Precision needles will help patients and doctors

ActiveNeedle Technology is in the process of commercialising its needle-actuating device, which aims to reduce needle placement errors in ultrasound guided procedures and has recently taken more office space at Culham Innovation Centre to support ambitious expansion plans.

This week, ActiveNeedle Technology has been named as one of the most exciting technology companies in the UK and an innovator to watch in 2018 by industry peers via TechRadar.com. A well timed accolade as the company is about to go through its second round of funding and is inviting Oxfordshire investors and potential partners to join the team as it scales-up to launch its problem solving product in the UK next year.

Ian Quirk, CEO and founder of ActiveNeedle Technology, explains: “Our technology can really make a difference to healthcare professionals and patients, reducing procedure time and limiting the number of repeat operations. This will save the NHS millions and importantly, will help prevent unnecessary pain experienced as a result of prolonged or repeated biopsies.”

ActiveNeedle Technology recently attended an event at The Terrace Pavilion in the Palace of Westminster to receive the Commended Innovation Award presented by Prof. Dame Julia Higgins, President of the Institute of Physics in the presence of Alok Sharma MP.

Over the next five years, the company will expand geographically, branching out to Europe, the Far East and US with plans to open a US office in 2019. A further 6 – 8 people will be recruited over the next year, with an additional 10 – 14 people hired by the end of 2020.

Ian Quirk added: “Our headquarters will remain at Culham Innovation Centre for as long as we can expand within the building. We are currently benefitting from the Innovation Centre in more ways than one. ActiveNeedle Technology is due to commence a project next year with one of the other businesses based at the Centre following an introduction by the Centre team, proving they really do add value.”

Culham Innovation Centre is part of the supportive environment at Culham Science Centre and is managed by Oxford Innovation, the leading operator of business and innovation centres with 24 located across the UK.

Together with a combination of laboratory and office space, Culham Innovation Centre is in a prime location to help science and technology start-ups progress to the next level.

Dianne Heath, Centre Director, Culham and Harwell Innovation Centres, said: “ActiveNeedle has very exciting expansion plans with a product that will truly enhance the lives of patients and healthcare professionals and we are delighted to support the team on their journey of growth. We always aim to add value whether directing tenants to relevant advice about UK and European funding, introducing angel investors or by providing flexible office space to facilitate expansion at a time that suits the business.”

Part of Oxfordshire’s Science Vale and based at Culham Science Centre, Culham Innovation Centre has over 10,000 sq. ft. of flexible office, laboratory, workshop and meeting room space. With offices available for 1 to 15 people, Culham Innovation Centre has the supportive solution to suit growing science and technology businesses.

For further information on ActiveNeedle Technology, visit: activeneedle.com or to find out more about Culham Innovation Centre, visit: culham-ic.co.uk.