Mr Mathew and Dr Wurdak (pictured above, left to right) were selected from five shortlisted entries for their ‘Mini-brain’ benchtop test, which is based on generating miniature models of patient tumours using stem cell-derived brain organoids and patient specific tumour cells.
By observing their invasion into healthy brain tissue, it is hoped that the technique will allow clinicians to optimise treatment for each individual patient. With applications in areas such as precision medicine, the ‘Mini-brain’ will use machine learning algorithms to identify patterns around the interaction between healthy and tumorous cells.
eg technology, a Cambridge-based design engineering and development consultancy, specialises in taking medical and diagnostic devices from concept to realisation. eg will work with Mr Mathew, Dr Wurdak and their team to develop and progress their idea through the Innovation Voucher, designed to reward and support the most novel ideas in MedTech innovation. The programme will consist of ideation workshops, developing requirements specifications and producing concept drawings which will be the foundation of an ongoing development programme.
eg technology Co-founder and Director Danny Godfrey said “We are extremely excited to be working with Mr Mathew, Dr Wurdak and their team on the ‘Mini-brain’ concept. We specialise in bridging the gap between clinical innovation and market-ready products, and although there were numerous applications demonstrating really high levels of utmost innovation, we felt that this award would be most beneficial to Mr Mathew, Dr Wurdak and their product. We are proud to sponsor the Innovation Voucher and are grateful for our partnership with HEE, through which we will continue to support clinicians realise their innovations.”
Commenting on the Innovation programme, Alice Green from HEE added “It is great to work with partners such as eg technology, who also recognise the importance of supporting innovations from the ground upwards. Accessing critical funds, technical expertise and commercialisation guidance is vital for the success of any early-stage development, making supporting such high calibre technologies in this way via the Innovation Vouchers a truly rewarding endeavour.
Innovation Voucher recipient Ryan Mathew states, “Having the opportunity to work with such skilled engineers to further develop and automate the ‘Mini-brain’ concept is fantastic. Our long-term aim for the product is for it to be used in the NHS as a benchtop device, and with the support of HEE and eg technology, we are moving a step closer to achieving this ambition.”
For further information about the HEE Innovation Voucher Competition and to register your interest for the 2021 applications, please visit https://www.hee.co.uk/services/funding.
For more information on getting your technology or ideas to market, or to chat with one of the eg team about your product design and development requirements, please visit www.egtechnology.co.uk.
About eg technology
eg technology are a product engineering design and development specialist based in Cambridge. We have extensive experience within the MedTech sector, ranging from microfluidics and diagnostics to surgical instruments and lateral flow. Our engineers are highly skilled, in taking devices from concept through to transfer to manufacture. Specialising in electronic, software and mechanical engineering, industrial design, human factors, project management and quality assurance, eg technology is ISO 13485 accredited. We provide our clients with the compliance to standards for safety, quality, risk management and traceability. Our team are able to provide an integrated solution for those who require the expertise to bridge the gap between innovation and a market-ready product.
About Health Enterprise East
Health Enterprise East (HEE) are a technology consultancy that specialises in healthcare innovation and believe in improving healthcare through technology and innovation. They work with the NHS, medical technology industry and government organisations to help turn innovative ideas into products and services that will benefit patients.
The experienced team at HEE offers clients a diverse range of business and innovation management services. Their strengths include IP management, technology commercialisation, health economics and strategic market access advice.
Based in Cambridge, HEE work with over 25 NHS organisations nationally and medtech companies globally. Their aim is to help our clients address the challenges faced along the product development pathway, connecting them with relevant healthcare experts and funding opportunities.