Aug 12, 2023 As technology continues to shape the landscape of the healthcare industry, a host of innovative companies are making waves in the world of healthcare 3D printing. From groundbreaking advancements in bioprinting to creative software solutions that streamline the design and production of medical and dental devices, these startups are poised to reshape the way we approach healthcare. This article aims to highlight some of the Pitch3D startups we encountered in the first half of 2023. If you are interested in joining 30+ institutional investors and receiving regular deal flow from Pitch3D, please send an email to: jennychen@3dheals.com
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All the companies mentioned in this article are actively fundraising, and the intend of this article is to promote innovation within our industry. Investors are welcomed to reach out to them directly.
1. Nusmetics: Revolutionizing Skincare with 3D Printing
Based in Singapore, Nusmetics is a company that’s reimagining skincare and drug delivery system leveraging 3D printing technology. The company was founded in 2019 by two scientists from the National University of Singapore, Dr. NGUYEN DUC VIET and Dr. HIMANSHU KATHURIA, who have come up with a unique delivery platform: microbeeTM , which is “a particle with spikes on its surface resembling durian structure at microscale. Microbees can be mixed and used with current skin and healthcare products to increase their skin absorption up to 10,000 times, thus tremendously enhancing their efficacy in a very simple way. The company is also actively working on microneedle patches. By using 3D printing to create microbeads and microneedles, they’ve reduced the percentage of active ingredients required, leading to substantial cost savings in production.
2. Synergy3DMed: Advancing SaSS Solutions for Hospital 3D Printing
In the heart of Israel, a visionary company is paving the way for hospitals to embrace the power of 3D printing through a unique and innovative SaaS (Software as a Service) approach. Synergy3DMed stands as a pioneer in this field, offering hospitals a pathway to seamlessly integrate 3D printing into their operations. Synergy3DMed offers a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS ) model tailored for hospitals aiming to integrate 3D printing into their workflows. They emphasize both hybrid and fully in-house production options, providing versatility to healthcare providers. Synergy3DMed’s technology centers around providing hospitals with the tools and expertise to embrace 3D printing without the complexities and high capital expenditures traditionally associated with this technology. Through their innovative SaaS approach, hospitals can access 3D printing capabilities and expertise, either through in-house production or external service bureaus. This hybrid model offers the best of both worlds, empowering hospitals to harness the benefits of 3D printing without the burden of managing the entire process.
At the core of Synergy Med 3D’s approach is the creation of a network that bridges hospitals, 3D printing service bureaus, and advanced software solutions. This network fosters collaboration and streamlines the adoption of 3D printing in the healthcare sector. By providing hospitals with the resources they need to integrate 3D printing seamlessly, Synergy Med 3D is poised to accelerate the adoption of this groundbreaking technology. For the U.S. market, the company is currently focusing on hospitals in Florida.
The company’s software starts with a quality management system for providers to manage, track and audit the entire 3D print process. In addition, it offers a subscription to an ever-growing catalog of use cases including medical designs, materials to be used, and post-production processes (over 1,500 surgeries currently) categorized by specialties that serve to educate physicians on how 3D printing can be used to personalize surgical care in their particular specialty.
By simplifying the adoption of 3D printing, providing expert resources, and embracing a hybrid model, the company is facilitating a new era of personalized patient care and innovative medical solutions. As the healthcare sector evolves, keep a watchful eye on Synergy3DMed as it continues to shape the future of hospital 3D printing through its visionary technology and commitment to transformation.
3. 3DEUS: Accelerating Silicone 3D Printing in the Medical Sector
Taking a leap across the globe to Lyon, France, we encounter 3DEUS Dynamics, a Lyon, France-based startup that is making waves in the field of silicone 3D printing. With aims to enhance the speed and efficiency of additive manufacturing, the company has the potential to reshape how silicone-based products are manufactured and utilized, especially in healthcare. Its CEO/co-founder Julien Barthes is scheduled to speak to 3DHEALS audience during a September biomaterial conference.
The company’s core technology, Dynamic Molding Technology (DMT), is a new AM process, “in which the building environment is composed of a controlled granular phase (powder), behaving like a dynamic molding system in which manufacturing materials (inks) are dispensed. This dynamic molding system radical vision brings AMD techniques into support-free and build table-free processing. With this breakthrough innovation, all existing manufacturing viscoelastic materials, i.e. thermoplastics, elastomers, thermoplastic-elastomer composites and ceramics, will have the possibility to be printed without any limitations of initial material properties (rheological, mechanical, solidification/curing kinetic or mechanism) but also with unlimited freedom of 3D complexities.” (see video below)
Traditionally, silicone manufacturing has been constrained by labor-intensive processes and limited design possibilities. 3DEUS Dynamics is breaking free from these constraints by leveraging 3D printing technology to unlock new design freedoms and manufacturing efficiencies. Their work has the potential to revolutionize industries that rely on silicone-based products, ranging from healthcare to consumer goods.
