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Month: May 2023

PROMinsight: The Comprehensive Platform for Precise Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

HealthTech startup PROMinsight is revolutionising patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with its end-to-end platform that offers precise and comprehensive measurements of the impact of eye disease, vision impairment and related treatments from the patient’s perspective. 

The idea for PROMinsight was born when Co-founders, Dr Eva Fenwick and Prof Ecosse Lamoureux who have been measuring patient-reported outcomes in research studies and trials for over 15 years in Australia and Singapore recognized the limitations of traditional “paper-pencil” surveys in clinical trials and clinical care. To address this challenge, they developed computerised adaptive tests (CATs), a sophisticated approach to measuring health-related quality of life assessment. CAT was already being used in educational testing and the team saw multiple benefits in using this method in health outcomes. The company built their first item banks and CAT to measure quality of life in patients with diabetic eye disease and eventually developed GlauCAT for glaucoma and IVI-CAT for vision impairment, with MacCAT for age-related macular degeneration, MyoRI-CAT for myopia, and DiabCAT for type-2 diabetes in the pipeline, all hosted on a bespoke cloud-based platform.

The CAT algorithm successfully reduces the time taken to collect patient-reported outcome data by up to 70%, which is a major breakthrough in the field. Researchers, clinicians, and patients find the CAT tests easy to use and appreciate the impact of the PROMinsight’s work. 

“Seeing the CAT algorithm work to successfully reduce a questionnaire from 20-30 items to just a quick 7-8 is very satisfying, and it’s also gratifying to hear researchers, clinicians and patients enjoy using the CAT tests and believe in our work”, Dr Eva Fenwick, Cofounder PROMinsight.

Although integrating the cloud-based CAT system into hospital electronic medical records (EMR) posed significant challenges, such as overcoming data security barriers and addressing the limitations of EMR systems around data analytics and visualization, the team successfully navigated these obstacles with the help of their exceptional IT and software support teams.

PROMinsight’s success story offers valuable lessons for other startups in the HealthTech industry. 

“Firstly, it is crucial to get user feedback and iteratively update and improve the product. Secondly, it is important to think big-picture from the start and surround yourself with a great supporting team, including software, marketing, and clinical teams, who believe in your solution and aren’t afraid to provide honest feedback.”

Experience with the MedTech Actuator

PROMinsight joined the MedTech Actuator Ascend 2023 program, the new flagship program in Singapore to understand a robust Go to market strategy and connect with like-minded organisations with whom they could find synergy in their product offerings.

The team accomplished significant milestones including obtaining valuable knowledge and experience in the preparation process for engaging with venture capitalists and angel investors. They gained insight into the critical documents and information required to capture the attention of potential investors, which has been instrumental in their progress.

“MedTech Actuator has been extremely helpful in connecting us with relevant people and organisations who can assist in pointing us in the right path as well introducing us to potential partners and playmakers within the industry. We have been able to increase awareness of our product as well as find our limitations and strengths to position ourselves more accurately.”

The 6-month Ascend program is designed for scaling ventures in MedTech, BioTech, and HealthTech looking to gain insights, access opportunities, and overcome hurdles within the Singapore ecosystem. Singapore is a strategic launch pad for many startups exploring the broader Asia-Pacific region, and looking to gain, or strengthen market position across the many regional healthcare ecosystems. 

PROMinsight recommends MedTech Actuator programs to other startups, as understanding the ins and outs of business in Singapore can be tricky especially in the medical industry with the various restrictions and compliances set forth by the government. Through the Ascend program, MedTech Actuator introduced industry leaders to guide PROMinsight in this process and made sure the startup was connected well and prepared for the challenges of introducing and selling their product in Singapore.

Join us for Demo Day in Singapore

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the innovative ideas and solutions of our Ascend startups at our upcoming Demo Day! The event will showcase startups from our Global Navigator program and will be held on 22 June 2023, from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) in Singapore. Stay tuned for more information, which will be announced soon. 

If you have any enquiries, please reach out to Cayden Pang, our Enterprise Manager, at cayden@medtechactuator.com

FathomX – Improving breast cancer screening through AI

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

FathomX is a digital health AI startup that started as a spin-off from the National University of Singapore and the National University Health System, that aims to develop a range of AI technologies in the field of breast cancer. The startup develops knowledge, capabilities and value through collaborations with research and healthcare institutions, deployment and teleradiology partners as well as picture archiving and communication systems (PACS).

Breast Cancer is one of the world’s top disease burdens and in many countries, it is the Number 1 killer among women. FathomX started out as a research project in a global competition – The Dream Challenge organised by the United States Whitehouse, to identify AI Technologies that could help enhance the clinical process of breast cancer screening.

