- Cork-based medtech company NeuroBell raises $5.5 million to advance its AI neonatal monitor, Luna.
- The funding round, led by Elkstone, aims to facilitate US market entry for Luna, which detects seizures in newborns.
- With a recent office established in Fort Wayne, Indiana, NeuroBell strengthens ties with Parkview Health, a key investor and partner.
- CEO Dr. Mark O’Sullivan envisions making clinical-grade brain monitoring widely accessible in neonatal units.
- The company’s technology addresses an urgent need for enhanced care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
NeuroBell, a medtech start-up with roots in Cork, is set to make significant strides in neonatal care after securing $5.5 million in funding, primarily from Elkstone. This investment will aid the company’s efforts to gain clearance for its AI-driven brain monitor, Luna, in the US market within the year. Supporting this initiative are notable investors, including Parkview Health, Furthr, Atlantic Bridge, Medtech Syndicate, and Enterprise Ireland.
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Mark O’Sullivan, Dr. Alison O’Shea, and Colm Murphy, NeuroBell emerged from nearly a decade of academic research focused on newborn brain health and AI diagnostics. The company’s flagship product, Luna, offers a pocket-sized, wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) device designed to detect seizures in newborns—conditions that often lack visible symptoms and can lead to long-term neurological damage. The device employs AI-assisted analysis and remote review capabilities, enabling ICU staff to monitor seizures more effectively.
O’Sullivan, who received recognition as the Enterprise Ireland High-Potential Start-up Founder of the Year in 2022, expressed optimism about how this funding will bolster their mission. He stated, “Luna exists to put clinical-grade brain monitoring in the hands of every NICU team, wherever they are.” The funding not only paves the way for expanding their operations in the US but also enhances their service offering across Europe.
NeuroBell’s recent establishment of an office in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is indicative of its commitment to entering the American market. This strategic move is further solidified by its partnership with Parkview Health, a community-based health system that operates 15 hospitals and employs more than 17,500 staff members. Dr. Atiya Khan, a pediatric neurologist at Parkview Health, echoed the importance of innovation in addressing critical medical conditions, stating, “NeuroBell’s technology represents a meaningful step forward in improving how we care for our most vulnerable patients.”
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the need for timely and precise detection methods becomes increasingly crucial, especially in neonatal units. The stakes are high for these vulnerable patients, and innovations like Luna represent a potentially game-changing advancement in neonatal monitoring.
Interestingly, it’s worth noting that Ireland has become a notable hub for medtech innovation in recent years, housing over 400 companies in the sector. As start-ups like NeuroBell emerge, they are positioned to redefine standards in medical care, particularly for the youngest and most at-risk populations. For further insights into NeuroBell’s journey, visit Silicon Republic.
