In Situ Mechanical Characterization of Skin: Participation in the Program Nodos Binacionales de Salud

A research project focused on skin elasticity evaluation, was started at the request of burn physicians at the Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, to collect information on tissue quality and the efficiency of interventions. As data collection progressed, it was sought to transfer the results to the market, allowing diffusion and use. Thus, it was decided to participate in the Nodos Binacionales de Salud program. Although research at the Mexican National Institutes of Health focuses on solving patient health requirements, the question was how these projects can lead to a sustainable success on the market. During the program we follow the Lean Startup methodology that consists in finding potential market by getting out of the building to do interviews; the main tool used was the Business Model Canvas and mentor support on how to validate business hypotheses. Throughout the program we realized that the initial product did not meet the needs of the physicians and it was decided to make a pivot. A new business model focused on injectable cosmetic treatments was developed, due to its economic viability. In this market, the validation of most of the business model and field of development were achieved, through the discovery of a new product soon to be available in the market. Although the decision of not to advance the cosmetic technology was taken, the primary research project, focused on burn patients do continue in progress, with a new understanding of the relevant information for the customers ecosystem.