NeuroNav, a UK start-up that aims to improve neurosurgical outcomes by developing an augmented reality navigation platform, has secured investment from Liverpool-based SEIS fund Nova Growth Capital to accelerate its research and product development.
NeuroNav is producing a tech-enabled product to reduce attention shift for neurosurgeons during intricate and high-risk procedures. The product will combine a wearable device with stereoscopic vision software to create accurate and uninterrupted navigation workflows for surgeons. This minimises procedural risk and the need for revision surgeries for thousands of patients annually worldwide.
The investment will allow for further product design and prototype development and will also support the company’s wider research into computer vision algorithms in neurosurgery.
The project was launched in 2020 by Ali Rezaei Haddad, a London-based neurosurgical resident and an NHS Clinical Entrepreneur. Having graduated with first class honours in Neurosciences BSc at Imperial College London, he completed his Academic Foundation Training in the Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford undertaking research in the field of neuroimaging. Prior to NeuroNav, he co-founded the GoodSAM emergency app used by the NHS and directed the ‘Imagining the Future of Medicine’ event at the Royal Albert Hall.
Ali, CEO and founder of NeuroNav, said: “With over 13 million vital neurosurgical cases occurring globally each year, it is essential to continuously improve the process and tools we use in theatre.
“With NeuroNav, we aim to cause a paradigm shift towards accurate, portable, and more affordable solutions to help make neurosurgery safer across the world. Published studies have shown over 15 countries in Africa have no access to navigation tools. These tools should not be considered luxury items, they should be seen as basic equipment required to perform safe and accurate neurosurgery.”
NeuroNav has gained the support of neurosurgery departments at a number of NHS trusts, and is establishing academic collaborations with universities in the United Kingdom. The start-up is using mixed reality devices and developing its own bespoke hardware.
Ali added: “We are excited about this opportunity to develop this platform within the NHS and ensure it is deployable worldwide. This will help us achieve our aim of democratising access to neuronavigation globally. We are now conducting rigorous non clinical testing and trials to ensure our technology is transparent, validated and published, before we carry out any clinical trials."
The raise was led by Liverpool-based Nova Growth Capital and its partnered venture builders Nova. Backed by investors including Sir Terry Leahy and Bill Currie, Nova co-founds fast growing tech businesses and provides product development, marketing and design support. To date Nova have successfully built and launched over 25 digital health start-ups, with a portfolio value growth of more than 80% year on year for the past 10 years.
