MIME Technologies, a med-tech spin-out from the University of Aberdeen, has raised a combined £255,000 to scale-up a product that transmits patient data to ground clinicians in the event of an in-flight medical emergency.
Designed to revolutionise the support given to cabin crew during in-flight medical events, MIME Technologies’ innovative product can monitor a passenger’s vital signs while communicating with clinicians on the ground.
The Inverness-based company’s intuitive technology captures and communicates high-quality data, and can translate vital signs data into a seamless handover to emergency services.
The investment led by Equity Gap investors and the Scottish Investment Bank – the investment arm of national economic development agency Scottish Enterprise – will be used to accelerate customer growth and create new operational and technical jobs in the firm. The company has also secured a SMART: Scotland feasibility grant for R&D in sensor technologies from Scottish Enterprise.
MIME’s product is designed specifically for environments where there is no immediate access to professional medical care. The company’s first mission is aviation; supporting cabin crew’s training to manage a medical incident using MIME software, connecting in real-time to ground-based medical support.
The company recently completed field trials with a global aviation company, with multiple commercial and business jet customers in the pipeline.
Anne Roberts, co-founder & chief executive officer, said: “Diverting an aircraft is an expensive and technically complex business. Although many carriers have voice support to doctors on the ground, it is often difficult for them to ‘review and recommend’ because of limited data.”
“With four billion passengers currently travelling around the globe per year, which is predicted to double by 2036, securing new funding will help us to meet the needs of a growing market while supporting our first sales with UK and international airlines.”
Equity Gap Director, Fraser Lusty said: “We are delighted to be investing in the team at MIME and are excited by the opportunities that their new technology can address. The aviation industry is well aware of the cost and disruption of in-flight medical emergencies so the MIME solution is being well received and we envisage the investment will accelerate the commercial adoption.”
Kerry Sharp, Director of the Scottish Investment Bank, said: “It’s great to see MIME Technologies continue to flourish and to harness the power of data with potentially life-saving consequences. This latest investment round and the approval of a SMART: Scotland grant demonstrate SIB and Scottish Enterprise’s continuing support for this innovative spin-out, which is strong testament to the business talent that exists in our universities.”
Founded by Dr Alasdair Mort and Anne Roberts, MIME Technologies is located in the Centre for Health Science, Inverness, which is a Scottish Life Science Hub. Supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise, the company was a Scottish EDGE winner in 2017. Additional awards include SCDI’s Excellence in Research & Innovation award.