NeuroBell’s Luna System Revolutionizes Neonatal Care with AI-Powered Seizure Detection
Mark O’Sullivan, co-founder and CEO of medical technology company NeuroBell, has been named Enterprise Ireland’s High-Potential Start-up Founder of the Year for his work developing groundbreaking neonatal monitoring technology. The award recognizes exceptional entrepreneurs leading Ireland’s most promising emerging companies.
The prestigious honor comes as NeuroBell gains significant traction with its flagship product Luna, a portable brain monitor that enables neonatal intensive care unit staff to rapidly detect seizures in infants without requiring specialized neurological expertise. The device represents a major advancement in neonatal care, addressing critical gaps in timely seizure diagnosis that can significantly impact infant brain development.
From Academic Research to Commercial Success
NeuroBell’s origins trace back to University College Cork, where O’Sullivan was completing his PhD with the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research. In 2020, his work on the brain monitoring device earned him the EI Student Entrepreneur Award, marking the beginning of the company’s journey from academic project to commercial enterprise.
The startup’s evolution reflects broader technological enhancements in computing systems that enable sophisticated medical devices. NeuroBell successfully spun out from UCC in 2023, securing €2.1 million in seed funding from prominent investors including Furthr VC, Atlantic Bridge, HBAN Medtech Syndicate, and Enterprise Ireland.
Building a Global Medtech Contender
NeuroBell has demonstrated remarkable growth since its spin-out, expanding its team to 12 employees within months and establishing itself as a serious player in the medical technology space. The company’s rapid scaling mirrors the kind of strategic partnerships and commercial developments seen across the healthcare industry.
Co-founder Dr. Allison O’Shea contributed significantly to the company’s progress, being among four women founders who received a collective €3.27 million Enterprise Ireland grant in 2023 to commercialize their UCC-based startup. This funding support highlights Ireland’s commitment to fostering innovation in critical healthcare technologies.
Competitive Recognition Among Ireland’s Elite Startups
The Founder of the Year award placed NeuroBell in competition with several other promising Irish startups, including biotech devices manufacturer Marama Labs, natural capital technology provider Senus, pilot training platform Pilot Path, and fintech company Assiduous from Nova UCD. The selection process involved rigorous evaluation by a distinguished panel of judges from the venture capital and medical technology sectors.
Jenny Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, emphasized the significance of the awards, stating they “shine a spotlight on the ambition, innovation and resilience of Ireland’s start-up community.” The program has engaged more than 480 founders across various sectors since its inception ten years ago.
Global Expansion and Future Vision
At the awards ceremony held at Salesforce Tower, O’Sullivan outlined NeuroBell’s ambitious growth strategy. “Our ultimate aim is to grow the business globally, bringing Luna to all hospital settings for the benefit of critically ill infants and their families,” he announced. The company plans to expand into US and European markets with Enterprise Ireland’s continued support.
The recognition comes amid increasing global partnerships in technology sectors and reflects Ireland’s growing reputation as a hub for medical technology innovation. NeuroBell’s success follows last year’s winner, Peri, which develops AI-powered wearable devices for managing perimenopause symptoms.
As NeuroBell advances its mission, the company’s progress highlights the importance of technological accessibility in healthcare and the critical role of startup ecosystems in bringing innovative medical solutions to market. With Luna positioned to transform neonatal care worldwide, O’Sullivan and his team represent the cutting edge of Irish medical technology entrepreneurship.
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