On May 10th the Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association (PVCA) celebrated it’s honorees for the association’s 22nd annual awards luncheon. Recognizing the business leaders who continue to make noteworthy contributions to the greater Pittsburgh region’s entrepreneurial and economic vitality, the Association honored Respironics, Inc.’s founder and notable entrepreneur Gerald McGinnis.
McGinnis received the PVCA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor. McGinnis founded his company in 1976 and served as the Advanced Technology Officer, CEO and President. Prior to founding Respironics, McGinnis was the president of Lanz Products. As an entrepreneur, inventor and investor, Gerald McGinnis’ involvement in the business and entrepreneurial community has had a significant impact on the Pittsburgh region.
“You cannot talk about life science, medical devices or technology in our ecosystem without him,” stated PVCA chair, Jeremy Garvey.
Craig Markovits, Co-Founder of Blue Belt Technologies was the recipient of the PVCA’s Outstanding Entrepreneur Award. Located in the Strip District, Blue Belt Technologies is the creator of the portable NAVIO Surgical System, a software package and robotic device which assists in partial knee replacement surgery. The groundbreaking NAVIO system has truly revolutionized how surgeons perform partial knee replacement and has helped thousands of patients recover more quickly. The company, a spin-out from Carnegie Mellon University, was recently acquired by the London-based Smith and Nephew for $275 million.
The PVCA also added a new award for its 2016 luncheon, the Impact Award, which celebrates individuals who are making a incredible entrepereneurial, investment and business contributions to the western Pennsylvania community. Rich Lunak, CEO and President of Innovation Works received the PVCA’s new award. Prior to joining Innovation Works, Lunak was a serial entrepreneur and inventor who helped create one of Pittsburgh’s successful start-ups, Automated Healthcare.
The PVCA was founded in 1982 to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and venture capital in the Pittsburgh region. The organization launched its annual awards program in 1994.
