Rich Nazarian has worked in the medical device industry for over 25 years. He has significant experience in leading product development efforts and is the principal inventor on 15 patents, the chief author on numerous papers on medical device development methods, and a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

An Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, Rich founded Minnetronix with Jonathan Pierce and Dirk Smith in 1996 and has worked as the company’s President and CEO since its foundation.

Rich has continued to be a leader in the development of new and innovative medical devices such as implantable artificial heart electronic systems and cardiopulmonary bypass systems, laser imaging systems, ventricular assist devices and nerve growth stimulators. Rich graduated from Stanford University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering.