What sets Custom Surgical apart from its traditional medtech competitors is its consistent platform approach. Instead of developing individual devices, the startup, based in [location missing], is building a comprehensive platform. MTZ (Munich Technology Center) an integrated infrastructure of hardware, data management and AI for ophthalmology.
The Pursue By Federico Acosta. The Colombian came to Munich about eight years ago to study at the Technical University of Munich. There, he and his co-founder Fernando Benito laid the foundation for Custom Surgical. Today, the startup addresses a structural problem in the global healthcare market: the increasing demand for ophthalmological diagnostics is meeting a shortage of specialists.
One possible solution could be to shift some diagnostic processes from purely medical work to AI-supported evaluation.
Three stages: From hardware to cloud to AI diagnostics
The technology of Custom Surgical is based on a three-stage model:
1. Digitization of existing microscopes
In the first step, the startup addresses the reality in practices and clinics: Many ophthalmological devices are analog or only partially digital.
Products like the "MicroREC" or the "MicroREC 3D" allow existing microscopes to be digitized with minimal effort. Designed as plug-and-play systems, these solutions can be installed in less than a minute, according to the company – without requiring any specialized technical knowledge.
One example is an optical system that connects smartphones directly to microscopes, thus enabling image and video recording.
2. Cloud-based data platform
A proprietary cloud platform stores and structures the collected data. According to the company, this platform is GDPR and HIPAA compliant and serves as a central repository (a digital storage location that archives research data or software files in a structured manner and makes them accessible) for image and video data.
This offers several advantages for physicians: Surgical and diagnostic data are automatically organized, and communication with colleagues worldwide is significantly simplified. The content can also be easily used for research, teaching, and documentation. At the same time, complete data storage provides additional legal protection.
3. AI to support diagnosis
Custom Surgical is currently building its AI platform on this data foundation. The goal is to automatically detect pathologies and support physicians in making diagnoses.
Worldwide, the number of patients is growing faster than the number of trained ophthalmologists. AI is expected to help close this gap and make diagnostics more efficient.
3D visualization is changing training and surgical processes.
With its new product "MicroREC 3D", the startup is bringing an additional 3D component to ophthalmology. Instead of looking through conventional eyepieces, doctors use 3D glasses to digitally monitor procedures.
This has several effects:
- Improved ergonomics during operations for the surgeon.
- Real-time transmission for training or remote support
- Improved training through realistic depth perception
Especially in complex procedures, such as retinal or glaucoma surgery, spatial vision is crucial – an area where classic 2D systems reach their limits.
Focus on accessible digitization instead of high-end devices
A key component of the growth strategy is positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to entirely new digital microscopes. State-of-the-art instruments from established manufacturers are often expensive and difficult to integrate. Instead, Custom Surgical relies on modular expansions of existing infrastructure.
"Doctors don't need to buy a completely new system – they can digitize their existing devices."
explains Head of Growth Giuliana Menezes in an interview with Munich Startup.
Besides ophthalmologists, this technology also appeals to smaller and medium-sized clinics, veterinarians, and the fields of neurosurgery, ENT, and endodontics as a target group.
Competition: Startup meets medtech companies
Custom Surgical operates in a market dominated by large players such as ZEISS, Leica, or Alcon, some of whom are already collaborating with the startup. investAt the same time, the company faces high regulatory requirements such as FDA and ISO certifications, lengthy approval processes, and lower brand awareness compared to established providers. Nevertheless, the team sees precisely in these circumstances an opportunity to progress faster with more flexible and software-centric solutions and to clearly differentiate itself from the competition.
Munich as a location for medtech and AI development
Munich plays a central role for Custom Surgical: Founding team Federico Acosta and Fernando Benito met at the Technical University of Munich. Today, the company benefits from the local ecosystem through access to research and talent, as well as proximity to established medtech companies. Custom Surgical also enjoys support from networks such as Werk1 and the Munich Technology Center.
Sources
Interview with Federico Acosta (CEO, Custom Surgical)
Interview with Giuliana Menezes (Head of Growth, Custom Surgical)
