Conn. Technology Council Picks Woven Orthopedic Technologies CEO for Women of Innovation® Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Award

MANCHESTER, Conn., April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ilana Odess, chief executive officer and founder of Woven Orthopedic Technologies, has been presented the top award for Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership by The Connecticut Technology Council at its 2014 Women of Innovation Awards dinner March 27 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, Conn.

The 10th Anniversary of Women of Innovation^® Awards dinner concluded its decade of activity by celebrating some of Connecticut's most innovative female minds for outstanding accomplishments in science, engineering, technology research, information technology, business analytics, technology education, and mathematics.

The Connecticut Technology Council reviewed over 175 nominations this year and extended awards to women in 8 categories of innovation and leadership: Youth, Collegiate, Community, Research, Academia, Entrepreneurship, Small Business, and Large Business.

The Council cited Ms. Odess for several noteworthy achievements, including founding three businesses acquired by multi-billion dollar medical device companies, and forming the first Johnson & Johnson operating division in Israel.

She is a recognized expert in leading companies from concept to clinical application and has successfully negotiated and executed over 30 worldwide distribution and strategic partner agreements (Europe, APAC, and South America) and assisted in raising more than $110 million from private investors, venture capitalists, and institutions.

"It's fantastic to see Connecticut recognize its innovators with an event like this," says Ms. Odess. "Throughout my career, I've come to understand that success is greatly impacted by the support we receive. Successful innovation requires teamwork and with the tremendous economic impact innovation has on the economy, it's great to see support coming from the state level. With our efforts here at Woven Orthopedics, I hope to work closely with the state to help play a role in attracting more talent and innovation to the area and transform Connecticut into a hub for activities that build unique life-changing technologies," Ms. Odess explained.

"I am grateful to the Connecticut Technology Council for selecting me for the Women of Innovation^® Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Award, and honored to count myself among the distinguished women who have earned this award," she added. 

Ms. Odess is the chief executive officer of Woven Orthopedic Technologies, a portfolio company of Viscogliosi Brothers, LLC, a leading independent investment firm that creates, builds, operates and finances companies founded on innovations, developed by surgeons, and uniquely focused on "life changing" musculoskeletal/orthopedic technologies.

"Ms. Odess epitomizes the terms 'entrepreneur and innovator.' A true visionary, having founded Woven Orthopedic Technologies as a startup company, she is now transforming it into a leader in the orthopedics industry. Her recognition is emblematic of Viscogliosi portfolio companies," stated Anthony G. Viscogliosi, principal of Viscogliosi Brothers and executive chairman of Woven Orthopedics Technologies, LLC.

Bruce Carlson, acting President & CEO of The Connecticut Technology Council said, "Connecticut will look to these women to be game changers, job creators, passion infusers, mentors, teachers and leaders. We are honored that they call Connecticut home."

For additional information on the award categories, visit http://www.ct.org/woi-2014-category-winners.

About Woven Orthopedic Technologies

Woven Orthopedic Technologies is a health care company that leverages advances in smart engineered fabric materials & methodologies for the neuro-musculoskeletal industry. Its premier technology addresses screw failure, the largest problem in the $6 billion screw market affecting 40 million screws used annually.    www.wovenorthopedics.com

About The Connecticut Technology Council

The Connecticut Technology Council is a statewide association of technology oriented companies and institutions, providing leadership in areas of policy advocacy, community building and assistance for growing companies. Speaking for over 2,000 companies that employ some 200,000 residents, the Connecticut Technology Council seeks to provide a strong and urgent voice in support of the creation of a culture of innovation.

This includes working to position Connecticut as a leader in idea creation, workforce preparation, entrepreneurial aptitude, early stage risk capital availability and providing on-going support and mentoring to high potential firms.  www.ct.org

About Viscogliosi Bros., LLC

Established by Marc R. Viscogliosi, John J. Viscogliosi and Anthony G. Viscogliosi in New York City in 1999, VB was the first venture capital/private equity and merchant banking firm dedicated to the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector of the healthcare industry. Today, VB is a leading independent firm, with a mission: to create, build, operate and finance companies founded on innovations, developed by surgeons, and uniquely focused on "life changing" musculoskeletal/ orthopedic technologies. VB has worldwide surgeon, industry and trade relationships and significant financial expertise in the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector.  www.vbllc.com

SOURCE Woven Orthopedic Technologies