As the top Asian team in the global Dream Challenge Competition, the founders Professor Mikael Hartman and Professor Feng Meng Ling decided to spin off the company with the support of NUS Enterprise.  Since the competition, the AI model has progressed tremendously in its predictive accuracy, and refinement and users’ preferences are incorporated and continuously upgraded to meet differing and progressing needs. The solution is known as FxMammo™ and has been regulatory approved in Singapore and Thailand with more countries in the regulatory approval process. At the end of 2020, Stephen Lim got involved in FathomX to help the company develop a business plan and raised seed funds for regulatory applications. In mid-2022, Stephen came on board full-time as the Chief Executive Officer to lead the company in the next stage of development in commercialisation.

As any other deep tech novel technology company, FathomX faced a number of challenges during its commercialising journey such as regulatory compliance, availability of quality data and other factors in the commercialisation process. 

As digital health startups, startups need to comply with the regulatory framework for medical devices, which includes safety, efficacy, and quality standards. Developers of AI software as a medical device need to ensure that their product meets the standards set by regulatory bodies. To do so, the FathomX team worked with high-quality partners and consultants to obtain the regulatory approvals needed.

Another challenge the FathomX team faced was the Data quality and availability. AI systems depend on data to train the AI to achieve greater accuracy. For AI software as a medical device, the data used to train and test the algorithm must be of high quality and relevance. Obtaining access to sufficient and diverse data can be challenging, especially when dealing with sensitive medical information. As a company, however, FathomX managed to set up several high-value partnerships to develop and validate a high-quality model which is of a high accuracy level. They have also chosen to work with top universities and hospitals in 8 Asia Pacific regions to prove that their AI is accurate and relevant in those territories, including Australia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. One such high-value partnership that they established was with the National Cancer Centre in Japan which is a leading cancer research institute.

When commercialising the product, finding the right partners and supporters is extremely crucial to test bed and deploying a solution, especially across multiple jurisdictions. The task is more challenging for a small startup. The FathomX team had managed to tap into strong business expertise and networks in order to set up high-value partners, distributors and deployment partners to quickly get their solution to market.

Product integration within healthcare systems and its benefits

FxMammo integrates with and is deployed in healthcare systems through a range of methods including direct integration with Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS), integration through a platform provider, direct integration into a hospital as well as cloud deployment.

FathomX’s AI-powered solution, FxMammo used for breast cancer screening.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and it is doubling in numbers by each successive generation in Asia. Successful treatment requires reliable early screening and detection, which involves difficult-to-read mammograms. The need for a reliable, easy-to-access solution that addresses the low ratio of radiologists to mammography screening needs for breast cancer, is both urgent and tremendous.

In developed countries with good healthcare systems, breast cancers discovered at Stage 1 have more than 90% survival rate. The number is reduced to below 20% at Stage 4. The key is early discovery. The standard recommended by WHO is once every 2 years mammography screening for women between 40 to 75 years old.

For women going for breast cancer screening, FathomX’s AI technology solution has been demonstrated to lead to fewer false recalls, unnecessary anxiety due to long waiting times at the current screening rate and fewer missed cancer diagnosis leading to more opportunities for early diagnostics. Their solution will augment the current shortage of mammography radiologists around the world and provide greater efficiency to their work processes. The main value of their AI technology is its ability to function as a radiological computer-assisted detection and diagnostic software intended to aid in the detection of breast cancer from acquired mammography images.

This solution provides key benefits at the clinician level as the radiologists who deal with mammogram image analysis can now have an accurate AI Assistant that can help with their workflow. The FathomX team are working with some hospitals to study the effectiveness and impact of AI deployed to assist trainees and new radiologists in reading mammogram images.  For patients, the benefits are higher accuracy in breast cancer screening and shorter waiting times when they go for screening.

The solution also serves as an assistant for clinicians and is deployed through a range of methods including direct integration with the Picture Archiving Communication System.

Experience with the MedTech Actuator Global Navigator Australia

The FathomX team utilized the Global Navigator Australia program to gain a deeper understanding and validate their knowledge of the Australian medtech innovation ecosystem, including the business, reimbursement, corporate, and regulatory landscapes. Their goal was to identify relevant partners to aid in commercializing and accessing the Australian market, specifically in areas related to their product.

Over the past year, FathomX experienced significant growth across multiple fronts, including expanding their team, raising Pre-Series A funding, testing and deploying their product in various settings, obtaining regulatory approvals in different jurisdictions, and conducting clinical validation studies to demonstrate their accuracy and value in different settings.

Global Navigator provided a valuable opportunity for FathomX to meet with Breakthrough Victoria, universities, and hospitals to explore potential opportunities. FathomX highly recommends the MedTech Actuator to medtech startups interested in entering the Australian market.

