"When I point to examples of 'innovation infrastructure,' I use Atlanta and Georgia Tech all the time," said Fernandez. "When it comes to economic development, this center is a testament to the fact that this community and region get it."

GCMI is a partnership of four of Georgia’s leading research and healthcare organizations: the Georgia Institute of Technology, Saint Joseph’s Translational Research Institute (SJTRI), Piedmont Healthcare and the Georgia Research Alliance. The Center will bring together the core members of the medical device community, including universities, research centers and clinicians, established drug and device companies, investors and early-stage companies.