Serbian startup Vinaver Medical has become the 13th company to receive investment from the Digital Serbia Initiative (DSI) business angels network, bringing the total investment by the network to €1.3 million. The startup develops AI-driven software using spectral CT technology to enhance medical diagnostics and therapy planning, particularly in oncology. Their solutions allow precise tissue characterization, which is critical in particle radiotherapy to determine tissue density and composition before radiation reaches the tumor.
The idea for Vinaver Medical originated from Dr. Stevan Vrbaški’s doctoral research in Italy and the United States. His work focused on improving CT diagnostics through algorithms that provide radiologists and oncologists with precise information about tissue composition, aiding diagnosis, therapy selection, and treatment planning. Dr. Vrbaški emphasizes the growing need to integrate physics and medicine, as medical technologies require deep technical understanding for safe and effective application.
Vinaver Medical primarily develops software that works with existing medical devices, such as CT scanners, to calculate tissue composition, density, and contrast, which enhances diagnostic precision. This capability directly improves radiotherapy planning by accurately modeling how radiation interacts with different tissues, allowing for more effective targeting of tumors.
Testing medical software involves both technical verification and expert clinical evaluation to ensure accuracy and diagnostic value. After approval from accredited bodies, the software can be used clinically. Vinaver Medical’s goal is to advance cancer treatment by reducing side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes. Their software is expected to enter the U.S. market by the end of next year, initially supporting particle radiotherapy, with ongoing collaborations in Serbia for diagnostic applications.
Dr. Vrbaški’s international education played a significant role in the startup’s formation. He completed his undergraduate studies in Novi Sad, a master’s in medical physics in Lithuania, and a doctorate in Trieste, partly conducted in the U.S. Through projects funded by the U.S. government, he gained experience creating virtual patients and scanners to test equipment and prevent errors, which later influenced the development of Vinaver Medical. Collaborations with institutions like Duke University and the New York Proton Center have further validated the startup’s approach and helped attract investments.
While Serbia has skilled medical experts, most advanced training occurs abroad due to limited domestic research resources and investment in modern medical technologies. Vinaver Medical’s work has sparked interest among local radiologists, aiming to create solutions that are clinically applicable within Serbia and globally.
