Custom Surgical allows ophthalmologists with its solution, to digitize the images from their microscopes via smartphoneThis makes it easier to discuss remote medical treatments, the training of doctors, or the results of examinations with colleagues in more difficult cases.
Federico Acosta, CEO of Custom Surgical, explains:
"At Custom Surgical, we are modernizing ophthalmology through AR and AI apps that help eye surgeons improve surgical outcomes and the diagnosis of eye diseases. Our optical system enables ophthalmologists to digitize any microscope cost-effectively and universally with any smartphone. With our products, we aim to democratize access to high-tech tools in microscopy. Every surgeon should be able to have the best tools to care for their patients!"
With this concept, Custom Surgical has now secured the Luminate accelerator's Outstanding Graduate Award, endowed with €500,000. Furthermore, the Munich-based startup impressed the audience at the final event and also scooped the Audience Choice Award, which comes with an additional €10,000. Luminate NY is considered the world's largest startup accelerator for applications in the fields of optics, photonics, and imaging. Managed by Nextcorps, the accelerator is funded by the US state of New York.
Sujatha Ramanujan, Managing Director of Luminate, says:
"The Custom Surgical technology has a strong value proposition in the market and has been a favorite with audiences because of its potential to help address the increasing rate of blindness. It provides a simple way to record, store, and analyze medical procedures, as well as robust training tools to help ophthalmic surgeons improve their skills, patient outcomes, and the early detection and diagnosis of eye diseases."
Custom Surgical on the way to break even
Federico Acosta praises the support that Custom Surgical has received from Luminate:
"The Luminate Accelerator Program was a pivotal step for the future of our company. This program opened several doors for our company throughout New York State. We were able to close deals with industry partners and customers in the region and, most importantly, were introduced to major venture capital firms for further investment. The support of the Luminate team and mentors was critical to the success we've experienced over the past six months."
According to the startup, it is growing more than twice as much annually, purely organically. Custom Surgical has completely outsourced the manufacturing, quality control, and logistics of its hardware, which not only makes the hardware business scalable but also allows the startup to focus on software development, computer vision, and machine learning. The Munich-based company's sales figures are growing quarter after quarter, and the company expects to soon break even.
