The entrepreneurial spirit, problem-solving skills, and drive for innovation that carried 1993 mechanical engineering alumnus Joe Ritz through Rose-Hulman have led to a distinguished career developing advanced medical technologies that are improving patient outcomes worldwide.

This success has brought him recognition as recipient of the college’s 2026 Tom Mason Innovation Award, presented during this spring’s Sawmill Society Weekend as part of Rose-Hulman’s Alumni Awards weekend.

Ritz is president of Blaze Biotech, LLC, and CEO and co-founder of RMR Ortho, Inc., and Chorus Cardiothoracic Technologies, Inc.—ventures focused on advancing the use of Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy, in next-generation orthopedic and cardiothoracic medical devices. His work centers on developing high-performance fixation systems that enhance stability, optimize anatomical fit, and reduce complications for patients undergoing bone fusion and repair procedures.

Through these efforts, Ritz has helped bring super-elastic Nitinol devices into broader orthopedic use, expanding treatment options beyond traditional plate-and-screw systems. His innovations have played a role in growing the U.S. market for Nitinol-based orthopedic implants from less than $10 million to more than $250 million.

At RMR Ortho, the company’s A’TOMIC Nitinol Fixation System received FDA clearance in early 2024, with more than 700 implants performed to date. In 2026, the company secured a strategic distribution partnership with Smith & Nephew, one of the world’s leading medical device companies, accelerating its reach and impact. Meanwhile, Chorus Cardiothoracic Technologies is advancing new solutions for sternal and rib fixation, with patented technologies and regulatory testing underway.

As a student, Ritz balanced the rigors of a Rose-Hulman education with his role on the football team and involvement in Sigma Nu fraternity—experiences that helped shape the discipline and work ethic he carries today.

“Graduating from Rose-Hulman was the hardest thing that I ever accomplished,” Ritz said. “Add on football, and I was forced to manage every minute of my time for four years straight. After graduation, the experience at Rose seemed to make my work-life easy as I started my career. This work ethic has continued to allow me to achieve many things professionally and academically and to set the stage for starting and running a company of my own.”

Ritz’s path into the medical device field began at Rose-Hulman, where a conversation on the football field sidelines during a game with biomaterials professor and then-Rose-Hulman President Sam Hulbert, PhD, led him to enroll in courses that would ultimately shape his career. That experience resulted in an internship—and later a full-time role—in the cardiovascular device industry, launching a career that now spans more than three decades across orthopedic, cardiovascular, and spine technologies .

“He asked me why I wasn’t taking his courses in biomaterials,” Ritz recalled. “I don’t remember the result of the game but I do remember that I signed up and then immediately knew that my career would be as an engineer in medical devices.”

Today, Ritz remains connected to Rose-Hulman through the Sawmill Society Angels network, supporting the next generation of student and alumni entrepreneurs.

The Tom Mason Innovation Award honors ventures founded or led by Rose-Hulman students and alumni whose innovation and impact bring distinction to their organizations and to the Institute. Mason served Rose-Hulman for 38 years as a faculty member, administrator, and co-founder of Rose-Hulman Ventures.