A South Florida biotech company is combining cutting-edge wound care science with a deep commitment to the veterans who call this community home.
BioStem Technologies, based in South Florida, focuses on harnessing the natural properties of perinatal tissue, also known as placental tissue, to support healing in both surgical and advanced wound care applications. The company's co-founders, CEO Jason Matuszewski and COO Andrew Van Vurst, said the mission extends well beyond the lab.
"BioStem is focused on harnessing the natural properties of what we call perinatal tissue or placental tissue, and it's supporting healing not only from a surgical side, but also the advanced wound care side," Matuszewski said.
BioStem Technologies has partnered with the Florida Panthers on two veteran-focused initiatives: Seats for Service and Heroes Among Us. Through these programs, the company works to recognize and honor veterans at Panthers games and in the broader South Florida community.
"Providing the Seats for Service, the Heroes Among Us opportunities that we have with the Panthers shows a way for our company to embody the culture we've implemented internally, building a community and supporting that community," Matuszewski said.
For Van Vurst, the commitment to veterans is personal. A veteran himself who grew up in South Florida, he said being on the sponsoring side of the Panthers' veteran recognition programs has been a profound experience.
"I've been to a lot of games, and now being on the other side of that equation and being the company that's sponsoring that, I'm in awe that I'm in the position to be able to do this," Van Vurst said. "Seeing these people get honored every game and watching them stand up and everyone clap for them, to be able to be in this position is just one of the coolest things ever."
Looking ahead, both founders said education is central to their vision for impact in South Florida. BioStem Technologies works with local hospitals on donation programs, where donated perinatal tissue material is used to support patients with chronic wounds, including veterans at risk of amputation, as well as athletes recovering from surgery.
"We get an opportunity to really work with gracious donors that donate this type of material and to support not only veterans, but also other community members, senior citizens, and frankly youth, all between that, with this technology and with these products," Van Vurst said.
The company noted that its products have supported athletes including Florida Panthers and Miami Dolphins players in returning to the field or ice following injury.
More information is available at biostemtechnologies.com and on social media platforms including X and LinkedIn.
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