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MOSCOW (MRC) -- Evonik Venture Capital
has invested in a 3D-printing start-up in China that makes implants for neuro
and spine surgery, said company.
The technology enables faster recovery
and fewer post-operation checks for patients and less surgical risk for doctors.
Evonik is the lead investor in a high single-digit million-euro round of
fundraising for Shanghai-based Meditool.
“This is our first direct
investment in China and our first direct investment after initiating our second
venture capital fund this year,” said Bernhard Mohr, head of Evonik Venture
Capital. “Meditool is a good example of how venture capital is helping Evonik
secure access to disruptive technologies."
Meditool has developed its own
hardware and software systems. The software can read and process images directly
from commonly used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography scan
(CT) devices. A readily printable 3D model is generated by the software and sent
to the printer. The implants are 3D printed with a high-performance polymer
supplied by Evonik called Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
“Meditool’s
technology pays directly into our strategy of expanding in high-tech
applications for our additive manufacturing materials,” said Thomas
Grosse-Puppendahl, head of the Evonik’s innovation growth field Additive
Manufacturing. “Medical applications are of particular interest and our high
performance polymers have already been proven as a reliable implant material in
other applications such as dental."
Evonik is one of the world leaders in
specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-oriented
innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture
form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable
growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits
specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is
active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2018, the enterprise
with more than 32,000 employees generated sales of ˆ13.3 billion and an
operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of ˆ2.15 billion from continuing
operations. |
