Nottingham-based SurePulse Medical, which developed a newborn baby heartbeat monitoring device is set to explore foreign markets and grow its product portfolio thanks to £1 million secured from existing and new, private investors.
The company was established in 2014 as a joint venture between the University of Nottingham and Derby-based Tioga– combining academic strength with the expertise of one of the UK’s top electronics manufacturers.
James Carpenter, CEO of SurePulse, said: “Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus, investors continue to be upbeat about the long-term commercial potential of the business, and have reinforced this through new investment.
“The need for innovative medical devices is more important than ever as our healthcare systems experience unprecedented pressure. This investment will help SurePulse to drive market-share gains and continue and continue its exciting product development plans.
SurePulse VS measures a baby’s heart rate with a forehead sensor that sits inside a specially designed, disposable cap, which transmits pulse information back to a wireless display. The device provides simple, hands-free, accurate, and uninterrupted monitoring; enabling clinical staff to make fast, confident decisions and focus on performing procedures in time-critical situations.
It was awarded its CE mark in 2019 and has been trialled in NHS hospitals on over 300 newborns.
The optical sensor technology underpinning the hands-free heart monitor was developed in the Faculties of Engineering and Medicine at the University of Nottingham.
The research teams were led by Professor Barrie Hayes-Gill and Dr Don Sharkey – both academic co-founders at SurePulse Medical.
Professor Hayes-Gill, research director at SurePulse, said: “It is a great achievement to see a medical device that was designed and trialled by our collaborative research groups reach clinics around Europe. SurePulse is another spinout success story and one that aligns with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy to commercialise research and deliver skills and jobs in STEM fields.”
