Andrews Research & Education Foundation

What Andrews Research & Education Foundation does

Andrews Research & Education Foundation (AREF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014 and headquartered at 1020 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze, Florida, co-located with the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. The foundation operates as the research and education arm of the Andrews Institute, delivering advanced programs in orthopaedic sports medicine under the leadership of Dr. James R. Andrews, a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon ranked among the top 20 in the United States. AREF serves athletic trainers, physical therapists, orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and wounded Special Operations Forces personnel through a portfolio that includes three core research facilities (a GMP-compliant ISO 7 Regenerative Medicine Center, a Biomechanics Lab equipped with FlightScope X3 radar, Vicon motion capture, and Bertec force plates, and a Surgical Skills Lab featuring KUKA robotic and Instron testing systems), ACGME-accredited fellowship programs (Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Primary Care Sports Medicine, Athletic Training Residency), online and in-person continuing education, and the Eagle Fund military rehabilitation program.

AREF's business model is donation-and-grant-driven rather than commercial. Revenue streams include philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations; government grants (notably the State of Florida Department of Health for the Eagle Fund, which serves 84 wounded service members annually); industry sponsorships from medical device companies (Arthrex, Smith+Nephew, Ossur, AANA) underwriting fellowship programs; multi-center clinical trial partnerships funded by sources such as the Marcus Foundation ($13 million stem cell osteoarthritis trial with Emory, Duke, Sanford Health, and Georgia Tech); and continuing education subscription fees for athletic trainers. Distribution occurs through direct professional relationships, in-person fellowship programs at the Gulf Breeze campus, online education platforms, quarterly Grand Rounds events, and traveling fellowship exchanges.

The foundation's go-to-market combines an enterprise field sales motion (partnerships with medical device industry leaders and academic collaborators), community-led engagement (Eagle Fund with US Special Operations Command Care Coalition and EXOS), and event-driven outreach (Grand Rounds, Sports Medicine Conference Monday Night Lectures, SLARD-to-AOSSM Traveling Fellowship). Headcount stands at approximately 25+ team members across research, education, finance, and operations functions. Geographic scope is primarily Northwest Florida and the Southeastern United States, with international reach through the SLARD-to-AOSSM 2025 host site selection. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, consistent with nonprofit reporting conventions.

Name

Andrews Research & Education Foundation

Legal name

Andrews Research & Education Foundation

Website

https://andrewsref.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Andrews Research & Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Gulf Breeze, Florida operating the research and education arm of the Andrews Institute. It conducts orthopaedic sports medicine research, runs ACGME-accredited fellowship programs, and administers the Eagle Fund for wounded Special Operations Forces.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Research & Education

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Biomedical Sciences & Medical Research Institutes (University-Based) (EDAHAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

Keywords

• Sports medicine research
• Orthopaedic education
• Medical fellowship programs
• Regenerative medicine studies
• Clinical trials

Headquarters

HQ city

Gulf Breeze

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Donations: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, AREF relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund research and educational programs.
2. Government Grants: The Eagle Fund program receives grant funding from the State of Florida, Department of Health. AREF also participated in a $13M clinical trial for osteoarthritis involving multiple research partners.
3. Fellowship Program Sponsorships: Industry partners including Arthrex, Smith+Nephew, and other medical device companies sponsor fellowship programs, providing funding and support for medical education.
4. Education and Training Fees: Continuing education programs, online courses for athletic trainers, and educational events generate revenue through registration and course fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AREF is a nonprofit research and education foundation that delivers orthopaedic sports medicine research, ACGME-accredited fellowship training, and continuing education programs. It operates three research facilities (Regenerative Medicine Center, Biomechanics Lab, Surgical Skills Lab) supporting translational research in biologics, biomechanics, and surgical skills. The foundation also runs the Eagle Fund, a rehabilitation program for wounded Special Operations Forces, and conducts multi-center clinical trials in partnership with academic institutions.

