Physicians can often name a medical device or procedure that would improve patient care - if only that device or procedure existed.

"The University of Rochester Medical Center is a treasure trove of ideas," says Greg Gdowski, executive director of the new Center for Medical Technology and Innovation (CMTI) at the University of Rochester. "There are 1,400 clinicians, all of whom likely have novel ideas based on what they do in their practices."

The trouble is, doctors don't usually have the time or capacity to turn their ideas into products. So the university is launching the CMTI to connect physicians with biomedical engineering faculty and students who can help develop product prototypes. The center is also forging relationships with companies capable of taking prototypes to the marketplace.

"The idea behind the CMTI is to bring all three facets - clinician, engineer, and company - into one community. Our physicians will have a way to get something built," says Gdowski.