A medtech spin off from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has raised $5 million in a recent Series A funding round by Event Horizon Technologies, a member of the Nadathur Group from India. 

SynPhNe (Synergistic Physio-Neuro Platform) claims to be the world's first connected wearable solution that trains both brain and muscle simultaneously in one system, supporting the rehabilitation of stroke patients and individuals dealing with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. 

HOW IT WORKS

The platform measures an individual's brain and muscle activity, which are also shown in near real-time to their therapists through in-person sessions or remotely guided tele-sessions. This data will allow them to personalise the patient's therapy by appropriate difficulty level, speed, and duration. 

SynPhNe can also help enhance cognition and balance for some brain-muscle dysfunctions by mimicking how babies learn. Additionally, it can potentially improve hand function by up to 70% within 6-8 weeks and train children with learning difficulties to improve reading, comprehension, and writing within eight weeks. 

WHAT IT'S FOR

The startup will use its fresh funds to expand its operations in the United States where it operates under the name Synphne Health. It will use it to seek more commercial partners and further develop and validate its technology. SynPhNe is also currently operating in Singapore and India. 

MARKET SNAPSHOT

SynPhNe is tapping into the stroke and brain injury market segment in America where it is said to be worth $30 billion. 

Previously, RoboCT, a maker of exoskeleton robots for rehabilitation assistance from China, also attracted investment to the tune of $16 million, which is helping its global expansion. Its product features intention detection and multi-sensor information fusion technologies.

Meanwhile, a research team from Hong Kong Polytechnic University recently came up with a rehabilitation robot specifically designed for stroke patients with hemiplegia that is expected for commercialisation this year.