Silicone is widely used in medical devices, prosthetics, and other applications critical to patient care. By advancing the capabilities of silicone 3D printing, the company could pave the way for personalized medical solutions, rapid prototyping of medical devices, and even the creation of complex anatomical models for surgical planning.
4. Hearables3D (H3D): Amplifying Hearing Aid and Digital Dentistry Innovations
In the dynamic realm of medical devices, Hearables3D (or H3D), an Australian-Danish startup takes center stage with its AI/ML-enabled software offering to the hearing aid and dental industries. The core products include automated CAD design software and a 3D scanning mobile API that can be licensed. We have invited its CEO Iain Mcleod, a serial entrepreneur in the healthcare 3D technology industry, to speak at our 2023 Digital Dentistry event recently.
With recent FDA news indicating that hearing aids will be available over the counter, the company’s potential for growth is substantial. Key factors driving their growth in hearing aid industry include an aging population, limited penetration of hearing aids, and advancements in audiology distribution.
With the recent shift towards over-the-counter hearing aids, the company’s foray into dentistry is a natural evolution that leverages their expertise in 3D technology and aligns with changing healthcare dynamics. Iain Mcleod, the co-founder and CEO, has joined 3Shape back in 2007 to develop 3D scanning and CAD software for the digital workflow in audiolog. Later, he also joined Formlabs and is well versed in dental 3D printing industry. So the DNA of the company almost certainly determines its path into digital dentistry revolution.
As Hearables3D navigates the dynamic healthcare landscape, its journey exemplifies the power of innovation and cross-disciplinary thinking. By redefining audiology and expanding its horizons into the realm of dentistry, the company is setting a precedent for patient-centered healthcare technology. Keep an eye on Hearables3D as it continues to shape the future of audiology and dental care, providing innovative solutions that have the potential to transform lives and enhance overall well-being.
5. Pathkeeper Surgical: Navigating Surgical Innovations
Pathkeeper Surgical is an Israeli-based startup that is pushing the boundaries of surgical navigation and imaging technology. With a focus on revolutionizing the field of spine surgery and beyond, Pathkeeper Surgical is on a mission to enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Pathkeeper Surgical’s technology empowers surgeons with real-time imaging, visualization, and navigation capabilities that provide a detailed roadmap during procedures. This enhanced visibility can lead to improved accuracy, reduced risks, and ultimately, better patient outcomes.
The company’s navigation system offers a two-tier product approach, catering to both low-cost and high-cost segments of the market. This differentiation allows them to address a wide range of surgical needs and offer tailored solutions to medical professionals. By offering both a low-cost navigation system and a high-cost robotic solution, the company is catering to a diverse set of medical institutions and surgical teams. This flexibility allows them to expand their market reach while ensuring that their technology remains accessible and impactful. These systems offer varying levels of sophistication and are set to gain FDA clearance at different times.
One of the standout aspects of Pathkeeper Surgical is the entrepreneurial spirit that underpins the company’s journey. Erez Lampert, the CEO/founder, has demonstrated a track record of pivoting through concepts and startups, showcasing a resilience and determination that are essential in the world of healthcare innovation. His deep understanding of the local healthcare network in Israel, combined with his passion for advancing medtech, sets the tone for Pathkeeper Surgical’s future endeavors. Previously Erez has worked extensively with Align Technology.
The company is also exploring opportunities beyond spine surgery, with plans to develop smaller cameras for deeper access to surgical sites. These will be disclosed to investors if needed.
6. Metafold 3D: Empowering Design Innovation in Additive Manufacturing
Venturing to Toronto, Canada, we uncover Metafold 3D, a startup focused on a mission to empower design creativity and enhance the capabilities of 3D printing.
Metafold is the leading developer of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) cloud-based software, advancing the mass adoption of 3D printing with sustainability at the forefront of its mission. Metafold’s platform offers large-scale manufacturers the world’s fastest geometric engine, huge lattice library, and unmatched direct-to-print capabilities helping teams to imagine, design, and produce 3D parts faster.
