Scalpel AI, an Essex-based startup, secures £3.8m for its innovative approach to surgical tool management, utilising AI and computer vision.
- Founded by two doctors, Scalpel AI addresses mismanagement issues in surgery through advanced technology.
- The company’s proprietary algorithms improve the accuracy of surgical instrument tracking and handling time.
- Backing from Mercia Ventures enables Scalpel AI to expand its reach and refine its techniques.
- Innovate UK had previously provided grant funding to aid Scalpel AI’s development.
Scalpel AI, innovatively harnessing AI and computer vision, has successfully raised £3.8m in its latest funding round led by Mercia Ventures. This Essex-based company focuses on improving surgical tool management, a vital component of effective healthcare delivery. Founded in 2017 by two doctors, Scalpel AI aims to reduce critical errors in surgeries caused by tool mismanagement. The company has pioneered technology that identifies and tracks the performance of surgical instruments, fundamentally enhancing surgical safety and efficiency.
According to Scalpel AI’s co-founder and CEO, Dr Yeshwanth Pulijala, “The success of any surgery depends not only on what happens inside the operating theatre but also on having a smooth-running operation behind the scenes.” This statement underscores the company’s commitment to making surgery not just more efficient, but safer for patients. By creating digital twins of medical equipment, Scalpel AI leverages computer vision to ensure surgical trays are correctly equipped with the necessary tools.
The dedication to solving surgical management challenges is echoed by the other co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Dr Shahnawaz Ahmed, who emphasised the initial hurdles of integrating cutting-edge technology into traditional healthcare settings. “Using proprietary AI algorithms and advanced computer vision, we demonstrated that Scalpel AI can eliminate supply chain errors and reduce handling time,” he asserts, highlighting Scalpel AI’s practical impact on surgical operations.
Investment from Mercia Ventures, with participation from Tensor Ventures, is a significant boost for Scalpel AI. Lee Lindley of Mercia Ventures pointed out existing solutions’ limitations using simple mechanisms like barcodes and RFID tags, suggesting that Scalpel AI’s platform could revolutionise the management of surgical trays globally. The investment aims to support the company’s international scaling and establish it as a benchmark in the industry.
Previously, Scalpel AI received grant funding from Innovate UK, a testament to its potential and the benefit it promises to healthcare innovation. This multi-faceted approach, from investment to technological refinement, positions Scalpel AI as a leader in surgical management, aiming for industry-wide recognition.
Scalpel AI is positioned to redefine surgical tool management globally, advancing healthcare safety and efficiency.
