London-based medtech startup Scalpel AI, focused on revolutionizing the management of surgical instruments and implants through computer vision, has raised £3.8 million ($4.8 million) in a funding round led by Mercia Ventures, with support from Tensor Ventures and private investors.
With this new capital, Scalpel AI aims to expand its global reach, implementing its technology in healthcare logistics networks, from sterile services to major hospitals and third-party logistics providers like GlobalMed Logistix (GMLx). The startup’s platform uses a combination of computer vision and machine learning to identify and track surgical tools, creating a digital twin for each instrument. This technology not only ensures the correct assembly of surgical trays for the operating theatre but also provides comprehensive tracking from vendor warehouses to surgical suites and back.
Errors in surgical logistics, such as missing or incorrect tools, lead to costly delays and can severely impact patient outcomes. Scalpel AI addresses these issues by providing visibility and verification at each stage of the supply chain, which improves patient safety, reduces costly mistakes, and ensures that healthcare facilities have the right equipment at the right time.
Founded in 2017, Scalpel AI was born from co-founder and CEO Dr. Yeshwanth Pulijala’s experiences during his PhD in medical visualization, where he saw the risks of equipment mismanagement in surgical settings. Dr. Pulijala partnered with CTO Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmed, a computer vision expert with a PhD in object detection, to build a team equipped to tackle these healthcare challenges with cutting-edge AI solutions.
Dr. Pulijala noted: “The success of surgery depends on much more than just the operation itself; having a smooth logistical system behind the scenes is crucial. At Scalpel AI, we work with healthcare organizations to streamline their supply chains, reduce costs, and improve patient safety. This paves the way for personalized surgery, which we see as the future of healthcare.”
Dr. Ahmed added that Scalpel AI’s platform, built with proprietary AI algorithms, can eliminate supply chain errors and cut handling time by over 80%. “We collaborated closely with users to create a solution that truly meets their needs. I’m proud of our team’s dedication in bringing Scalpel’s vision to life,” he shared.
Mercia Ventures’ Lee Lindley remarked on the investment’s potential to standardize surgical logistics: “Scalpel AI’s platform could redefine how surgical trays are managed. This investment supports the company’s goal of scaling internationally and establishing an industry standard.”
Featured image: Credit: Scalpel AI