Metafold 3D
Metafold3D is positioning itself to enable designers to create structures that are not only innovative but also efficient in terms of material usage and production time. More specifically, they aim to create lightweight structures using lattices, and performance-specific applications of geometry. By offering a cloud-based platform, the company is aligning with the trend toward remote collaboration and accessibility. Their API “Metafold Engine” further indicates their dedication to creating an ecosystem that seamlessly integrates with existing design and manufacturing processes.
By prioritizing creativity and productivity, the company is aiming to increase the accessibility of 3D printing tools. This aligns with the broader trend of democratizing manufacturing processes, enabling a wider range of professionals to harness the benefits of additive manufacturing. The company’s software can be used in a variety of industrial including biomedical applications.
For those interested, Metafold’s CEO/co-founder, Elissa Ross, will be speaking at our end-of-year conference focusing on Design for Medical 3D Printing. So mark your calendar for that!
Also notable is Metafold 3D’s team, which brings together mathematicians and software experts, showcasing a blend of expertise and energy. Not to mention a female founder, rare in our industry! While there is still much growth needed to consolidate the company’s market position, their youthful enthusiasm is admirable and will prove an important success factor.
7. A.D.A.M.: Pushing the Boundaries of 3D Bioprinting Bone
Transitioning to the bustling city of New York, we encounter A.D.A.M. Bioprinting, a startup with a focus on 3D bioprinting. The company aims to create point-of-care 3D-printed bone implants using unique biomaterials. Bone implants are essential for patients requiring reconstructive surgeries or those with bone defects, and are at the center of research and commercialization in orthopedic care. By decentralizing the production process and bringing it closer to the point of need, A.D.A.M. aims to address logistical challenges associated with traditional implant manufacturing and distribution. Recently, the co-founder and CEO of A.D.A.M. Denys Gurak spoke at our highly popular annual virtual event focusing on 3D Bioprinting for Bones. Additionally, CEO Denys also brings a wealth of regulatory expertise to the table. His background enables A.D.A.M. to navigate the complex landscape of regulatory compliance more effectively. The company also actively develops its own Quality Management System (QMS) because of its extensive regulatory background.
8. Swibrace: Pioneering Innovative Solutions in Orthopedic Care
In picturesque Switzerland, another healthcare startup in the field of orthopedic care, creating on-demand 3D-printed personalized orthopedic casts. Dr. Frederic Schuind, the founder, is an orthopedic surgeon, and a serial entrepreneur. His earlier successful venture, Spirecut, serves as a testament to his expertise and drive. With Swibrace, Dr. Schuind is channeling his energy into revolutionizing orthopedic care through the “Additive Manufacturing as a Service” (AMaaS) model, which promises to quickly translate ideas into 3D-printable products approved for healthcare use. The company wants to eventually provide a point-of-care solution and continue to shorten the turn-around time of device delivery. This vision aligns with the changing dynamics of healthcare, where efficient and localized solutions are becoming increasingly essential.
Dr. Schuind was a speaker at our recent 3D printing for Orthopedic Care.
9. Mogassam: Transforming Dental 3D Printing and Redefining Smiles
The digital dentistry revolution is now a reality, and 3D printing is becoming an investment objective for many dentists and is also increasingly incorporated into the new dental school curriculum. While dental 3D printing seems to becoming more and more competitive for startups, one company, Mogassam, is getting dentists’ attention. Mogassam is headquartered in both Cairo, Egypt, where it was founded, and Delaware, United States. The international DNA of the company puts it in an advantageous position.
The company was first known for developing automatic DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printers for the dental industry, but now, Mogassam aims to empower creative dentists and dental technicians worldwide by creating a seamless 3D printing workflow incorporating both automated software and hardware solutions.
More specifically, Mogassam 3D focuses on developing ML-enabled software after collecting large amounts of data from 3D dentistry files, properly identifying each use case, whether it was a crown or surgical guidance, and training the deep learning model on various use cases. This enabled Mogassam 3D to provide the ‘PostScript’ of the dental 3D printing business by automating dental file creation in only a few clicks.
To make this ML-enabled software work in the real world, they created an automated ‘All-In-One’ 3D printing solution that includes a printer, washer, and cure unit all in one device with an automated gantry
architecture to minimize human intervention, encouraging more dentists to use chairside printing, higher print reliability, and a safer printing process without resin handling.
“People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware.”
