UC 1819-backed startup Sense Neuro fueled by $17 million

Co-founders of Sense Neuro, standing from LtoR: Joe Clark, Matt Flaherty, Opeolu Adeoye and George Shaw. Seated is Dan Kincaid. Photo/Andrew Higley

University of Cincinnati researchers and physicians Opeolu Adeoye, MD, George Shaw, MD, PhD, Joseph Clark, PhD and Matthew Flaherty, MD, had an idea for a lifesaving device. Turning that concept into a market-ready technology demanded more than innovation, though. It required the backing of an entire community of resources.

In 2008, at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Conference, the innovators recalled their discussion surrounding a critical reality. Outside of a hospital setting, patients suffering strokes or traumatic brain injuries often have no reliable way to be monitored, particularly those with poor clinical exams. Drawing on his expertise at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Shaw envisioned using radar technology to look inward and scan the brain.

That breakthrough insight sparked the co-founding of Sense Neuro Diagnostics and the development of NeuroHawk, a rapid brain-scanning system designed to monitor and detect strokes and traumatic brain injuries in under four minutes. Today, that technology has advanced beyond the hospital, enabling lifesaving triage in emergency departments, disaster zones and military operations.

The UC Technology Transfer office, which works with faculty inventors, supported Sense Neuro from the very beginning, guiding the team in protecting its discovery by licensing intellectual property. Their expertise helped the startup navigate its journey toward commercialization.

"Our goal is simple: turn UC research into real products and partnerships that help people," says Geoffrey Pinski, assistant vice president of Technology Transfer at UC's 1819 Innovation Hub. "Sense Neuro Diagnostics is a strong example of how UC research can move from the lab to the marketplace to change lives."

Stock image/Canto

Cincinnati's entrepreneurial ecosystem is both a launchpad and a safety net for startups. This discovery network connects founders with everything from funding and expertise to collaboration, turning bold ideas into real-world impact.

The University of Cincinnati's 1819 Innovation Hub is situated at the heart of the Cincinnati Innovation District and provides resources and support that bring ideas to life.

The 1819 Innovation Hub unites industry leaders, students, researchers and community members in a collaborative space anchored by the UC Venture Lab. Through the Venture Lab accelerator program, Sense Neuro secured early funding and guidance to enhance its leadership and strategy.

Kate Harmon, assistant vice president of UC's Office of Innovation and executive director of the school's Center for Entrepreneurship, says, "Through the 1819 Venture Lab and Bearcat Ventures, UC empowers students and founders alike, transforming bold ideas into high-growth startups while cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs and venture leaders."

Bearcat Ventures, UC's student-managed venture fund, joined the Venture Lab in supporting Sense Neuro Diagnostics by selecting the company for its third investment to date.

NeuroHawk system headgear. Photo/SenseNeuro

A strong startup ecosystem can make the difference between a promising idea and a successful business. The 1819 Innovation Hub partners with other incubators, investors, mentors and corporate partners in Cincinnati's ecosystem. A key collaborator, Alloy Growth Lab, is recognized for helping entrepreneurs transition from concept to company by providing hands-on business development support, access to networks and a community where startups like Sense Neuro can find their footing.

"Collaboration is the key to elevating Cincinnati's innovation economy. We are all about creating opportunities and a foundation where businesses can grow and thrive," says Antony Seppi, vice president of Alloy Growth Lab. "When you connect the dots in Cincinnati's startup ecosystem, you get success stories like Sense Neuro."

Alloy Growth Lab is a nonprofit economic development entity focused on creating, developing and growing entrepreneurial endeavors. It offers startups not only physical resources, such as lab and office space, but also hands-on guidance, investor connections and collaborative opportunities that position founders for success in Cincinnati's broader startup network.

The collective support, from UC's Venture Lab to Alloy Growth Lab's founder-focused programming, to regional investors like Queen City Angels, created a network of support that propelled Sense Neuro to secure $17 million in funding to date.

Queen City Angels, a lead investor in every round, has been a steadfast partner from the very beginning, playing a pivotal role in fueling the company's growth and success.

Sense Neuro Diagnostics CEO Gary Kurdziel states, "Sense Neuro is living proof of what happens when a community rallies around bold ideas. Cincinnati's startup ecosystem has united resources, expertise and passion to accelerate our growth, helping us transform breakthrough science into lifesaving technology that can redefine emergency neurocare and improve outcomes for stroke and brain injury patients worldwide."

The startup also received support and funding from Accelerant Dayton, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, the National Science Foundation, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, the Cleveland Clinic and the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Fund. Additionally, Sense Neuro won two major U.S. Department of Defense contracts totaling $4.43 million to accelerate development and clinical testing.

Joe Clark tests out an early prototype. Photo/Andrew Higley.

The device created by Sense Neuro Diagnostics is a game changer for stroke and traumatic brain injury patients.

Sense Neuro pairs a wearable headset with safe, low-power radio waves to scan the brain without surgery. Healthy tissue and areas affected by bleeding or blocked blood vessels change the signals in different ways. A special algorithm then analyzes the data to quickly identify the type of stroke, revealing brain bleeds and injuries in real time, helping doctors make faster treatment decisions.

Early clinical trials began at UC, with larger patient studies and beta testing to follow. After clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is achieved, that will pave the way for deployment in hospitals, military field units and other critical care settings, where rapid diagnosis can save lives.

Pinski emphasizes that milestones like this take years to achieve and show that transformative medical breakthroughs rarely occur in isolation. "Wins like this aren't overnight," Pinski says. "They come from strong research, smart IP and a team of founders, investors, accelerators and partners all working together with a shared commitment to bring the idea to life."

Growing a startup really does take a village, or in this case, a network. Together, Cincinnati organizations created an environment that enabled Sense Neuro to grow, helping the company translate UC research into a commercial product, connect with investors and accelerate development through mentorship and collaboration.