Product overview

Andrews Research & Education Foundation (AREF) is a non-profit organization that serves as the research arm of the Andrews Institute, offering a comprehensive portfolio of sports medicine research, education, and clinical programs. The foundation operates three core research facilities—the Regenerative Medicine Center, Biomechanics Lab, and Surgical Skills Lab—which support translational research in biologics, biomechanics, and surgical skills training. AREF's educational offerings include three fellowship programs (Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Primary Care Sports Medicine, and Athletic Training Residency), continuing education courses, and quarterly Grand Rounds. The foundation also administers The Eagle Fund for wounded military service members and conducts clinical trials in partnership with academic institutions. All these services are unified under AREF's mission to advance the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and enhance human performance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Eagle Fund: A dedicated initiative that provides support for injured active duty and veteran Special Operations Forces, embodying a commitment to extending healthspan and overall well-being.
• Andrews Regenerative Medicine Center

Products and services

• Research & Education Services Orthopaedic sports medicine research and education services including clinical trials in regenerative medicine and biomechanics, peer-reviewed publications, fellowship programs, and continuing education for healthcare professionals. Targeted at orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, and physical therapists.
• Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship A 12-month ACGME-accredited fellowship program providing top-level education and training in orthopaedic sports medicine, including surgical experience, clinical research, and mentorship. Offers 4 ACGME-accredited and 2 non-accredited positions with an annual salary of $80,918 plus benefits (medical, dental, health insurance). Sponsored by Arthrex, Smith+Nephew, and AANA.
• Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship A fellowship program providing top-level education and training in primary care sports medicine with focus on surgical experiences and procedures, including research opportunities in regenerative medicine (Josh Hackel, MD serves as primary investigator for the stem cell clinical trial). One position available annually with an annual salary of $78,418 plus benefits (medical, dental, health insurance).
• Athletic Training Residency (ATC Residency) A 12-month residency program providing certified athletic trainers with clinical experience in surgical and non-surgical orthopaedic settings, research opportunities, and preparation for orthopaedic specialty certification. Includes salary and benefits, sponsored by Ossur.
• The Eagle Fund A dedicated initiative providing rehabilitation and return-to-performance support for injured active duty and veteran Special Operations Forces. The four-week program is administered in partnership with EXOS at the Gulf Breeze facility, with eligibility determined by the US Special Operations Command Care Coalition. Serves 84 service members annually.
• Online Continuing Education for Athletic Trainers Online courses providing continuing education units (CEUs) for certified athletic trainers on a monthly subscription basis. Features lectures, presentations, and video content from world-renowned physicians and orthopaedic sports medicine healthcare providers, delivered through the Elevate platform with on-demand access.
• Regenerative Medicine Center A specialized laboratory facility designed to pioneer the translation of regenerative medicine treatments from early clinical and animal studies to evidence-based patient care. Features a GMP-Compliant Clean Room (ISO 7), GLP-Compliant Laboratory, cell counting and viability assessment, automated hemocytometry, flow cytometry, cell culture and tissue processing, advanced microscopy, ELISA protein analysis, autoclave sterilization, and biologic product storage. Supports clinical trials in biologic therapies for orthopaedic conditions.
• Biomechanics Lab A state-of-the-art facility combining motion capture, performance technology, and rehabilitation science to evaluate human movement and optimize performance outcomes. Features FlightScope X3 radar tracking, a 12-camera Vicon Motion Capture System, Bertec Force Plate technology, OxeFit smart rehabilitation and training system, and Noraxon electromyography (EMG) technology. Supports biomechanical analysis, injury prevention research, and golf performance analysis in partnership with FlightScope.
• Surgical Skills Lab

