Scotland has long been known for its contributions to technology. An enterprising city and home to the world-renowned research institute that is the University of Glasgow, it is here that Nami Surgical and its groundbreaking technology was created. So, from its foundations in postdoctoral research through to the origins of its name, here’s all you need to know about how Nami Surgical came to be. 

Grounded in Glasgow

Founded by Dr. Nico Fenu and Dr. Rebecca Cleary in 2022, we develop miniaturised ultrasonic medical devices for use in surgical environments. Our co-founders met while studying at the University, both completing their PHDs in relative specialisms within ultrasonics. The early iterations of Nami’s technology were researched and applied within the University’s world class Centre for Medical and Industrial Ultrasonics (C-MIU). 

The Centre brings together researchers with academics, industry experts, clinicians, and early-stage funding to deliver innovation in a variety of fields across medical and industrial ultrasonics. In the medical field this includes ultrasonics which are used in surgery, imaging, diagnostics, wearable devices, and targeted drug delivery. But it is in robotic surgery that Nami hopes to make the most impact, building products that can create economic benefit and jobs for the future but ultimately creating devices that will go into the clinic and be used for the benefit of patients.

Our Co-founder, Nico Fenu commented: 

“Medical ultrasound was first demonstrated in Glasgow in the 1950s and this led to the first ultrasound device going into service in 1965. 

The fact that we’re ‘homegrown’ out of the University of Glasgow and can deliver this latest advancement in the technology in our new Hillington offices (just a stones-throw away from the original Babcox and Wilcox site on Porterfield Road where Professor Ian Donald first borrowed an ultrasound metal flaw detector to test his theory) has a nice circulatory to it. This will completely innovate the global market in our industry, and being able to do that from our base in Scotland is pretty ideal.”

What’s in a name? 

With the first prototypes complete, and a route to market required – our team had to find a name for the new enterprise. And it’s fairly self-explanatory!

Nami’s new technologies are ultrasonic, meaning they rely on high-frequency sound waves and that’s exactly what Nami is – the Japanese word for ‘Wave’.  

These, inaudible to human ears, pack a powerful punch. Just like a Tsu-nami (big wave) harnesses immense energy, our technology uses these waves to power precise, minimally invasive surgery.

Of course, there was deeper strategy behind our name too. It allowed us to avoid being readable, so as not give away too much insight as to what we were doing until we were ready to showcase our capabilities. 

To stay true to the Japanese theme, it was only right that our first team dinner was at Ramen Dayo on Ashton Lane! AND for a time after this we stuck with Japanese inspires names for all of Nami’s projects and devices. 

What’s next for Nami?

As it stands, the robotic assisted surgery market is valued at around $9 billion.  But it is a field that has experienced minimal levels of advancement since its introduction in 1965. Commonly used in laparoscopic procedures, ultrasonic scalpels are too large and inflexible to be used widely in robotic surgery – until now. 

Co-founder Dr Rebecca Cleary said: 

“We are breaking down the significant barriers to using ultrasonic scalpels in robotic surgery with our high-performance, miniaturized, and dexterous ultrasonic scalpel.

With our initial round of investment secured, we are now prepared to enter into development contracts with leading surgical robotics companies. Our goal is to collaborate closely with these industry leaders to develop a new generation of disruptive ultrasonic tools that will set new standards in surgical technology. Through these partnerships, we aim to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotic surgery, ensuring a steady pipeline of innovations that will shape the future of the field.”

To find out more about our technology, visit the dedicated page on our website.