EIB backs Belgian MedTech startup SamanTree Medical with €20 million to support real-time surgical imaging

January 27, 2026 at 10:32 AM UTC
EU-Startups
Original: EN
EIB backs Belgian MedTech startup SamanTree Medical with €20 million to support real-time surgical imaging

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has significantly bolstered innovation in the region with a €20 million financing for Belgian MedTech startup SamanTree Medical. This substantial investment aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced real-time surgical imaging technology, underscoring the EU's commitment to fostering cutting-edge medical solutions and strengthening its digital health ecosystem. The funding, supported by the InvestEU programme, highlights a growing trend of institutional backing for capital-intensive medical device innovation within Europe. SamanTree Medical's flagship product, the Histolog Scanner, utilizes advanced confocal microscopy to capture high-resolution, histology-like images of tissue microstructure during surgical procedures in near real-time. This innovative scanner can process nearly 30,000 images simultaneously, delivering results in approximately one minute without damaging the specimen. Such capabilities allow surgeons and pathologists to rapidly assess the presence of abnormal cellular microstructures at the surgical site, potentially reducing the need for reoperations and improving patient outcomes. This investment is particularly impactful as it places SamanTree Medical at the forefront of European HealthTech funding in 2025, especially within the clinically focused imaging and diagnostic sector. The technology's proven ability to lower reoperation rates, exemplified by a 67% reduction in breast-conserving surgeries in the SHIELD study, demonstrates its significant clinical and economic value. The EIB's venture debt financing strategy aims to empower key medical tech companies to scale and thrive within Europe, thereby contributing to European digital sovereignty in critical healthcare sectors.

Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.

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Publication: EU-Startups
Published: January 27, 2026 at 10:32 AM UTC
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