Funding Overview
Chipiron, a deeptech startup focused on ultra-low MRI technology, has successfully raised $17 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Blast, with participation from the EIC Fund and iXcore, alongside support from France2030 (SGI), the EIC Accelerator (European Commission), and Bpifrance.
Company Mission
Chipiron’s goal is to enhance access to MRIs by developing a lightweight, portable machine suitable for:
- Local care centers
- Private clinics
- Mobile units
The funds will be utilized to finalize the development of a miniaturized MRI scanner and to create the first prototypes for hospital deployment, with clinical trials expected to start in 2026.
CEO Statement
Evan Kervella, CEO and co-founder of Chipiron, stated, “This fundraising marks a major turning point for Chipiron, as it validates both our technological approach and the clinical impact we aim to achieve. Thanks to the trust of our investors, we now have the means to complete our research and development phase and begin clinical investigations in hospitals as early as next year.”
Market Context
Chipiron’s previous funding includes:
- $1.1 million in a pre-seed round in 2021
- $1.1 million in non-dilutive funding between 2022 and 2023
- $2.7 million in a seed round led by Exor Ventures and Unruly Capital in 2023
The MRI market is valued at approximately $10 billion, with Europe accounting for $2.5 billion of that total.
Competitive Landscape
Other notable companies in the MRI sector include:
- Hyperfine: Collaborated with NVIDIA to enhance portable imaging technology.
- Springbok Analytics: Received FDA 510(k) clearance for MuscleView, an AI-powered muscle health analysis tool.
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Center: Secured funding for AI software to analyze brain diseases.