Astranu leverages Nokia Bell Labs' patented integrated optical coherence tomography (iOCT) technology and aims to dramatically transform hearing diagnosis through advanced, non-invasive, high-resolution 3D imaging. iOCT technology incorporates high-throughput imaging into the world's most cost-effective OCT system, providing instant, highly accurate images of middle ear conditions and auditory response. This has the potential to address significant healthcare gaps by helping to reduce misdiagnoses and unnecessary referrals, and significantly decreasing reliance on costly and invasive surgical and imaging techniques such as CT scans and MRIs.
Through the spin-off, experienced healthcare technology executive Trevor Hawkins, PhD, joins Astranu as CEO, bringing decades of experience scaling healthcare and diagnostic startups. iOCT co-inventors Michael Eggleston, PhD, and Bibek Samanta, PhD, who incubated and developed the technology to commercialization at Nokia Bell Labs, will support Astranu in this new phase.
Nokia Bell Labs will continue to support Astranu with laboratory resources and R&D expertise, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation with real impact on the world.
“Astranu reflects Nokia Bell Labs’ focus and commitment to fostering groundbreaking innovations from early research to commercialization. Astranu’s revolutionary imaging technology holds transformative promise for healthcare, and we are proud to support its journey,” said Mike Chen, Vice President of Ventures at Nokia.
Celesta Capital's involvement provides strategic direction, marketing support, and a significant network of contacts in the sector, all essential for the rapid adoption of Astranu's technology in the market.
“We are very pleased to partner with Nokia on the spin-off of Astranu, which represents the ideal convergence of innovative technology and high-impact healthcare applications. Celesta’s experience in scaling deep-tech companies puts us in a unique position to help Astranu navigate the complex dynamics of establishing and scaling a successful technology business,” said Sriram Viswanathan, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Celesta Capital.
Achin Bhowmik, PhD, chief technology officer and executive vice president of engineering at hearing technology company Starkey, will join the company's board of directors. "Astranu's imaging technology offers the ability to obtain high-resolution information at the point of care," said Dr. Bhowmik. "I look forward to supporting the company's journey and helping to explore ways this technology can improve patient outcomes."
