Scotland Advances Wearable Ultrasound Technology with New Special Interest Group
A Special Interest Group (SIG) aimed at positioning Scotland at the forefront of wearable ultrasound technology was launched recently. The collaboration brings together industrial and academic partners to explore advancements in this rapidly growing field, valued at around £150 billion globally.
The SIG, spearheaded by ultrasound sensor technology firm Novosound and chaired by its CEO Dr. Dave Hughes, includes key players such as Technology Scotland and the University of Glasgow. Notable 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, are also part of the working group.
At the inaugural meeting held at Novosound’s Glasgow headquarters, Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead emphasized the country’s potential to be pioneers in innovative industries like wearable technology. “Scottish businesses have unique strengths and expertise to capitalize on the enormous economic opportunity presented by wearable tech,” Lochhead said.
Novosound’s CEO, Dave Hughes, highlighted the company’s commitment to building on Scotland’s tradition as an ultrasound pioneer. “The market opportunity for innovative companies like ours is massive, and we don’t want to see Scotland miss this chance. With the research and postgraduate talent emerging from our universities, we believe Scotland can become a hub for innovation and commercialization in wearable ultrasound,” Hughes explained.
The SIG aims to foster innovation, influence policy, and drive commercialization in wearable ultrasound technology. This encompasses various aspects, including ultrasonic sensors and systems, product design, software, electronics, medical devices, and regulatory frameworks.
Novosound is currently scaling up its operations, including trials of its Slanj platform with partners in Europe and North America. The company’s wearable ultrasound technology has the potential to revolutionize blood pressure monitoring when integrated into smartwatches, addressing a significant global health issue.
As the company continues to grow, it is actively recruiting for key positions, such as a Chief Medical Officer and a Corporate Development & Licensing Executive, to advance clinical trials and strengthen its presence in the digital health and medical device sectors.
