Alumnus Launches Fund Focused on San Diego MedTech Startups
Garrett Smith knows a thing or two about medtech startups. He founded his first company as a bioengineering PhD student at the University of California San Diego (PhD ‘12). Since then he has stewarded several technologies through FDA approval; led multiple startups to successful acquisition; directed early innovation partnerships for massive players like Johnson and Johnson Innovation; and overseen a corporate venture capital fund for MedeonBIO. Smith has worked across nearly every stage of the healthcare innovation ecosystem, including as a founder, operator, corporate innovation leader, venture investor, and advisor. Read Full Article
Garrett Smith, Reef Haven Ventures
Aug 21, 2025
Deep-Tech Acceleration
Learn More about Accelerator
Entrepreneurship Education
Learn More about I-Corps
Technology Management and Entrepreneurism Training Program for Engineers
Read More about the Program Certificate
Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Read More about the ProgramMentors
The Institute for the Global Entrepreneur invites experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders to join us in our mission to educate and mentor technology leaders.
Role of Mentor
The NSF I-Corps™, Accelerator, Global Innovation, and GEA mentors are typically individuals who are entrepreneurs, industry experts, and/or have experience transitioning technology from research to market. Their role is essential in guiding and advising the teams as they determine their market value proposition as well as assisting with industry introductions.
Partners
Our partner network provides expertise, mentorship, and support to our startups.
Ecosystem
The Institute for the Global Entrepreneur is strategically connected to UC San Diego's broad ecosystem dedicated to building a culture of innovation.
Sonika O.
"During the interview with my current company, they asked me to interview for the product manager role once they learned about my experience…