The Ready2Scale Acceleration Program has been a pivotal support system for groundbreaking startups, helping them navigate the challenges of scaling, product development, and market validation. As part of the program’s first batch, Sepsiscan is a shining example of innovation meeting healthcare needs.
Founded in early 2023 by Didzis Rutitis and Matiss Lacis as a university spinoff. Sepsiscan is developing a bedside imaging device for real-time evaluation of microcirculation function in hospital intensive care units. Both founders bring a wealth of experience from their research collaboration at the University of Latvia, where they first conceptualized the technology.
The following questions are answered by Didzis Rutitis, CEO of Sepsiscan.
How did you come up with the idea to create a startup?
Both of us worked together on a research project at the University of Latvia. Towards the end of the project, we decided to participate in the auction for rights to further develop and commercialize the technology. Thus, our startup is a university spinout and continues the development of the technology initiated by the research team.
What have been the biggest challenges/failures and the biggest wins so far?
It is quite challenging to approach clinicians for device demonstrations and get them to devote their scarce time to understanding our technology and providing feedback. However, the biggest win has been the positive feedback and recommendation letters we’ve received from several leading clinicians in microcirculation and sepsis research globally.
What sets your startup apart from competitors?
We are using a unique combination of optical components by integrating hyperspectral and thermal imaging. Competitors mainly rely on hyperspectral imaging alone.
Why would you recommend the Ready2Scale Acceleration Program to other startups?
Ready2Scale is an excellent program for startups still building their products and raising funds in the pre-revenue stage. It offers not only valuable funding for R&D activities but also provides access to relevant mentors and market discovery missions for additional product validation.
Where do you see your startup in 1 year? And where in 5 years?
Our goal is to finalize the R&D process until the design freeze and begin clinical trials within 1 year. In 5 years, we envision European hospitals equipped with our device and our technology being recognized as a standard of care for microcirculation monitoring in hospital intensive care units.
Which books/podcasts/publications and influencers in your field do you follow and recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs?
At this stage, as we develop our first startup in the pre-revenue phase, we find books by Silicon Valley VCs and startup practitioners especially relevant. Recommended authors include Brad Feld & David Cohen from Techstars, Peter Thiel, and Ben Horowitz.
If you’d get a chance to meet with Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, what would you ask them?
We would kindly ask them for funding and a warm introduction to their friends or acquaintances who own hospital chains in the US.
Sepsiscan is expanding and seeking experts in medical device registration and quality system implementation to join their team. If you’re inspired by Sepsiscan’s mission and want to be part of their journey, send a brief introduction about yourself via their LinkedIn page. To learn more, visit https://sepsiscan.com.