NeuroBell, a campus startup from University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland, has recently raised €2.1 million in funding. This investment will allow the company to spin out from the university and launch its groundbreaking technology for the real-time and accurate detection of seizures in newborn babies requiring additional care. By utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), NeuroBell aims to help clinicians diagnose abnormal brain activity faster, enabling early intervention that can greatly improve outcomes.
The founders of NeuroBell, Dr. Mark O’Sullivan, Dr. Alison O’Shea, and Colm Murphy, identified a critical gap in the availability and accuracy of current technologies used to detect seizures in newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Early detection of seizures is crucial for enabling timely interventions in infants with brain injuries and may help reduce the impact of life-changing conditions such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
Currently, continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring using large machines with limited availability is used to monitor newborn brain activity. These machines require specialized training to operate and interpret results. NeuroBell, on the other hand, has developed a pocket-sized wireless brain monitor that utilizes embedded edge AI technology. This device is easy to use and can detect seizures in NICU patients, enabling routine monitoring of babies across various hospital settings without the need for specialized expertise.
NeuroBell has set its sights on securing FDA approval before launching its device in the US market this year, followed by the European market. With the recent funding received, the company will be able to further develop its product, conduct additional clinical trials, and expand its team. In fact, it is expected that 12 new jobs will be created in engineering, quality assurance, and business development by next year.
Dr. O’Sullivan, one of the founders of NeuroBell, is confident in the company’s ability to provide “gold-standard brain monitoring with automated decision support to patients in all settings.” The innovative and user-friendly approach taken by NeuroBell has the potential to revolutionize the field of newborn brain injury detection and improve the lives of countless infants and their families.
In conclusion, the €2.1 million funding received by NeuroBell will pave the way for the development and launch of their AI-powered brain monitoring device for newborn babies. By providing clinicians with faster and more accurate detection of seizures, NeuroBell aims to enable early interventions that can greatly improve outcomes for infants with brain injuries. With plans to secure FDA approval and expand into the US and European markets, NeuroBell is poised to make a significant impact in the field of newborn healthcare.
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