After seeing a young, vulnerable patient suffer and ultimately die due to an antibiotic-resistant infection caused by a ventilator tube, Benjamin Wang, a physician, knew a better solution was possible.

He founded NEVAP (Never Ventilator Associated Pneumonia), to create a breathing tube designed to help prevent bacterial infections in patients on mechanical ventilation. His first real business success came from winning first prize in the Big Bang! Business Competition in 2014. He credits the win for helping to launch his venture. 

“The Big Bang! was likely the tipping point that made all our progress possible,” he said. "Winning the competition helped to validate the idea that creating better breathing tubes was possible and viable as a business." Wang has actively given back to the Big Bang! Competition in the years since he competed. First, he volunteered his time as a mentor to competitors and he subsequently became a competition judge. 

Since the Big Bang!, NEVAP has developed and commercialized four unique airway-management devices, sold in more than 25 countries on six continents. The company also donated thousands of devices to under-resourced countries over the course of the pandemic. “We are likely responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives,” he said. "The impact we have had is only possible with the dedication and resilience of our partnerships." 

What’s next for NEVAP?
NEVAP is currently supplying hospitals nationwide that have been affected by airway device recalls. Wang said the company is also awaiting clinical validation concerning the benefits of our infection-preventative breathing tubes. “Our ultimate goal is to develop more advanced devices that can shape the future of mechanical ventilation and interventional pulmonology,” he said.

Wang offered this advice for anyone thinking about participating: “Don't stop yourself from being part of the Big Bang! You never know who you'll meet or what you'll learn,” he said.