Alan Kay
Mogassam demonstrates a strategic approach to market penetration. The company not only had success in Egypt but also in UAE and the US. The company aims to focus on the lucrative US market in the near term.
10. Nanochon: Pioneering Advanced Orthopedic Solutions through 3D Printing
Located in Washington, D.C., Nanochon’s “mission is to develop a new approach to treat cartilage replacement and repair so that hundreds of thousands of young, active patients with knee damage can return to their lifestyles without having to undergo costly and invasive short-term fixes. Founded in 2016, our technology is a minimally-invasive early intervention that could help avert the need for total knee replacement. Today, there is a solid clinical standard for treating joint disease: total joint replacement.”
Nanochon’s Chondrograft™ device is a sturdy medical advancement that is one part orthopedic load-bearing implant, one part tissue growth scaffold, and completely revolutionary. The implant replaces lost or damaged cartilage and encourages new growth using innovative nanomaterial and 3D-printed designs. This technology has the potential to provide a more successful, faster, longer-lasting, and more affordable solution to joint disease and injury.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Nanochon’s journey is its well-defined roadmap. With pre-clinical stages, large animal trials, GMP manufacturing, and additional product testing underway, Nanochon’s strategy is marked by precision and dedication. Their commitment to meeting pre-approval PMA milestones positions them on a clear path toward regulatory approval and commercial success.
While currently, the company focuses on knee joints, it is likely to expand to other load-bearing joints.
Nanochon’s journey isn’t a solitary one. They’ve attracted the support of the UVA LVG Seed Fund, positioning them with a strong lead investor and a network of experts. The significant commitment and engagement from investors underscore the potential and promise that Nanochon holds within the burgeoning field of orthopedic 3D printing.
Nanochon’s CEO and co-founder Benjamin Holmes has also been a 3DHEALS Community Manager in the D.C. area for a number of years.
In a world where medical technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, Nanochon’s focus on orthopedic 3D printing serves as a beacon of hope and progress. With each step they take toward regulatory approval and commercialization, Nanochon brings us one step closer to a future where orthopedic treatments are not just improved – they’re redefined.
11. Brinter: Pioneering Medical Advancements through 3D Printing
Headquarters at Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine, North Carolina, and offices in Santa Monica, CA, and Finland, a technological evolution is taking place that promises to redefine Bio-Implant Medical Device production. Brinter, a company with roots dating back to a well-established 3D bioprinter company, is emerging as a key player in the personalized bio-implants space.
Brinter’s journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. What began as a spin-off from a Finnish technology-focused company has evolved into a stand-alone US-based enterprise with full ownership of its intellectual property. Remarkably, Brinter achieved a staggering close to $2 million in revenue solely from R&D 3D bioprinter sales globally. However, a recent pivot in 2023 has propelled the company towards a new era, shifting its focus from selling its bioprinting technology to developing and manufacturing end-use Meniscus Bio-Implant medical devices.
At the helm of Brinter are co-founders Tom Alapaattikoski (CEO) and Tomi Kalpio, two forward-thinking leaders with complementary skills and backgrounds in technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
12. Craft Health: Shaping the Future of Drug Manufacturing
Across the globe in Singapore, another groundbreaking startup is making waves in the healthcare manufacturing landscape focusing on 3D printed drugs. As Southeast Asia’s first and only 3D printing company for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, the company offers customized solutions to Drug Delivery, whether nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals, offering an end-to-end approach from research & development to manufacturing, with a dedication to driving efficiency, precision, and customization. The company is actively participating in several clinical trials that would define this emerging field.
The co-founders of the company Wei Jiang Goh (CEO) and Seng Han Lim (COO) both had extensive training in pharmacy. The duo compliments each other in skills and personalities, forming the core of the Craft Health team. Their ambition to eliminate poly-pharmacy and create the next generation of formulation using cutting-edge technology is commendable.
13. PolyUnity: Revolutionizing Healthcare Manufacturing with Agile 3D Printing Solutions
PolyUnity, based in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has emerged as a standout contender in the healthcare innovation landscape, with a unique approach to 3D printing and healthcare procurement.
PolyUnity’s core proposition is revolutionary: they operate on an “AMaaS for Healthcare” (Additive Manufacturing as a Service) model. At first glance, this model might seem complex, but it addresses critical challenges with the wide-scale adoption of 3D Printing and procurement inefficiencies in healthcare.
