A ‘special interest group’ has been set up to support Scottish wearable ultrasound technology credentials on the world stage – in a global market worth £150 billion.
The group, chaired by Dave Hughes, CEO of Novosound, which has pioneered ultrasound blood pressure monitoring technology, includes industrial and academic partners, such as Technology Scotland and the University of Glasgow.
It features leading figures in the sector including Dr Helen Mulvana, VP of Medical Ultrasonics at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and Stuart Corr, director of innovation engineering at Houston Methodist, one of the USA’s leading health systems and academic medical centres.
Aiming to foster innovation, influence policy, and drive commercialisation, the collaboration will encompass ultrasonic sensors and systems, product design, software, electronics, medical devices, and regulatory frameworks.
Hughes said: “We want to help build on Scotland’s tradition as an ultrasound pioneer and our own growing reputation in wearable ultrasound. The market opportunity for innovative companies like ours is massive and we don’t want to see Scotland miss the boat. When you factor in the research and postgraduate talent coming out of our universities, we think Scotland can become a hotbed for innovation and commercialisation in the sector.”
Business minister Richard Lochhead, who attended the group’s inaugural meeting at Novosound’s Glasgow headquarters, said: “Scottish businesses have many unique strengths, skills and expertise to be pioneers in innovative industries and technologies such as wearable tech – estimated to be worth an incredible £150 billion globally. As set out in Scotland’s innovation strategy, the Scottish Government is committed to helping harness and capitalise on this enormous economic opportunity.”
He added: “Novosound is an excellent example of how Scotland can be at the forefront of the wearable ultrasound revolution and I was delighted to visit its headquarters to take part in the launch of the first special interest group on the topic. I look forward to hearing how this group develops and trust that it will help to encourage yet more Scottish manufacturing excellence.”
Novosound’s Slanj platform is undertaking trials with partners at a number of tech groups in Europe and North America this year, with a view to the company’s ultrasound blood pressure monitoring technology being miniaturised for the smartwatch market.
Hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, is a leading cause of death estimated to be responsible for more than 1 in every 10 deaths worldwide every year, more than any other risk factor, and Novosound’s wearable ultrasound technology could provide a breakthrough when installed in smartwatches.
As novosound continues to scale, the company is actively recruiting for several key positions, including a chief medical officer and a corporate development and licensing executive, as it advances clinical trials and deepens its presence in the digital health and medical device sectors.