The science of stem cells is progressing, slowly but surely, towards the ultimate goal of creating a therapeutic. The challenge is now largely economic: convincing investors that stem cells present a viable business opportunity.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile groups: Orthopedic Soft Tissue Repair, Stem Cells: Heath Care's Panacea or Pariah, and Nowhere to Hide: RFID Comes to Health Care. Plus these Start-Ups across Health Care: AC Immune, Alimera Sciences, Mitralign and Small Bone Innovations.

StemPath makes use of stem cells already present in tissues like the heart, for heart muscle regeneration.

The field of stem cells is still plagued by issues of ethics, efficacy, and economics.