Northern Gritstone has led a £2 million seed funding round into University of Leeds spinout Mimetrik.
The startup develops AI-driven digital dentistry products and is based in the university’s state-of-the-art innovation hub at Nexus.
Founded in 2020, it builds on more than a decade of world-leading research at the University’s School of Dentistry. The company has developed 3D-scanning technology that uses machine learning to generate fully digitised images of a patient’s dentition and facial structure.
Its aim is to create a full ‘digital pathway’ between dental labs and clinicians for the benefit of patients, replacing the costly, time-intensive current approach of creating physical models of each patient’s dentition, enabling more accurate and faster treatment.
The funding round featured participation from angel investors with decades of experience in the dental industry and will enable the company to expand its team and deliver its first three products to market.
The founding team of Professor Andy Keeling, Dr Alyn Morgan, Dr Cecilie Osnes and Professor David Wood have decades of experience working in clinical dentistry, 3D scanning and computer science, as well as collaborating with global dental manufacturers and shaping national dental policy.
“I have seen first-hand the time and cost spent on traditional techniques and I believe that our products have the ability to transform the industry and ultimately ensure better patient care,” said CEO Dr Morgan.
“Northern Gritstone’s investment is a vote of confidence in our technology and we will benefit from their advice and knowledge as we continue to grow and bring our products to market.”
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Stephen Claffey, CCO of Mimetrik, said: “The ground-breaking products I’ve had the pleasure of introducing have reshaped dentistry. With Mimetrik’s latest offering, we’re poised to surpass all previous innovations I have been involved with.
“Our cutting-edge technology is set to redefine digital dentistry, enhancing both restorative and preventive treatments on a global scale.”
Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, added: “Mimetrik’s technology has the capacity to bring dentistry into a new age, removing unnecessary costs and time delays with their AI-driven software.
“It is fantastic to see the North of England producing such cutting-edge technology that can have an impact on an essential part of our lives. We look forward to working with Alyn and the Mimetrik team as they step up the development of their products.”
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