Groningen startup looks you in the eye to screen for degenerative diseases

Reyedar has secured 3 million euros to advance its medical technology platform for the early diagnosis of visual impairments, neurological conditions and cognitive disorders. Through a combination of eye-tracking sensors and deep learning, the Groningen-based startup provides a window to the brain in which many age-related degenerative diseases can be detected. The funding round was led by Cottonwood Technology Fund and joined by the Investment and Development Agency for the Northern Netherlands (NOM), Pupil Labs, Uneti Ventures and existing investor Blue Sparrows Medtech Fund.

As the aging population grows rapidly, the number of people with degenerative diseases such as glaucoma, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis increases. Current screening methods for these conditions are often invasive, unreliable and time-consuming, placing a strain on healthcare systems. Reyedar’s hardware-software combination, called Sonda (Standardized Oculomotor and Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders Assessment), allows for fast, objective and user-friendly testing. It uses eye tracking and deep learning to collect biomarkers of people’s visual and neurological health. Eye movements are controlled by a complex network of ocular and brain structures. Subtle alterations in eye movement behavior can indicate the presence of underlying medical conditions.

Previously known as Reperio Medtech, Reyedar is a spinoff of the Ophthalmology Department of the University Medical Center Groningen. “This investment is a huge opportunity to accelerate the development and commercialization of our technology,” says founder and CEO Alessandro Grillini. “With this funding, we’ll grow our team, launch our first product in the eye care market, expand our product offering and ultimately improve the lives of millions affected by age-related degenerative diseases.”