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Jorge Cortell
Senior Advisor Health & Life Sciences @Harvard Innovation Labs
Professional Background
Jorge Cortell is a distinguished Senior Advisor in Healthcare and Life Sciences at Harvard University Innovation Laboratories, contributing his expertise in healthcare technology and entrepreneurship. His role at Harvard involves steering innovative projects and supporting new ideas that can advance healthcare systems globally. In addition to his pivotal role at Harvard, Jorge proudly serves on the Advisory Board at Lysando, a world leader in antimicrobial proteins, and AugMend, a virtual reality platform aimed at enhancing mental health treatments. Jorge's rich experience in Europe's competitive healthcare landscape is complemented by his past position as a Venture Partner at NLC, Europe's most active early stage investor in healthcare, where he co-built seven successful ventures.
As a serial entrepreneur, Jorge has founded six bootstrapped and profitable startups across three countries and five industries. His entrepreneurial journey includes five notable exits, showcasing his ability to innovate and succeed in diverse markets, including his contribution to the creation of a paper unicorn.
Jorge's extensive portfolio of innovation in healthcare technology highlights his dedication to enhancing medical solutions with various pioneering projects. Notably, he introduced the first open-source model-independent AI application platform in healthcare in 2019 and developed a multimodal platform for pandemic-related rapid diagnosis and interventions shortly after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Moreover, he made historical strides in 2014 with the invention of the first precision medicine software platform, a step towards personalized healthcare. His previous work also included the design of a vendor-neutral digital pathology dicomizer in 2012 and the development of the first commercially available augmented reality system for surgery back in 2008.
Education and Achievements
Jorge Cortell's academic pursuits have been as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He is a first-generation college graduate and holds several esteemed degrees from notable institutions. He studied an Undergraduate Diploma in Computing at the University of Oxford, which helped establish a fortified foundation in computer science. Following this, Jorge attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he completed the Entrepreneurship Development Program, enhancing his management skills and strategic thinking in business operations.
Additionally, he holds a postgraduate degree in Medical Genetics from the University of Valencia, solidifying his expertise in medical sciences. He also pursued independent coursework in various fields at Harvard University that spans Neurobiology, Law, Technology, and Philosophy, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach to innovation. His academic journey further includes an Associate of Science degree in Business Management from Kellogg Community College, which complements his extensive management knowledge. Jorge initially embarked on his university education with a focus on Psychology at the University of Valencia, demonstrating his core interest in understanding human behavior.
Jorge has earned significant accolades for his achievements in innovation, receiving awards from esteemed organizations such as NASA, the California Governor’s Office, HIMSS, IBM, the Digital Pathology Association, Frost & Sullivan, and the Wall Street Journal. These recognitions underscore his commitment to advancing technology and his impact on academia and industry alike.
Notable Achievements
Jorge Cortell has a remarkable history of achievements that exemplify his dedication and innovative spirit in the healthcare sector. Among his many accomplishments, he has successfully launched the first open-source model-independent AI application platform in healthcare, revolutionizing how technology can be harnessed for medical purposes. His innovative approach continued with the introduction of a multimodal platform designed for rapid diagnosis and response scenarios during pandemics, which he was able to deliver in record time following the World Health Organization's declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic.
In 2014, he invented the first precision medicine software platform, significantly improving the ability to create tailored treatment modalities based on individual genetics. He further advanced the field by designing a vendor-neutral digital pathology dicomizer, allowing for improved interoperability among various medical systems.
Jorge's forward-thinking vision in augmented reality technology culminated in the development of the first commercially available augmented reality system for surgery in 2008, emphasizing his dedication to enhancing surgical techniques and patient safety through modern technology. His experience as a former professional basketball player adds a unique layer to his diverse background, combining teamwork and discipline from sports to his innovative ventures in technology.
Moreover, Jorge's contributions to education are notable, having delivered impactful keynote addresses at leading conferences such as HIMSS and RSNA. He also shares his knowledge as a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions, including Oxford, Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. His role as an educator extends to teaching about innovation at the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the Open University of Catalonia, establishing himself as a key figure in nurturing future innovators and entrepreneurs.
As a dedicated member of the European Commission's Expert Group on Venture Philanthropy and Social Investments, Jorge utilizes his expertise to drive meaningful investments that foster social impact. His involvement with various startup ventures and advisory groups further emphasizes his commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and investing in solutions that benefit society as a whole.
In conclusion, Jorge Cortell's professional journey encapsulates a blend of innovation, entrepreneurship, and education that spans across the healthcare and technology sectors. His profound contributions are underscored by a robust educational foundation and a track record of pioneering advancements that continue to positively influence healthcare practices and innovation globally.