From left: Nua Surgical founders Padraig Maher, Marie-Therese Maher and Barry McCann. Image: Nua Surgical
The Galway medtech, which has developed a device to improve C-section outcomes, will use the accelerator to build its presence in the US.
Nua Surgical is the only non-US start-up to be selected to participate in an accelerator aimed at addressing the issue of maternal mortality in the US.
Based at Atlantic Technological University’s Innovation Hub in Galway, Nua Surgical designs surgical devices for obstetrics and gynaecology.
Its SteriCision C-section retractor gives obstetricians hands-free, unobstructed access to the uterus during surgery, which, the company argues, reduces the risk of wound trauma and facilitates safer procedures.
The award-winning BioInnovate alumnus will now participate in 51 Labs, a women’s health accelerator that is run by Matter incubation and innovation hub, and supported by University of Chicago Medicine, BayCare, Stryker and others.
In total, 10 start-ups have been chosen to participate in the 12-week programme, which will include one-to-one mentoring with industry experts, workshops and roundtables, before culminating with a live showcase on 22 May in Chicago.
Co-founder and CEO Barry McCann described the accelerator as “another positive step” for Nua Surgical. “[It’s] a great opportunity for us to strengthen relationships with some of the top healthcare systems and women’s health companies in the US.
“For our innovative device to be recognised by subject matter experts is further validation that we truly can make a difference in maternal health outcomes, which is core to our mission.”
Other start-ups to participate include Armor Medical, a woman-owned and -led medtech that has developed an early warning system for obstetric haemorrhage, BioticsAI, a company that uses artificial intelligence to improve detection of foetal abnormalities with ultrasound, and Malama Health, a company that has created a remote monitoring system for patients at high risk of perinatal conditions.
Last year, Nua Surgical was the only non-US company to participate in the Texas Medical Center Innovation accelerator. The six-month programme supports medtech start-ups by creating opportunities for clinical collaborations, fundraising and networking.
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Updated, 8.25am, 15 March 2024: This article was amended to remove references to a recent study about maternal mortality rates because it did not provide enough context about wider data related to maternal health in the US.
