On April 26, 2021, finalists will compete for $22,500 in awards in the Spring 2021 Skandalaris Venture Competition. In anticipation of the SVC finals, we are publishing a Q&A series with the finalists. Today's featured team is Integra Medical Solutions International.
Integra Medical Solutions International has developed a low-cost, easy-to-use EKG device to be used as part of a telehealth system for cardiac patients in developing nations. Utilizing the cost-effective 2G cellular network, which is now becoming widely available throughout the developing world, the device transmits patient EKGs to a secure database that physicians here in the United States who are interested in humanitarian medicine can access and interpret in their own free time as part of a micro-volunteering program. The treatment plan recommended by the physician gets relayed back to medical NGOs working on the ground who can provide any necessary interventions to the patient that do not require advanced medical knowledge such as heart rhythm medications.
Industry: Healthcare, IoT, Medical Device
Number of Employees: 2
Total Funding (as of March 2021): None
What problem are you solving?
We seek to solve the issues of access to healthcare and related healthcare devices, specifically in lesser developed nations.
How do you solve this problem?
Develop and deploy a low-cost medical EKG device that is easy to use, and capable of sending the EKG recordings to doctors who can read them. The result is a solution that allows access to healthcare devices to all, regardless of location and resources.
About the Founding Team:
IMS International’s current executive members include co-founders Arman Serpen, a pre-medical third-year student at WashU majoring in Electrical Engineering, and William Gozlan, a third-year student pursuing a dual degree in Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
Serpen’s background in electrical engineering and his interest in using tech to revolutionize the field of medicine places him in a prime position 
to develop a sound MVP. Gozlan will bring his industry experience in cloud systems to facilitate communication; together with his academic knowledge of microprocessors for the device itself and research-based expertise in cybersecurity, the solution is designed to fix the problem from the ground up. The engineering problem-solving skills that Serpen and Gozlan possess meshes perfectly with energy for start-ups and entrepreneurship.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned since starting your venture?
The biggest lesson we have learned so far is to not give up easily. If you are passionate about something, and you really believe in it, keep going. We have definitely had challenges along the way- from funding to technical challenges on the engineering design side, the road is always bumpy. Yet, knowing the result can have such an enormous impact is what has us keep going to pursue a deployed solution.
What do you love about being an entrepreneur?
Having the ability to make a difference in the world, with the potential to impact millions of people's daily lives in such a positive way. For us, the outcome of improved access to healthcare imaging devices is what we are passionate about, and it's why we pour our heart and soul into the venture.
What words of advice do you have for those starting a business?
Make sure it’s something you’re truly passionate about because you have to be prepared to dedicate your life to it and in the world of business it can be tough to survive otherwise.
What is your must-read book?