Epitope Diagnostics entered eight new markets, accelerated global sales with return to MetroConnect

COMPANY

EPITOPE’S CHALLENGE

For Epitope, a small but growing medical device company, the rapidly expanding global medical diagnostics market presented significant business opportunities. However, capitalizing on this demand required overcoming challenges such as navigating complex regulatory environments, building strong international partnerships, and increasing brand visibility in highly competitive markets such as Germany and United Arab Emirates.  

EDC SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED

Epitope applied to World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)’s export accelerator MetroConnect and was one of 15 growing companies accepted into its seventh cohort.  

As the company planned to go global, it leveraged MetroConnect’s resources, including: 

• $5,000 MetroConnect grant and executive workshops to augment its ability to access international customers and streamline its global logistics efforts. 
• State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant application assistance with Export SBDC advisor Simona Racek. 
• WTCSD’s international network, including the U.S. Commercial Service, to connect with vetted partners and customers in foreign markets such as Belgium, Germany, India, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia through its programs like the International Partner Search and Initial Market Check. 

Additionally, as a top performing company, Epitope was one of four finalists selected to pitch in MetroConnect Grand Prize PitchFest, with additional promotions across WTCSD’s blog and other marketing channels. 

This marked Epitope’s second time in MetroConnect, following its initial run in the program’s fourth cohort in 2019 where the company focused on introducing its new products to global customers. This time, as part of the seventh cohort, Epitope worked to strengthen its presence in established markets like India while navigating country-specific regulatory requirements and getting quality, actionable insights from mentors and local experts. 

VALUE DERIVED

Following its initial $5,000 MetroConnect grant, Epitope successfully secured an additional $7,500 STEP grant managed by GO-Biz and the SBA. These combined funds enabled the company to attend major international trade shows in Vienna, Malaysia, Dubai, and Germany, and to advertise in clinical journals, significantly boosting product visibility. 

As a result of this expanded exposure, Epitope finalized eight new distribution agreements, secured 25 new contracts, and achieved a 55 percent increase in international sales. To support this growth, the company added nine full-time employees, including six based in San Diego. 

“WTCSD and Export SBDC’s support through MetroConnect played a pivotal role in helping us successfully navigate the complexities of international expansion. We will continue to utilize the network we’ve gained to advance innovative healthcare solutions globally, while also creating local job opportunities, giving back to our community, and further highlighting San Diego as a leading biotech hub.”

—Dr. Ping Gao, CEO, Epitope Diagnostics, Inc.

CONNECT WITH EPITOPE

• Website: epitopediagnostics.com 
• Social media: LinkedIn 

NEED EDC ASSISTANCE?

See HOW WE CAN HELP YOUR COMPANY

GET IN TOUCH