“The program was a quick summary of the Australian healthcare landscape in a very short period of time which was extremely crucial for a business looking to enter the Australian healthcare market”.

FxMammo, FathomX’s product, is currently approved for use in Singapore and Thailand. The company is collaborating with partners, distributors, and regulatory bodies to gain approval in various regions worldwide and aims to scale the technology to over ten overseas markets in the next 2-3 years.

To learn more about the startup and its latest milestones, visit FathomX’s website.

Expression of interest now open for Global Navigator Melbourne

Calling all passionate founders and startups to grow their venture and transform global healthcare with the MedTech Actuator Global Navigator Melbourne.

MedTech Actuator Global Navigator Melbourne 2023 is an intensive growth-stage innovation program that enables healthcare startups to enter and explore the Australian Market through Melbourne.

Expression your interest today!



MedTech Actuator Accelerator Welcomes the 8th Cohort

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

We are incredibly excited to introduce you to teams of  MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator 2023. Over the next 12-months, startups will be provided intensive support to help them develop the skills, networks, and resources needed to successfully navigate the complex health commercialisation pathway.

Throughout the Accelerator, startups will connect to the extensive MedTech Actuator health innovation ecosystem. Over 100 speakers, 150 business, clinical and investment mentors, and the MedTech Actuator alumni portfolio will contribute their expertise to help these startups strategically grow and bring their innovation to the market faster while preparing them for future investment rounds. 

Cohort 8 startups come from all across Australia, with teams joining from Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. 

Meet the Teams Driving Innovation in Australia’s Health Ecosystem

  • Acegirl Innovation Lab Pty Ltd.– Acegirl is developing a sleek and low-in-noise breast pump that mimics a baby’s latch, to empower all mothers to pump, despite their environment.
  • AdraCard– AdraCard aims to significantly reduce the burden of disease for those with anaphylaxis and decrease the rate of hospitalisations and deaths, by eliminating the hassle of carrying adrenaline. 
  • Aurabox– Aurabox is a cloud-based platform for storing, viewing and sharing medical imaging which allows doctors to view and collaborate with imaging from multiple sources in one place.
  • Circadian Health Innovations– We create a wearable light sensor to guide users toward better light for better health and longevity.
  • Hindsyt– Hindsyt is a cutting-edge technology that uses computer vision and machine learning to improve the accuracy and efficiency of radiotherapy treatments.
  • Kidney Ally– Personalised and affordable nutrition to slow kidney disease progression.
  • NanoCube Health – NanoCube Health is developing bioinspired nanorobots combining advanced diagnostics with targeted cancer treatment technology.
  • Parallel Medical Pty Ltd– Our aim is for healthcare organizations and physicians to adopt Nexus as a tool to improve patient care and outcomes, promote the advancement of surgical techniques, and streamline healthcare delivery processes.
  • Pretect Devices Pty Ltd– IView – We aim to eliminate  IV infiltration injury in the smallest and the most vulnerable.
  • Skin Genetics Inc– The DermR® Patch is a first-of-its-kind microneedle patch that quickly and effectively extracts skin cells pain-free, allowing for a new way of pre-screening for skin cancer without the need for a biopsy.
  • TENSible– TENSible is a non-invasive micro-electrical stimulation device that implements biofeedback and an integrated pain management virtual assistant to provide you with personalised chronic back pain relief.
  • Visualisation Hub– A healthcare data analytics platform that leverages AI to provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies to deliver insights to improve patient outcomes.

The MedTech Actuator is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that curates a globally connected ecosystem of MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech innovation and investment. We do this by activating, accelerating and investing in startups.

  1. Activate – We prime and build capacity in the ecosystem, through our early-stage innovation pitch competition, the MedTech Actuator Origin and partnerships with hospitals and universities.
  2. Accelerate – We accelerate ventures and technologies through our flagship Accelerator program and our international programs, Access APAC and Global Navigator. We do this in collaboration with the network of ecosystem partners covering the entire commercialisation pipeline, from product development, regulatory specialists and clinical trial specialists to manufacturers and investors.
  3. Invest – We connect and curate opportunities to invest and co-invest for our ecosystem partners.

MedTech Actuator Accelerator is supported by the REDI initiative, powered by MTPConnect, funded by the MRFF and LaunchVic.

Stay updated and follow our founders’ journey by subscribing to our newsletter below or following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.



Meet Oliver Morton-Evans: Co-founder of Neuromersiv, Revolutionizing Rehabilitation Therapy with VR

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

Oliver Morton-Evans, Chief Operating Officer at Neuromersiv was inspired to start a MedTech startup by combining his background in producing immersive Virtual Reality experiences and his lived experience with a lifelong disability. He has been motivated by the possibility of improving functional mobility outcomes for people with disability and empowering them through immersive Virtual Reality (VR) based rehabilitation therapy. 

