More control for the surgeon, less impact on the environment: UNIIQ invests in SATA Medical

Precision and sustainability come together in the technology developed by SATA Medical. The Delft-based medtech company is developing steerable, fully reusable laparoscopic instruments that enable surgeons to operate with greater precision while avoiding the drawbacks of disposable products. With an investment from UNIIQ, the company is taking the next step towards clinical application.

At least ten times more cost-efficient

In minimally invasive surgery, surgeons operate using long, narrow instruments inserted through small incisions. These instruments often offer limited freedom of movement, while more advanced alternatives are frequently based on complex systems or single-use devices.

SATA Medical is developing an alternative that overcomes these limitations. Its patented mechanical design allows the instrument tip to be precisely controlled, while the instrument itself can be fully disassembled for effective cleaning and safe reuse. This combination enables high surgical precision alongside lower costs and a significantly smaller environmental footprint. Compared to existing steerable alternatives, SATA Medical’s instruments are expected to be at least ten times more cost-efficient.

Advancing safer and more sustainable healthcare

The technology was developed by Prof. Dr Tim Horeman at TU Delft and forms the foundation of SATA Medical, a spin-off from the university. The company was founded by Asthor Steinthorsson, Storm Chabot, Elvar Thormar and Tim Horeman. Functional prototypes have already been developed and tested in collaboration with surgeons and clinical partners. The next phase focuses on further validation, preparation for manufacturing and the first steps towards CE marking.

With UNIIQ’s investment, SATA Medical will further optimise its instruments and prepare them for surgical use.

“With UNIIQ on board, we can make the next leap from drawing board to operating theatre, placing SATA instruments directly in the hands of surgeons, enabling better and more sustainable care.”

— Storm Chabot, CTO of SATA Medical

The €350,000 investment round is co-financed by UNIIQ and Delft Enterprises, the investment arm of TU Delft. UNIIQ invests €175,000 to accelerate the further development and clinical application of the technology. In addition to funding, UNIIQ supports the team through access to expertise, strategic partners and follow-on investment.

Target market

SATA Medical focuses on hospitals performing laparoscopic surgery, particularly those without access to robotic surgical systems. Within minimally invasive abdominal surgery, steerable instruments offer clear advantages in procedures involving the deep pelvis, abdominal wall surgery and gynaecological interventions, where manoeuvrability and precision are limited with conventional instruments.