About The Consortium

At Crossroads Pediatric Device Consortium, our mission is to accelerate the development, approval, and availability of pediatric medical devices by integrating cutting-edge engineering, clinical expertise, and industry collaboration.

Children face a five to ten-year delay in receiving life-changing medical innovations compared to adults​. By uniting researchers, clinicians, and industry partners, we are closing this gap—faster, smarter, and with greater impact.

We envision a world where every child has access to medical technologies designed specifically for them.

• Collaboration at the Core – We bring together the engineering excellence of Purdue University, the clinical expertise of Indiana University School of Medicine & Riley Hospital for Children, and the industry leadership of Cook Medical to create a world-class pediatric innovation hub.
• A Model for the Future – By establishing a seamless pipeline from research to real-world clinical application, we aim to become a global leader in pediatric medical device development.
• Lasting Impact – Through shared talent, resources, and infrastructure, we are reducing development costs, accelerating FDA approvals, and ensuring life-saving devices reach children sooner rather than later.

Children are not just small adults—they have unique medical needs that require dedicated, pediatric-specific solutions. Yet, 80% of FDA-approved medical devices lack pediatric testing or labeling, leaving healthcare providers with limited treatment options.

The Challenge:

• Less than 12% of NIH funding is dedicated to pediatric research
• Only one new pediatric device receives FDA approval per year on average​
• There are over 5,000 pediatric-only rare diseases, yet medical solutions remain scarce​

The Crossroads Solution:

• Accelerated Development – We bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
• Cost & Risk Reduction – Shared resources, funding opportunities, and regulatory expertise.
• Collaborative Expertise – A network of engineers, clinicians, and industry leaders working together.

We are a collaborative force that enables pediatric device innovation from concept to commercialization. Our key focus areas include:

• Clinical Needs Assessment – Identifying critical gaps in pediatric healthcare.
• Engineering & Prototyping – Providing advanced research, design, and testing support.
• Regulatory & Commercialization Guidance – Navigating FDA approvals, reimbursement, and market access.
• Talent Development – Training the next generation of pediatric device innovators.
• Industry Collaboration – Partnering with organizations to accelerate real-world impact.

The Crossroads Pediatric Device Consortium is made possible by the combined efforts of: Riley Hospital for Children – One of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals, driving real-world clinical insights. Indiana University School of Medicine – Home to groundbreaking pediatric research. Purdue University’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering – A leader in engineering innovation. Cook Medical – A global force in medical device development and manufacturing.