CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA–(Marketwired – July 13, 2016) – Aurora Spine Corporation (TSX VENTURE:ASG) announced today that it has been selected to take part in the MetroConnect Program, a comprehensive export support program run by the World Trade Center San Diego and designed to help San Diego companies accelerate their global growth. The announcement was made on June 30th by San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and World Trade Center San Diego.
“Aurora’s modern spine technology is changing spine surgery for the benefit of patients worldwide, and we are grateful to receive the MetroConnect Program grant, as it advances Aurora’s strategy to transform how spine procedures are approached, performed and valued from a worldwide clinical and economic perspective,” said Trent Northcutt, President and CEO of Aurora Spine, “and is a testament to our dedicated focus on of our Screwless Procedure™ and our commitment to – Simplifying the Complex.”
“Aurora Spine is grateful to receive the MetroConnect Program grant that allows our company to grow its international presence and offer our superior spinal implants to even more patients internationally,” said Laszlo Garamszegi, Chief Technology Officer of Aurora Spine.
The MetroConnect Program, a flagship initiative of World Trade Center San Diego, seeks to cultivate a pipeline of export-ready firms to elevate San Diego’s global reach. Similar to the 2015 pilot round, program participants will receive a $10,000 grant, presented by JPMorgan Chase, to assist with international expansion strategies. In 2016, the MetroConnect Program has created additional support services to directly help participating companies. Program participants will have access to a dedicated trade and investment manager at WTC San Diego and will receive guidance on export compliance, financing and fundraising and global marketing, amongst other areas of relevance.
“We applaud Aurora Spine for taking the next step in going global,” said Nikia Clarke, executive director of World Trade Center San Diego. “The MetroConnect Program is essentially a business accelerator program for globally-minded companies. The funding and guidance provided by the prize will help Aurora Spine explore new world markets, resulting in economic growth for San Diego.”
In total, 73 San Diego companies applied for acceptance into the MetroConnect Program. Fifteen companies were selected based on a variety of criteria, including interest in new markets, interest in targeted metro markets, assessed impact of funds, current international traction and more. Applicants were assessed by a panel of judges, including representatives from Applied Membranes, Biocom, Qualcomm Ventures, San Diego Regional EDC, San Diego State University, Taylor Guitars, Tech San Diego, U.S. Department of Commerce, UC San Diego and World Trade Center San Diego.
Participating companies will also be considered for the program’s MetroConnect Grand Prize Pitchfest in November 2016, which will provide an additional $35,000 to help one or two companies further advance their global agendas.
The MetroConnect Program is underwritten by JPMorgan Chase & Co, with additional support provided by Japan Airlines, Qualcomm Ventures, SYSTRAN and Taylor Guitars.
About Aurora Spine
Aurora Spine is an early stage company focused on bringing new solutions to the spinal implant market through a series of screwless, innovative, minimally invasive, regenerative spinal implant technologies. Aurora Spine continues to position itself at the forefront of spinal surgery procedures, focusing on minimally invasive spine surgery technologies. Aurora Spine is changing spine surgery by focusing on disruptive technologies following the Company’s commitment to – Simplifying the Complex.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Aurora Spine, including, without limitation, those listed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in Aurora Spine’s final prospectus (collectively, “forward-looking information”). Forward-looking information in this news release includes information concerning the proposed use and success of the company’s products in surgical procedures. Aurora Spine cautions investors of Aurora Spine’s securities about important factors that could cause Aurora Spine’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements included in this news release. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ unilaterally from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that the expectations set out herein will prove to be correct and, accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these forward looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Aurora Spine does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.
About World Trade Center San Diego
World Trade Center San Diego operates as an affiliate of San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. WTC San Diego works to further San Diego’s global competitiveness by building an export pipeline, attracting and retaining foreign investment, and increasing San Diego’s global profile abroad.
Trent Northcutt
President and Chief Executive Officer
(760) 424-2004
Aurora Spine Corporation
Eric Fronk
Chief Financial Officer
(760) 424-2004
www.aurora-spine.com
