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Smarter keyhole surgeries: how Spatium Medical is innovating surgery

linn backegren13 February 2025

Story

A breakthrough in the world of keyhole surgeries is on the horizon. Spatium Medical, a spin-off from Erasmus MC, is developing an innovative insufflation technology that reduces patient discomfort and speeds up recovery after surgery. CEO Willem Mees van der Bijl shares how this innovation came to life, the role of InnovationQuarter, and the ambitious plans for the future.

The idea

During keyhole surgeries, the abdomen is inflated to give surgeons a better view of the operating area. However, traditional methods can cause discomfort and lead to longer recovery times for patients. Spatium Medical has developed a smart approach to optimize this process, allowing patients to experience less pain and return home sooner. “Our technology uses an innovative method that makes insufflation more efficient and patient-friendly,” says Willem Mees.

“We aim to launch a product within two years that hospitals worldwide can use.”

– Willem Mees van der Bijl, CEO Spatium Medical

From innovation to product

Developing groundbreaking technology is one thing, but bringing it to market is an entirely different challenge. “We aim to launch a product within two years that hospitals worldwide can use,” Willem Mees explains. To achieve this, strong collaboration with experts and investors is essential.

The Role of InnovationQuarter

From day one, Spatium Medical worked closely with InnovationQuarter. “The first thing I did when I started in this region was calling InnovationQuarter,” Willem Mees shares. “They immediately helped us connecting with the right parties to move forward.”

InnovationQuarter Capital also played a key role in financing Spatium Medical. “Thanks to an early-stage investment from UNIIQ, we were able to eliminate the biggest uncertainties in our project during the first year,” Willem Mees explains. “This, in turn, made us attractive to follow-up investors.” Ultimately, with the support of InnovationQuarter Capital, Spatium Medical secured five million euros, paving the way for market introduction.

Future prospects

Hospitals worldwide are already showing strong interest. “We are receiving calls from doctors asking when they can try out our technology,” Willem Mees says enthusiastically. With the financial resources and the right partners in place, the focus now is on further developing the product and obtaining the necessary medical approvals.

Advice for other entrepreneurs

For startups in medical technology, Willem Mees has a clear message: “Understand that medical innovations are multidisciplinary. You need experts in regulation, quality, technology, marketing, and clinical research. You cannot do this alone.”

Having the right network is crucial, and this is where InnovationQuarter can play a significant role. “They can guide you to the right people and institutions,” Willem Mees explains. “If you have an innovative idea, make sure to involve the right experts early on. That is what makes the difference between a great idea and a successful market launch.”

Meet us at Innovation for Health 2025

Would you like to discuss your growth plans in person? Visit our booth at Innovation for Health 2025 on April 3 in Rotterdam! Meet our team and schedule an appointment in advance via this page: Meet our team at Innovation for Health 2025 – Innovationquarter

Would you like to know how we can help your company move forward?

Feel free to contact me.

Linn Bäckegren

Investment Manager InnovationQuarter Capital

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