In a significant advancement for surgical technology, SURGAR, a French startup specializing in augmented reality (AR) solutions for minimally invasive surgery, has successfully closed an €11 million funding round. This investment marks a pivotal moment for the company as it seeks to transform the landscape of surgical procedures through innovative technology.
SURGAR’s cutting-edge AR software integrates a patient’s digital twin—created from MRI or CT scans—with real-time laparoscopic views. This allows surgeons to visualize critical internal structures, including tumors and vessels, enhancing surgical precision and safety. With the ambitious goal of halving surgical complications and boosting precision twentyfold, SURGAR’s technology not only aims to improve patient outcomes but also to significantly reduce costs for healthcare providers by streamlining surgical processes and minimizing hospital stays.
The company’s roots lie in over a decade of collaboration between Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital and the EnCoV team of the Pascal Institute. Led by a team of esteemed co-founders, including Professors Nicolas Bourdel and others, SURGAR combines artificial intelligence, computer vision, and deep clinical expertise to meet the critical needs of surgeons and their patients.
“SURGAR is, above all, a human adventure and the result of long-standing collaboration. By addressing a critical need for surgeons, we are serving patients,” stated Nicolas Bourdel, CEO and founder of SURGAR. He further emphasized the importance of their recent CE marking achievement for their inaugural solution, which positions SURGAR as a pioneer in augmented reality for abdominal surgery.
The funding round was spearheaded by Mutuelles Impact, managed by XAnge, alongside notable partners such as Elaia Partners, Bpifrance, and various business angels, including Jacques Gardette, founder of Biocorp. The renewed support from historical investors such as UI Investissement and Crédit Agricole Capital Innovation further underscores SURGAR’s robust backing.
According to Nadja Bresous, Partner at XAnge, “The technology developed by SURGAR is a true demonstration of AI serving patients. The solution improves the preparation of laparoscopic surgeries, makes them more efficient, and reduces post-operative complications for patients, including limiting reoperations.” This sentiment is echoed by Céline Passedouet, Investment Director at Elaia, who noted that this strategic investment is a crucial step in transforming surgery in France.
The funds raised will be directed toward launching U-SURGAR, a specialized software aimed at assisting female patients with fibroids and adenomyosis, as well as finalizing and commercializing L-SURGAR and K-SURGAR, targeted at treating liver and kidney cancers. Additionally, SURGAR is actively developing more AI-driven applications, including solutions for endometriosis, and has already established numerous collaboration agreements with hospitals both domestically and internationally.
Editorial Perspective
The strides made by SURGAR exemplify the potential of augmented reality and artificial intelligence in enhancing surgical outcomes. As the healthcare industry increasingly embraces technology, SURGAR stands out with its commitment to improving patient care while addressing the complexities of modern surgical procedures. By leveraging a patient’s digital twin, SURGAR not only enhances the surgeon’s capabilities but also fosters a safer environment for patients—an essential consideration in today’s medical landscape.
Moreover, the support from significant investors and established partnerships with leading medical institutions underscores the confidence in SURGAR’s vision. This positions the company not merely as a tech innovator but as a vital player in the evolution of surgical practices, potentially setting a new standard for what is possible in minimally invasive surgery.
As SURGAR moves forward with its ambitious plans, it is poised to make a substantial impact in the realm of healthcare, reducing complications and enhancing the efficiency of surgeries. The journey of SURGAR is one to watch, as it could very well redefine surgical protocols and patient care standards in the coming years.
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