Spatium Medical secures follow-on funding to accelerate U.S. market entry and global expansion

“InnovationQuarter helped us connect with the right partners,” says CEO Willem Mees van der Bijl.

Spatium Medical, a medtech spin-off from Erasmus MC, is transforming laparoscopic surgery with its smart CO₂ insufflator – a device designed to reduce complications and speed up recovery for patients. After several successful funding rounds, the company is now accelerating its global ambitions to scale safer surgery worldwide. Spatium Medical aims to launch in the U.S. in 2026 and in Europe in 2027, paving the way for broader international adoption and bringing their innovation into operating rooms worldwide.

A smarter approach to insufflation

Insufflation involves introducing CO₂ into the abdominal cavity to create workspace for surgeons. Traditional insufflators apply a fixed pressure, which can lead to complications or prolonged recovery. Spatium Medical’s smart insufflator continuously monitors and adjusts pressure, even synchronizing with the patient’s breathing. This innovation ensures optimal conditions for every individual patient.

Why it matters for healthcare

Excessive pressure during surgery can cause pain or even tissue damage. By personalizing and regulating pressure, Spatium Medical’s technology minimizes risks during and after surgery. “Our solution makes insufflation more efficient and patient-friendly,” says Willem Mees. Beyond improving surgical outcomes, it also helps reduce the growing strain on healthcare systems.

Willem Mees van der Bijl shares insights on their innovation and the company’s plans for the future in this video (in Dutch).

Backed by InnovationQuarter: from idea to impact

In 2023, proof-of-concept fund UNIIQ and Erasmus MC invested €350,000 to kick-start development. This early-stage funding paved the way for follow-on investors. By 2024, Spatium Medical secured €5 million with support from InnovationQuarter Capital, ensuring a clear path to market introduction.

“It wasn’t just the funding,” Willem Mees emphasizes. “InnovationQuarter connected us with the right people to accelerate our growth.” From day one, InnovationQuarter guided Spatium Medical to the right partners, speeding up progress beyond financial support.

“Spatium Medical brings together breakthrough technology and a global mindset. Helping turn that potential into international scale is exactly the role we play as an investor”,

says Nina Satih, Investment Manager at InnovationQuarter Capital.

New milestone: 2025 extension round and U.S. strategy

Building on this momentum, Spatium Medical closed an extension of its previous round in October 2025 — backed by InnovationQuarter Capital with participation from existing shareholders Van Herk Ventures, Demcon Innovatiefonds, Erasmus MC, Human Plus and CEO Willem Mees van der Bijl – to fuel international expansion, particularly in the U.S. market.

“This additional investment gives us the confidence and resources to move faster,” says Willem Mees.

The company has already explored U.S. opportunities, visiting hospitals in Texas, Arizona, and Minnesota through a programme co-initiated by regional development agencies, including InnovationQuarter. “InnovationQuarter doesn’t just look at local opportunities, they open doors internationally. Their network with other ROMs, TaskForce Healthcare, Health Holland, RVO and the NBSO’s helped us connect with hospitals abroad,” Willem Mees adds.

This achievement marks a pivotal step in Spatium Medical’s journey to become the global standard in minimally invasive surgery. With strong backing from investors, the company is preparing for its next scaling round by late 2026 to accelerate international traction.

Insights for innovators

Willem Mees emphasizes that medical innovations require a multidisciplinary approach:

“You need experts in regulation, quality, technology, marketing, and clinical research. You cannot do this alone. If you have an innovative idea, involve the right experts early on. That’s what turns a great idea into a successful market launch.”