Quantifiable outcome

• 84 wounded service members receive rehabilitation annually through Eagle Fund program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• FlightScopecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2024Strategic partnership to bring cutting-edge golf performance data technology to golfers worldwide. FlightScope's launch monitor technology combined with AREF's biomechanical analysis capabilities enables injury detection, prevention, and performance improvement for golfers of all levels.
• Emory UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 October 2019Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center partnered with AREF in a $13M clinical trial studying stem cell treatments for knee osteoarthritis, testing various types of stem cells to stimulate cartilage growth.
• Duke UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 October 2019Duke University collaborated with AREF in the $13M osteoarthritis clinical trial, contributing research expertise in stem cell and regenerative medicine studies.
• Sanford HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 October 2019Sanford Health partnered with AREF and other leading institutions in the $13M stem cell clinical trial for knee osteoarthritis treatment.
• Georgia Institute of TechnologysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 October 2019Georgia Tech processes information gathered at each of the four clinical trial sites in the stem cell osteoarthritis study.
• EXOScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEXOS, a world leader in integrated performance training, nutrition, and physical therapy, collaborates with AREF to operate the Eagle Fund program supporting wounded and injured Special Operations Forces in their quest to return to active duty and improve quality of life.
• US Special Operations Command Care CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Care Coalition manages care of the wounded special operations community and determines eligibility for the Eagle Fund program based on schedule, medical clearance, and physical need.
• ArthrexsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical device company sponsoring the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship program, providing educational support and access to surgical technologies.
• Smith+NephewsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical technology company sponsoring the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship program, contributing to physician education and training.
• AANA (Arthroscopy Association of North America)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association sponsoring the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, supporting advanced training in arthroscopic techniques.
• OssursupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal company specializing in non-invasive orthopedics and prosthetic solutions, supporting the Athletic Training Residency Program.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Steadman Philippon Research Institute: Non-profit sports medicine research and education institute based in Vail, Colorado, conducting orthopaedic research, biologic therapies, and surgical-skills training with a similar foundation model. Highly comparable in mission, structure, and clinical-trial activity.
• Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Foundation: Research and education arm of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, with a long history of sports medicine research, fellowship training, and physician education. Highly comparable to AREF in operating model and clinical focus.
• The Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE): Non-profit orthopaedic research and education foundation supporting clinical research, continuing education, and fellowship training. Comparable in operating model and mission to AREF, with overlapping sports medicine and biologics research focus.
• Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Foundation for Clinical Research: Affiliated research foundation of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, running clinical trials, biomechanics research, and fellowship training in sports medicine. Comparable in mission, foundation structure, and focus on translational orthopaedic research.

Broad incumbents

• Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine: Sports medicine research, fellowship, and clinical care program within Cleveland Clinic's Orthopaedic Institute. Overlaps with AREF on regenerative medicine research, fellowship training, and biomechanics but operates as part of a much larger integrated health system.
• Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS): Largest U.S. specialty hospital dedicated to orthopaedics and rheumatology, with a research institute, fellowship programs, and continuing education. Overlaps with AREF on orthopaedic sports medicine research and physician training, but operates at substantially larger scale and broader scope.
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): Largest U.S. orthopaedic professional association with research funding, continuing education, and clinical guidelines. Comparable to AREF in education mission but operates at substantially larger national scale across all orthopaedic subspecialties.
• American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM): National professional society for sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons that funds research, hosts fellowship exchanges (e.g., SLARD-to-AOSSM), and convenes education. AREF is a partner and host site for AOSSM programming; they overlap as research funders and education conveners.

Others

• Arthrex: Global medical-device company specializing in orthopaedic surgical products and a key sponsor of AREF's fellowship programs. Included as an adjacent ecosystem partner whose products are validated and taught in AREF's surgical skills lab.

Emerging players

• EXOS: Integrated performance training, nutrition, and physical therapy company that partners with AREF to deliver the Eagle Fund program. Comparable through its sports rehabilitation and human-performance focus, with adjacent (rather than directly competing) service offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/andrews_ref
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpIdO5KHlK1qU-br8Wjs9tw
• Facebookfacebook.com/AndrewsREF/?fref=ts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/andrews-research-&-education-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/andrews_research_education

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Andrews Research & Education Foundation