MARS Bioimaging Ltd

We use a technique called spectral photon counting. Basically, we measure each individual photon in an X-ray beam and analyse its energy, wavelength, or colour. This helps us get more detailed information about the tissues we're imaging. Unlike traditional X-rays, which measure the entire beam in aggregate and don’t account for the energy of each photon, our method allows us to understand what specific types of tissues the X-rays pass through.

                                                 Co-founder and chief medical officer Anthony Butler                                                                                     

Firstly, our technology provides extremely high resolution – about one and a half to twice as good as the best full body CT systems currently available. Second, it allows us to use a lower radiation dose due to the precise photon counting. Thirdly, we can analyse the energy of the X-rays to reduce image artifacts, like those from metal implants, and measure tissue properties, such as calcium concentration.

In New Zealand, we’re just weeks away from clinical practice with Reform Radiology in Christchurch. We’ve completed medical physics and radiation safety tests, and we expect to be operational there soon. In the US, we’re partnering with the Hospital for Special Surgery, the world’s largest orthopedic hospital, which is about to start a clinical trial.

We’re focused on providing the highest quality medical images at the point-of-care. Our first scanner is designed specifically for wrist imaging, which is crucial since a wrist injury can really impact your daily life – think about not being able to work or drive. But we’re not stopping there. We’re developing a range of scanners for different uses, like knees and ankles.

We’re also looking into applying our technology for things like stroke and head and neck imaging, and conditions like arthritis and gout. Essentially, we’re creating a series of specialised scanners using the same core technology but tailored for different needs.

Christchurch is New Zealand's second biggest hub for health tech and one of the most concentrated, with many companies located in the health precinct. While Auckland is larger, Christchurch stands out for connectedness. I think the health precinct is a standout – I see that connection between the hospital, universities and local industry as essential. There's only one place I can think of that links it quite so well – Boston, in the United States.

There’s a fantastic, tight-knit ecosystem in Christchurch. I know most of the medical physicists and computer scientists at the University of Canterbury, along with all the local radiologists and many surgeons, which makes networking and collaboration easy. In addition, being located in the health precinct gives us access to places like Reform Radiology, Streamliners, and the University of Otago, where we have PhD students. Christchurch’s size actually facilitates multidisciplinary research and commercialisation, making things smoother than in larger, more fragmented cities.