Brainomix and Nanoflex Robotics awarded £764k grant for AI robotics work

Brainomix and Nanoflex Robotics have been awarded a grant under the UK-Switzerland Bilateral: Collaborative R&D programme, which will allow the two companies to join forces to develop an AI-powered integrated remote diagnosis and treatment platform for stroke patients.

The partnership is to start in 2024 and will see the two companies collaborate to develop an AI-assisted magnetic navigation system for robotic surgical tools. Brainomix will be lending its AI-enabled diagnostic imaging capabilities to the project. Nanoflex Robotics, a medtech spin-off from ETH Zurich will bring its expertise in precise magnetic navigation technology.

Dr George Harston, chief medical and innovation officer at Brainomix, said: “We are grateful for the support of Innovate UK to fund our work with Nanoflex Robotics. The project aims to leverage the power of artificial intelligence to enhance Nanoflex Robotics’ cutting-edge magnetic robotic navigation system to be the first system worldwide to enable remote thrombectomy, thus transforming stroke treatment options and helping improve outcomes for patients.“

In total Brainomix has been awarded £400,000 and Nanoflex Robotics 400,000 Swiss Francs (£364,000) thanks to grants administered by Innovate UK and Innosuisse, Switzerland’s innovation agency.

Christophe Chautems, chief technology officer, Nanoflex Robotics, said: “Time is critical when it comes to treating stroke patients. Every delay in removing a blood clot reduces the chance of post-stroke functional independence. By enabling increased and earlier access to mechanical thrombectomies through our remote robotics platform, we hope to give more people a greater chance to live independent lives after stroke.”

A report published recently from Oxford Academic Health Science Network, has determined that Brainomix’s e-Stroke AI platform led to an average treatment rate for stroke patients that was 55% higher than the national average.