Worcester Founder Selected to Pitch Real-Time Injection Safety Device at Newport Investor Summit
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
Worcester, MA — Auxilium is pleased to announce that Worcester native Karen Cronholm, Co-founder & CEO, Akeyna and a member of Auxilium’s inaugural Accelerator cohort will pitch at the Newport Investor Summit being held on Sept. 26, 2025. She has been selected as one of 12 startup founders chosen to pitch in the Health & Life Sciences session at the Summit, which will gather investors and industry leaders from around the world for a full-day program.
Akeyna is a smart-needle technology intended to enhance safety during dermal filler procedures. Using real-time detection technology, the device is designed to help mitigate risks of blindness and skin necrosis, providing a scalable, affordable, and easy-to-use safety solution for one of the most performed procedures worldwide. With more than a decade of experience in medical devices, Cronholm and her team are navigating the FDA clearance process and anticipate bringing the product to market in 2028.
“We are dedicated to safety, customer-focused design, and driving innovation at every stage,” said Karen Cronholm. “Advancing toward our first human clinical studies marks an exciting and pivotal moment for Akeyna and we are especially grateful for the invaluable support from Auxilium throughout this journey. I'm so thrilled we were selected to present at the Newport Investor Summit."
(Photo: Karen Cronholm, Co-founder & CEO, Akeyna)
Cronholm joined Auxilium’s Accelerator Program in June 2025. As the program nears completion, she has worked with Auxilium’s mentor network on fundraising preparation, legal strategy, early manufacturing, and pitch development, while building lasting connections across a supportive founder community.
About Auxilium
Auxilium is a new accelerator and innovation studio located in downtown Worcester, MA, committed to empowering scalable startups through capital, mentorship, and community. Backed by Rucker Investments, Auxilium supports visionary founders working to grow transformative businesses. The organization offers two programs, a 3-month Accelerator for companies ready to scale, and and an Innovation Studio that provides up to 12-months of residency and support for, earlier-stage founders to focus on building and validating their ideas.
For more information, visit www.auxiliumworcester.com
