Cascara Ventures

ATRO Medical B.V., based in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, specializes in the development of an anatomically shaped polymer-based meniscus implant known as the Trammpolin. This innovative implant is designed to restore the protective function of the meniscus by acting as a spacer in the joint. ATRO Medical emerged as a spin-out from DSM and Radboudumc, leveraging expertise gained from a collaborative initiative that began in 2010, which included universities, private companies, and support from the Dutch government. The company combines clinical, biomechanical, and polymer knowledge to advance the Trammpolin design and its prototype development.

Surgify Medical Oy, founded in 2015 and based in Espoo, Finland, specializes in developing innovative surgical technology aimed at enhancing safety during bone surgeries. The company's flagship product is a neurological burr designed to prevent injuries to nerves and blood vessels, which can occur with traditional surgical drills. This technology is compatible with existing surgical equipment, eliminating the need for additional training for medical personnel. Surgify's solutions have applications in orthopedics and dentistry and are being commercialized in collaboration with Aalto University, with financial support from Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation. The company has also established a partnership with the Neurosurgical Department of Helsinki University Central Hospital to facilitate ongoing communication with clinicians, ensuring that its technology effectively meets the needs of healthcare providers and improves patient outcomes by reducing complications such as bleeding and infections.

ATRO Medical B.V., based in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, specializes in the development of an anatomically shaped polymer-based meniscus implant known as the Trammpolin. This innovative implant is designed to restore the protective function of the meniscus by acting as a spacer in the joint. ATRO Medical emerged as a spin-out from DSM and Radboudumc, leveraging expertise gained from a collaborative initiative that began in 2010, which included universities, private companies, and support from the Dutch government. The company combines clinical, biomechanical, and polymer knowledge to advance the Trammpolin design and its prototype development.

Desentum Oy is a biopharmaceutical company based in Finland that focuses on developing innovative hypoallergenic vaccines aimed at treating various allergies, including those caused by pollen, pets, and certain food proteins. Established in 2011, Desentum employs a unique approach to allergy immunotherapy by altering the immune system's response to allergens, promoting tolerance instead of hypersensitivity. The company leverages its research into the molecular mechanisms behind allergic reactions to design effective vaccines that aim to provide long-term relief for patients suffering from allergic symptoms. By utilizing recombinant allergens modified to suppress histamine release during treatment, Desentum seeks to minimize adverse effects and streamline the desensitization process, ultimately addressing the social and economic burdens associated with allergies.

microDimensions GmbH, based in Munich, Germany, specializes in developing software solutions for the processing, analysis, and visualization of microscopic image data, particularly in the field of digital pathology. Founded in 2011, the company offers products such as Voloom, an automated software for 3D reconstruction and analysis of histology specimens, and Zoom, a viewer for rapid visualization of whole slide images. Their software aids researchers in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and pathology sectors with various histological applications, including cell counting and tumor border computation. microDimensions also provides reconstruction and analysis services, ensuring that their solutions can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows. The company's commitment to creating efficient algorithms and high-quality standards enhances the speed and accuracy of histological assessments for pathologists.

xbird GmbH is a medical artificial intelligence company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing algorithms that analyze micro-movements detected by sensors in smartphones and wearables. These algorithms interpret daily activities and significant events that affect patients' health, particularly focusing on diabetes management. By capturing data streams from various devices, xbird's software personalizes therapies to improve health outcomes. This approach allows caregivers to identify potential health risks and optimize long-term treatment plans, fostering a holistic care model for patients.

Preventicus GmbH develops solutions that record and analyze patients’ vital parameters for preclinical screening for risks and detection of lifestyle-related illnesses using smartphone applications. It serves private end users, corporate customers in the occupational health management sector, and OEM customers. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Jena, Germany.

Fiagon GmbH, founded in 2007 and based in Hennigsdorf, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacture of navigation systems tailored for surgical applications, including ENT, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and neurosurgery. As a subsidiary of Fiagon AG Medical Technologies, the company focuses on enhancing clinical navigation through advanced electromagnetic navigation technology. Its systems utilize electromagnetic tracking matrix algorithms and flexible pointer technology, which accurately depict the position of surgical instruments in relation to CT and MRI image data. This innovative approach aids physicians in precise surgical planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes and the execution of operations.

microDimensions GmbH, based in Munich, Germany, specializes in developing software solutions for the processing, analysis, and visualization of microscopic image data, particularly in the field of digital pathology. Founded in 2011, the company offers products such as Voloom, an automated software for 3D reconstruction and analysis of histology specimens, and Zoom, a viewer for rapid visualization of whole slide images. Their software aids researchers in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and pathology sectors with various histological applications, including cell counting and tumor border computation. microDimensions also provides reconstruction and analysis services, ensuring that their solutions can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows. The company's commitment to creating efficient algorithms and high-quality standards enhances the speed and accuracy of histological assessments for pathologists.

Fiagon GmbH, founded in 2007 and based in Hennigsdorf, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacture of navigation systems tailored for surgical applications, including ENT, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and neurosurgery. As a subsidiary of Fiagon AG Medical Technologies, the company focuses on enhancing clinical navigation through advanced electromagnetic navigation technology. Its systems utilize electromagnetic tracking matrix algorithms and flexible pointer technology, which accurately depict the position of surgical instruments in relation to CT and MRI image data. This innovative approach aids physicians in precise surgical planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes and the execution of operations.

SurgicEye GmbH, founded in 2008 and based in Munich, Germany, specializes in developing intra-operative imaging and instrument navigation solutions for surgical procedures. The company offers products such as declipse SPECT open surgery, which utilizes handheld 3-D freehand SPECT imaging technology for navigated radio-guided surgery, and declipse SPECT Laparascopy, an intraoperative 3D imaging system designed for invasive sentinel lymph node biopsy. Additionally, SurgicEye provides the declipse SPECT imaging probe, a compact mobile SPECT imaging solution with high resolution. Beyond its product offerings, SurgicEye also offers consulting services in medical device development, including requirement engineering, software specification, software development, and testing, as well as support for the design and execution of clinical studies.

Amedrix GmbH specializes in the development of medical products aimed at regenerating soft tissue defects, particularly skin. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Esslingen, Germany, the company focuses on native collagen solutions that serve as three-dimensional cell carrier materials. These innovative matrices facilitate the migration, proliferation, and regeneration of the body’s own cells without the need for a prior biopsy. Amedrix offers a diverse range of products, including collagen solutions, gels, membranes, sponges, and fleeces, which can be customized in various forms, sizes, and thicknesses to address a wide array of treatment needs.