NeuroBell, a medical technology start-up based in Ireland, has secured funding to launch a life-saving seizure detection device for newborns requiring additional care. The funding round included participation from Enterprise Ireland and private investors. The investment will enable NeuroBell to introduce its innovative technology, which provides real-time detection of seizures in newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
The founders of NeuroBell, Dr Mark O’Sullivan, Dr Alison O’Shea, and Colm Murphy, developed the device at the University College Cork (UCC) and the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT). Their goal is to address the lack of availability and accuracy in existing seizure detection technologies for newborns in the NICU. Currently, continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring is used, but it has limitations such as cumbersome devices, limited availability, and the need for specialized training.
NeuroBell’s pocket-sized wireless brain monitor utilizes embedded artificial intelligence (AI) to detect seizures and monitor babies in various hospital settings without requiring specialized expertise. This groundbreaking device aims to have a significant impact on the health outcomes of newborns experiencing brain injuries at birth, which affects approximately 2 million babies worldwide.
In addition to launching the product, NeuroBell plans to create 12 jobs in engineering, quality assurance, and business development by 2025 as part of its scaling efforts. The funding will also be used for further development of the NeuroBell device, additional clinical trials, and seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its device before expanding to the European market.
Dr. Mark O’Sullivan, the CEO of NeuroBell, expressed excitement about the funding, stating that it will help bring their product to clinicians worldwide and improve newborn care with gold standard brain monitoring and automated decision support. The company expects to start commercial sales of its medical device in 2025.
Richard Watson, managing partner of Furthr VC, one of the funding participants, commended NeuroBell for their transformative and groundbreaking neonatal monitoring device. He emphasized the positive impact it will have on the survival and long-term neurological outcomes of thousands of babies in critical care. Furthr VC is impressed by NeuroBell’s founding team and their clear plan for regulatory, clinical, and commercial success.
With the support of investors and the advancements in their technology, NeuroBell is poised to revolutionize the detection of seizures in newborns, ultimately saving lives and improving the quality of care for vulnerable infants.