The company’s focus is on providing healthcare providers with an agile and efficient way to avail of the value potential of 3D Printing and digital inventory without technical complexity. Healthcare workers can easily access a rapidly growing catalog of +400 innovations, products, and parts while quickly turning their ideas into 3D printable products that are compliant with healthcare systems’ requirements.
This platform of idea-to-product benefits healthcare providers by accelerating innovation adoption, reducing costs, creating operational efficiencies, and improving patient care. This theory was proven correct during the pandemic and is continuing to grow in scale and impact.
PolyUnity’s model has found a strong foothold in the Canadian healthcare landscape. Their ability to achieve deep penetration into Canadian hospital systems since 2020 is a testament to the viability of their approach. PolyUnity has delivered products and solutions to +20 healthcare departments including cancer care, lab services, biomechanical engineering, infrastructure, etc. The company’s innovative solution serves as an alternative to the existing healthcare procurement methods, which often involve inefficiencies and waste. PolyUnity’s agile 3D printing solution aligns with the unique demands of the Canadian healthcare system. That said, the company is poised and has plenty of ambition to venture into its neighboring country, the United States.
14. Trio Labs: Pioneering 3D Microfabricated Medical Devices
Headquartered in Morrisville, NC USA, Trio Labs has a mission “to improve lives by enabling the next generation of medical devices. Trio fabricates precision metal parts with unmatched fine resolution and low cost using proprietary processes and tools that scale seamlessly from prototyping through high-volume manufacturing. The patent-pending Resin Infused Powder Lithography (RIPL) process reduces costs and manufacturing times for existing products and enables new solutions in a wide range of medical device markets. Previously impossible devices and components are made routine by RIPL, including less invasive higher precision surgical tools, miniaturized infusion pumps, microneedle arrays, drug delivery devices, orthopedic implants, and more.”
RIPL was designed from the ground up to address unmet needs in the medical device industry, providing ultra precision small metal parts with rapid turnaround, serving needs from single prototypes to million-part manufacturing runs. RIPL breaks the speed and expense barriers posed by existing CNC micro-machining. It uses industry-standard metal and ceramic powders as used used by Metal Injection Molding (MIM), but in a true Additive Manufacturing Process, combining all the benefits of 3D Printing with the speed of MIM and the precision of CNC. Feature Precision of 5 microns and fine surface finish are achieved without the need for additional post-processing.
Trio-labs
We have previously invited its CEO and co-founder Adam Steege to speak at our 3D Microfabrication for Medical Applications event.
15. Psyonic: Redefining Prosthetic Care
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Psyonic is on a mission to revolutionize the prosthetics industry. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of human physiology, Psyonic aims to create prosthetic limbs that feel natural and intuitive to use. It has the ambition to become the “Tesla” of prosthetic limbs. The company uses 3D printing to produce components of its flagship product, the Ability Hand.
For non-institutional investors looking to participate in a venture that combines innovation, societal impact, and financial potential, Psyonic’s Equity Crowdfund link is here. We had a great recent event focusing on 3D Printing in Orthotics/Prosthetics, where the CEO and founder of Psyonic presented the company’s technologies with a live patient demo(!).
16. 3DBioFibr: Revolutionizing Tissue Engineering with Material Innovation
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, this startup has a mission to “lead the global production of nature’s strongest, lightest, and toughest materials, solving critical engineering challenges of our communities.” At the core of its technology, the company has a patented dry-spinning technology that produces protein fibers at scale, that closely mimic the structure, biochemistry, and biomechanics of their natural counterparts. The company’s fully automated system for CollaFibR™ production uses GMP inputs to ensure consistent fabrication at commercial scales. The company also has commercially available products for 3D bioprinting and cell culture and can also create custom non-woven collagen scaffolds for tissue engineering.
While its main focus is on collagen fiber manufacturing, the company has successfully spun various network-forming biopolymers, including spider silk, fibrin, and chitosan.
Its co-founder, Gurkaran Chowdhry, will be speaking about the company’s innovations in our upcoming event focusing on Biomaterials/Bioink in 3D Printing.
Innovative Horizon
Despite the headwind from macroeconomics, these healthcare 3D technology startups continue to stand at the forefront of technological advancements. In fact, many of today’s technology giants were born during unusually tough financial environments when few believed in them. From skincare solutions to surgical navigation systems, these innovations promise to reshape the healthcare landscape and enhance patient care. As we journey through this dynamic sector in this unusual time, it’s clear that the intersection of technology and healthcare holds immense potential. Stay tuned for further updates on more groundbreaking ventures and Pitch3D startups in the second half of 2023.
Related Links:
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