A Philly startup trying to treat glaucoma was chosen for a California-based medtech accelerator

A medical device startup based out of the Pennovation Center in Grays Ferry was chosen to compete in a four-month accelerator that kicks off in San Francisco Wednesday.

Avisi Technologies, started by University of Pennsylvania grad Rui Jing Jiang in 2017 while she was at The Wharton School, aims to treat open-angle glaucoma with an ocular implant that’s designed to remove excess fluid from inside the eye. The device releases pressures that damage the optic nerve.

According to a news release, MedTech Innovator’s program starts with a summit bringing the 50 chosen companies together with corporate partners, investors and representatives from government agencies, and will end with a showcase on June 21.

From there, 25 companies will move forward to the four-month program, featuring competitions and guidance from mentors. The program concludes at a September event in Boston where four companies will be chosen to present in the finals at The MedTech Conference.

The 50 participants were chosen from about 700 applicants of early-to-mid stage medtech companies.

Also chosen was CoapTech, a Baltimore-based company that’s device assists with feeding tube placement, and Pittsburg-based ForestDevices, which is developing a device to help first responders identify stroke and triage patients.

“We take great pride in bringing the world’s best medtech ecosystem together with standout entrepreneurs to provide them with the resources and connections needed to bring their transformative technologies to patients,” Paul Grand, CEO of MedTech Innovator, said in a statement.

Jiang was also a featured speaker at the B. PHL announcement press conference on Monday.