Nanoflex Robotics Secures Funding for Endovascular Navigation Platform

February 9, 2023—Nanoflex Robotics AG, a Switzerland-based developer of magnetically controlled medical soft robotics, announced that it has achieved an initial $12 million in funding. The company’s technology is being developed to generate and control electromagnetic fields for endovascular navigation of magnetic devices.

The company will use the funds to bring its first-generation system to market and to accelerate development of new neurointerventional products. A first-in-human trial and FDA submission is planned for Q3 2023, advised the company.

According to Nanoflex Robotics, its first product will be a compact and mobile electromagnetic field generator that can be moved easily between hospital interventional suites, requiring no additional infrastructure beyond a high voltage electrical point and access to a water-based cooling system. The system allows direct tip control of magnetically adapted interventional devices.

Nanoflex Robotics was founded by Professor Bradley Nelson, PhD; Christophe Chautems, PhD; and Matt Curran in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2021.

Nanoflex Robotics’ technology is based on more than 20 years of research at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. The project continues to receive support from ETH Zurich and Wyss Zurich Translational Center, a technology accelerator embedded within ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. Wyss Zurich dedicated to the emerging fields of regenerative medicine, robotics, and medical devices/bionics technologies.

The financing round is led by Ascend Capital Partners, an international venture capital firm focused on investments in medtech and mobility early-stage tech companies. The financing round is supported by Europe-based family offices, including Kinled Holding Ltd, and Mountain Labs AG.

Matt Curran, who is CEO of Nanoflex Robotics AG, commented in the company’s press release, “Nanoflex Robotics aims to revolutionize catheter-based treatment of neurovascular and vascular disease by enabling faster and safer access to target sites in the vasculature. Our robotic system allows precise and flexible steering of magnetically adapted guidewires and catheters, while potentially decreasing x-ray exposure for the physician.” Mr. Curran added, “We are excited to partner with Ascend Capital Partners, Kinled, and Mountain Labs to make our goal of safe remote treatment for acute ischemic stroke a reality.”

Jerry Hong, CEO of Ascend Capital Partners, who will join Nanoflex Robotics’ board of directors, stated in the press release, “We are excited to support this exceptional team in reinventing the surgical robotic space with remote vascular interventions. We especially recognize its potential to achieve more equitable patient access to timely mechanical thrombectomies, which are very effective for preserving the post-stroke quality of life for patients.”