About EMF Consulting
Bridging the gap between brilliant research and business success
Driven by Purpose, Guided by Impact
Our Mission
EMF Consulting exists to bridge the critical gap between discovery and deployment in healthcare innovation. We help early-stage medtech, biotech, and pharma innovators translate breakthrough science into scalable, fundable, real-world solutions.
Our Story
From Research to Real-World Impact
Founded in 2018 by Elisha Friesema, EMF Consulting was born out of a deep understanding of a systemic problem in healthcare innovation. After years leading multi-million-dollar clinical research programs at Northwestern and the University of Chicago, Elisha saw a troubling pattern: groundbreaking research would earn grant funding, get published, and then stall.
The journey ended in academia, not in the market. The system rewarded discovery but failed to support commercialization. EMF Consulting was created to change that.
We help innovators bridge this “valley of death” and bring their solutions to the patients, providers, and markets that need them.
About Elisha
Meet Elisha Friesema
Elisha Friesema is a commercialization strategist, educator, and founder of EMF Consulting. With over 15 years in healthcare research and innovation, she has helped 50+ startups raise over $80M in funding and develop market-winning strategies.
Her career began in academic research where she managed $15 million in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives, co-authored 15+ funded federal grants, and contributed to 30+ peer-reviewed publications. She now leverages this foundation to support entrepreneurs in navigating market access, reimbursement, investor positioning, and evidence generation.
She holds an MBA in Healthcare Strategy from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, where she now teaches entrepreneurship and product‑market fit. Beyond her consulting and academic work, Elisha serves as Board President of MILI Affiliates and mentors innovators through NIH and NSF I‑CORPS, MN Cup, and the Lunar Startups Accelerator.
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Why EMF
What Sets Us Apart
Academic-Industry Expertise:
We bridge both worlds with fluency
Funding Success:
$80M+ raised through grants and investment
Regulatory Strategy:
Deep experience with the FDA
Teaching & Thought Leadership:
Active educator and speaker
Recognition:
AHRQ, Pfizer, AMIA accolades
