Mimetrik, a digital dentistry startup using machine learning to generate 3D scans of patient mouths, has raised £2m.
Founded as a spinout from the University of Leeds, Mimetrik has worked with the institution’s school of dentistry to develop a 3D scanner that uses machine learning, a subset of AI, to create digital models of patient dentition and facial structures.
Dental clinics currently create physical models for each patient, a process described by Mimetrik as both costly and time-intensive.
“With over 30 years in clinical dentistry, I have seen first-hand the time and cost spent on traditional techniques and I believe that our products have the ability to transform the industry and ultimately ensure better patient care,” said Dr Alyn Morgan, co-founder and CEO of Mimetrik.
Using digital models, clinics can monitor the health of patients’ mouths and deploy preventative dental treatments, the company said.
Data published last year projected the value of the global digital dentistry market to surge to $1.8bn by 2029.
The investment was led by UK regional investor Northern Gritstone, which specialises in spinouts.
“Mimetrik’s technology has the capacity to bring dentistry into a new age, removing unnecessary costs and time delays with their AI-driven software,” said Northern Gritstone CEO Duncan Johnson.
Like Mimetrik, Northern Gritstone is based in Leeds. The investment firm targets promising tech startups based in the north.
“It is fantastic to see the north of England producing such cutting-edge technology that can have an impact on an essential part of our lives,” Johnson added.
In June, Northern Gritstone secured £50m for its spinout investment fund, with the goal of adding an additional £100m later.
Read more: Beyond the Capital with Northern Gritstone