NAI recognizes Romero-Ortega for achievements as inventor
Mario Romero-Ortega heads the Department of Biomedical Engineering and is the co-founder of Juniper Biomedical, a medical device startup.
The National Academy of Inventors named Mario Romero-Ortega, professor and department head of BME, a Senior Member of its 2026 class. This NAI recognized Romero-Ortega's achievements as an academic inventor and engineering leader.
Romero-Ortega's inventions aim to improve the lives of people with nerve damage and various medical conditions. One of his inventions, called a NeuroClip, is an implant that sends electrical pulses directly to the pelvic nerve to improve bladder control in people with stress urinary incontinence. This technology, which is moving on to clinical trials, could help the up to 75% of women over 65 who have bladder control problems.
Romero-Ortega joins the ranks of more than 50 University of Arizona faculty members who have been named NAI Senior Members and Fellows. He will be inducted at the NAI's annual conference in Los Angeles on June 4.
“It's a true honor to be included in such a distinguished group of peers, people who are innovators and who work towards creating solutions for problems that truly matter,” Romero-Ortega said.