sciences, don’t attempt to do everything by yourself. It is often less expensive to hire a consultant with a clearly defined scope of work than hiring a junior, who does not yet have sufficient experience.

Try to focus on your core competencies! If you have no idea about accounting, outsource the activity. If you are a technical expert, try to focus on the technical part of product development and push it as fast as possible in the market. Faster go-to-market at the end fosters the survival of your company.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association? 

We are a Swiss startup and love to work with Swiss startups. It is great to be part of the association and support each other.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?

We just joined, so we cannot give feedback about our experience so far. But we became a member as we strongly believe that Swiss startups have great, innovative product ideas, which shall be realized for the benefit of society. But you cannot succeed on your own – you need a supporting association ;-).

Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with the community?

If you are a life science startup, get in contact with us! Not only in case of requesting support but also for short exchange about your challenges. #asksmartpath.com