Venture is the first in a Nokia – Celesta collaboration aiming to create a pipeline of spin outs from Nokia Bell Labs technologies.
Nokia and Celesta Capital have announced the successful spin-out of Astranu, a pioneering company revolutionizing hearing care with next-generation imaging technology. This development marks the first venture initiated through the collaboration between Nokia and Celesta Capital, aimed at advancing the commercialization of cutting-edge innovations.
Astranu is built on the groundbreaking integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (iOCT) technology developed by Nokia Bell Labs. The company seeks to redefine ear diagnostic care with its non-invasive, high-resolution 3D imaging capabilities. By combining high-performance imaging with cost efficiency, the iOCT system provides rapid, precise imaging of middle-ear conditions and hearing responses. This technology has the potential to address key healthcare challenges by minimizing misdiagnosis, reducing unnecessary specialist referrals, and significantly lowering the dependence on expensive, invasive imaging methods such as CT and MRI scans.
Following the spin-out, Trevor Hawkins, PhD, a seasoned healthcare technology executive, has taken on the role of CEO at Astranu. With a strong track record of leading healthcare and diagnostic startups, Dr. Hawkins will guide Astranu through its next phase. Additionally, iOCT co-inventors Michael Eggleston, PhD, and Bibek Samanta, PhD, who played a key role in developing the technology at Nokia Bell Labs, will continue to support the company’s progress.
Nokia Bell Labs, the renowned research division of Nokia, remains committed to backing Astranu’s growth, offering essential laboratory resources and R&D expertise to ensure continued innovation and impact.
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“Astranu reflects Nokia Bell Labs’ approach and commitment to nurturing groundbreaking innovations from early-stage research through commercialization. Astranu’s revolutionary imaging technology holds transformative promise for healthcare, and we’re proud to support their journey,” said Mike Chen, Vice President of Ventures at Nokia.
Celesta Capital will play a vital role in guiding Astranu towards rapid market adoption, providing strategic direction, commercialization expertise, and access to vast industry networks.
“We are excited to partner with Nokia in spinning out Astranu, which represents the ideal convergence of innovative technology and high-impact healthcare applications. Celesta’s experience in scaling deep technology ventures uniquely positions us to help Astranu navigate the complex dynamics of establishing and scaling a successful technology business,” said Sriram Viswanathan, Founding Managing Partner at Celesta Capital.
Achin Bhowmik, PhD, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering at hearing technology company Starkey, will join Astranu’s Board of Directors. “Astranu’s imaging technology offers the potential to deliver high-resolution insights at the point of care,” said Dr. Bhowmik. “I look forward to supporting the company’s journey and helping explore ways this technology can advance patient outcomes.”
By leveraging the combined expertise of Nokia, Celesta Capital, and industry leaders, Astranu is set to transform hearing care diagnostics, offering new possibilities for more accurate, accessible, and patient-friendly solutions.
Source: Globenewswire