Cambridge-based XSurgical is developing a robot out of this office that surgeons can operate by remote control.
It’s been nearly nine years since I arrived in Boston as a visiting researcher at the biorobotics laboratory of Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Coming from Italy, I was marginally familiar with Boston’s highly regarded teaching hospitals and world-class universities, and I soon recognized that this city is also a hub for biotech and life sciences. I view it as the “Silicon Valley for the life sciences.”
I am the CEO of XSurgical, a firm developing a remote-controlled robot employing artificial intelligence which can be deployed in situations of disaster recovery, to the battlefield or into space, with the ultimate mission to develop a fully autonomous surgical robot. Our technology will bring the expertise and skills of the surgeon to perform minimally invasive, open surgical procedures with precision at remote locations.
The company saw its beginnings in Italy, where our first two prototypes were created. The concept has received strong, positive reviews from key military personnel and the Department of Defense. We are working on a third iteration of the robot at our Cambridge facility. With the use of our proprietary product, the Gamma, a surgeon in any setting would be able to operate through our console, control the robot and perform surgery under circumstances where he/she cannot physically be present. Concurrently, we are actively seeking investments toward taking the company to a public offering.
Measure Success by Results, Not Titles
Although we could have based our center of operations virtually anywhere, it is clear to me that Boston is the city where technology and the commercial market feed each other.
Although primarily known for its outstanding teaching hospitals and learning institutions, Boston and Cambridge are also where investors in biotech, robotics, pharma and health-tech seek opportunities. The talent and innovation found here attracts further talent and innovative concepts from around the world, thereby fostering more bright light ideas.
I encourage the students I mentor in Italy to come to Boston not only to learn, but to take advantage of a city where one can take technology directly to the commercial market. I tell my students: “If you want to be the best in your field, be where the best are and measure yourself.”
There exists a palpable energy throughout Boston and Cambridge, driven by the success of companies ranging from first blush startups to well-known goliaths. With dozens of incubators and accelerators, entrepreneurs are able to find the proper resources to see their ideas cultivate into businesses. The density of startups from the student population is impressive and one of the highest in the world. If you throw a rock it is probably going to fall on the head of a Ph.D, so it’s not your title that makes the difference, but your capability in succeeding at what you do.
An Ecosystem Filled with Opportunity
When I brought my first project here as a visiting researcher, I was surprised to have it funded in a matter of days. But it wasn’t just the prompt funding – albeit a significant factor – that drew me to so-called “Beantown.” This vast, yet walkable city is home to such an eclectic business ecosystem. From healthcare to high tech, finance to real estate, the Boston/Cambridge hub also boasts a highly educated workforce – an advantage to all businesses, regardless of whether a startup or a long–established corporation.
Gianluca De Novi
Another Boston area advantage lies in the additional resources for companies in all developing stages, from embryonic on up. We belong to the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, an internationally dispersed consortium with members from industry, academia and the nonprofit sector.
Since taking our technology to Boston, we have become aware of the many key resources this great city offers to emerging businesses. Boston’s Office of Business Development acts as a calling card of support for small businesses looking to make their mark in this corner of the world and beyond.
Italy may be my homeland, but for all the many commercial, financial and research opportunities it offers, Cambridge is the place to be.
Gianluca De Novi is CEO of Cambridge-based XSurgical.