With a background in producing award-winning animation and immersive Virtual Reality content, Oliver brings a unique perspective to the healthcare industry. This background led to the creation of a unique value proposition for Neuromersiv as the startup is revolutionizing rehabilitation therapy through immersive and engaging VR therapy.

Before co-founding Neuromersiv, Oliver and co-founder and CEO, Anshul Dayal ran an award-winning animation and VR production studio that created immersive VR experiences for corporate clients such as KPMG and Miele. He also produced digital content for the successful children’s entertainers, The Wiggles, for seven years.

Oliver Morton-Evans and Anshul Dayal, Co-Founders at Neuromersiv

Revolutionizing Upper Limb Rehabilitation Therapy 

Neuromersiv is making a significant impact in the healthcare industry by tackling the issues arising from standard upper limb rehabilitation therapy. For the past 20 years, the standard upper limb rehabilitation therapy has not changed and it is very boring, monotonous and demoralizing for those recovering from a stroke, acquired brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries. 

“There is a lack of therapy compliance which is why is it estimated that 66% of stroke survivors alone do not regain functional use of their affected arm. This has a serious impact on independence and quality of life”.

Neuromersiv’s solution is Ulysses, which is an innovative therapy solution that offers engaging and rewarding therapy experiences from the comfort of the user’s own home eliminating the need to travel.

Ulysses, an innovative therapy solution by Neuromersiv that offers engaging and rewarding therapy experiences

Starting a Medtech startup can be a challenging journey, but with perseverance and the right team, success is possible. The Neuromersiv team faced many challenges when launching their startup. One of the biggest challenges they faced was working with a technology that was rapidly evolving. When they first started, virtual reality technology required a wired connection to a PC, which was not ideal for use in a clinical setting. To overcome this challenge, they sought out early adopters of the technology who believed in its potential and were lucky to find investment and interest from rehabilitation providers.

Finding the right co-founder is also crucial for any startup. Luckily, Oliver’s co-founder was a previous business partner and they had a proven track record of working together. When choosing co-founders, it’s important to look for qualities such as resilience, motivation, and the ability to navigate testing times.

“The ride can definitely be a rollercoaster, particularly in startups, so choosing co-founders who display the resilience and motivation to navigate testing times is particularly important.”, says Oliver Morton-Evans, COO, Neuromersiv

Advice for entrepreneurs

Starting a startup in Medtech is a difficult field to tackle, and there is a steep learning curve to master all the different, interrelated elements required to succeed. Patience is also a key attribute to have as everything takes a lot longer than expected, which can be contradictory to mainstream thought on how to succeed in startups. 

“Have the conviction to make your own decisions despite often being the least knowledgeable or experienced person in the room. When starting out, everyone is wanting to offer advice, and a lot will be contradictory, so being decisive despite that is important”, says Oliver Morton-Evans, COO, Neuromersiv.

The Future of Healthcare and the Role of Technology

“The future of healthcare delivery is definitely home-based telehealth”

Neuromersiv sees the value of patients being able to easily perform their therapy at home, reducing friction for often immobilized people to maintain their therapy protocol. This is particularly vital in isolated areas and places with limited transport options.

To stay ahead of the competition and continue innovating in the industry, Neuromersiv is looking for ways to apply its immersive VR technology to benefit people’s wellness beyond upper-limb neurorehabilitation. They plan to apply what they have learned about the neuroplastic effect VR provides to other conditions and use cases.

Achievements and future goals

Neuromersiv’s Ulysses VR-based upper limb therapy software has now been successfully included in the Australian Therapeutic Drugs Administration (TGA) and UK Medicine & Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency (MHRA), allowing it to be commercially placed in both markets for stroke and acquired brain injury rehabilitation applications. The registrations are another important step forward for the company after having recently acquired commercial early adopters of the technology in Australia, the UK and India. This is a significant achievement for the company, and they plan to focus on scaling up commercial adoption of the VR software-only offering as a standalone product through rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, and end-users (B2C).

Neuromersiv’s Ulysses VR-based upper limb therapy device and software

Neuromersiv is a prime example of a MedTech startup that has faced many challenges but has overcome them with the right team, perseverance, and innovation. Their use of virtual reality technology in upper limb rehabilitation therapy has shown great promise and are committed to their future goals of scaling up commercial adoption and expanding to other use cases.

To support the commercial adoption of their technology, Neuromersiv is currently raising a $300,000 seed round to build a sales and business development team to service markets in Australia, UK and India. This represents a great opportunity to invest early in an Australian digital therapeutics startup with global ambitions.

Interested investors should contact Anshul Dayal via anshul@neuromersiv.com and a deck can be provided.