Traditional ultrasonic scalpels are too large to fit through a laparoscopic port and this prevents their integration with wristed robotic systems. Nami Surgical are developing miniaturised ultrasonic surgical tools to work in robotic-assisted procedures. This will allow surgeons to perform faster and safer surgeries and transform invasive procedures into minimally-invasive ones.
Dr Nico Fenu is the CEO of Nami Surgical, a spin-out from the Centre for Medical and Industrial Ultrasonics at the University of Glasgow developed with co-founder, Dr Rebecca Cleary. He oversees the company’s operations, technology development pathway, and relationships with commercial partners, externals, and stakeholders. He reflects that “As a CEO, developing negotiation skills, commercial strategy, project and people management, and leadership will enable me to drive the business forward more effectively.”
He plans to leverage the Shott Scale Up Accelerator to enhance his professional development from engineering to focused business leadership. He recognises that the “tailored mentoring and coaching sessions will provide me with invaluable insights from experienced leaders” and “networking opportunities will allow me to build relationships with similar professionals and industry experts.” He also notes that “the Shott Scale Up Accelerator is particularly valuable at this stage of my company’s scaling because it bridges the gap in my business knowledge.”
Nami Surgical recently (Apr 2024) raised £2.5 million in investment and £1 million in grants. Over the next 12-month period the company focus is to deliver the business plan and take the technology forward. They are entering into a series of feasibility studies with several commercial partners that, if successful, will lead to a funded development programme.
