Drill Surgeries, a pioneering med-tech company based in Liverpool, is transforming global orthopaedic surgery through its innovative technology for treating broken bones. With the support of RTC North, Drill Surgeries has rapidly expanded its reach and impact, highlighting the role innovation-led companies can play in revolutionising healthcare. This partnership has been instrumental in accelerating the company’s growth, securing vital investments, driving internationalisation, and positioning it for successful commercialisation.
Drill Surgeries began its journey with RTC North in 2021 with a comprehensive needs assessment, which identified the company’s growth potential and strategic objectives. Through bespoke innovation and growth support, RTC North has empowered Drill Surgeries to advance its groundbreaking technology, preparing it for a global market launch. This support has been tailored to meet the specific needs of the company, including identifying suitable funding routes and assisting with intellectual property management and market research.
Innovation and Growth Specialists, Phill Jones and Marcus Orton, developed a robust action plan that addressed the company’s growth barriers and strategic deliverables. “The people I have access to, thanks to RTC North, have been priceless,” says Moises Barbera, Founder of Drill Surgeries. “Phill, Marcus, and others have offered a friendly hand when I needed it, provided different points of view, and helped me navigate the non-stop hurdles of creating a startup more smoothly, feeling like I wasn’t alone.”
Drill Surgeries’ innovative technology reduces operating time by more than 75% and X-ray radiation exposure by more than 60%, significantly improving patient outcomes and treatment efficiency. Initially developed for femur fractures, the technology has now been adapted to treat broken arms and tibias, expanding its potential annual patient pool from four million to over 20 million.
The company’s rapid expansion has seen its technology adopted by numerous hospitals and doctors worldwide, even before its official market release. Currently, Drill Surgeries is collaborating with three international hospitals and ten surgeons, with many more expressing interest globally. This growth has led to the creation of two new full-time positions and three internships.
A critical element of RTC North's support has been enhancing Drill Surgeries’ investment readiness. The company participated in intensive training and pitch panels, receiving thorough appraisals and honing its approach with ongoing specialist support. This training helped Drill Surgeries build a compelling investment proposition, gain experience pitching to real investors, and refine its pitch with constructive feedback. As a result, Drill Surgeries successfully secured over £200,000 from angel investors in 2022, along with an additional £50,000 in grants.
Looking ahead, Drill Surgeries plans to continue its collaboration with RTC North to further refine its technology, expand its market presence, and explore new applications for its innovative solutions in orthopaedic surgery.
