Groningen-based MedTech company Sencilia is making a major leap forward with its innovative technology that enhances the safety and precision of infusion therapy. Thanks to a recent investment from Future Tech Ventures (FTV) and imec.istart, Sencilia can accelerate the development of its unique infusion sensor toward market approval. The technology promises a breakthrough in intravenous (IV) infusion therapy, an essential component of modern medicine by enabling safer and more accurate delivery of medication and nutrition.
Sencilia develops smart sensors that measure the flow rate of infusion fluids in real time - a crucial innovation for patients receiving extremely low-volume infusions, such as premature babies in neonatal intensive care. While conventional infusion pumps often detect blockages only after several hours, Sencilia’s Rely-V® technology identifies anomalies within just 30 seconds. The sensor is reusable, can measure IV dosage rates as low as 0.1 mL/hr, operates without direct contact with the fluid, and delivers precise measurements beyond the capabilities of existing systems. This gives healthcare providers immediate control over the infusion process and significantly improves safety for vulnerable patients.
Real-time insights that can save lives
What sets Sencilia’s technology apart is its direct, physically measured feedback that provides caregivers with real-time insight into the infusion process - without relying on indirect calculations. This approach helps prevent potentially dangerous complications such as under- or overdosing and offers a level of precision previously lacking in clinical practice. These unique capabilities have attracted the attention of market leaders and leading European hospitals, with whom Sencilia is currently performing pilot projects.
The Rely-V® sensor was developed by Sencilia (ir. Natanael Gomes, co-CTO; ir. Felix Wood, co-CTO; ir. Thom van der Honing, R&D Engineer; and dr. Amar Kamat, founder and CEO) in collaboration with the scientific founder Prof. dr. Ajay Kottapalli (University of Groningen), whose work on nature-inspired sensors was recently nominated for the 2025 Huibregtsen Prize. Sencilia thus represents not only a technological breakthrough but also a tangible application of applied research with societal impact.
Investment elevates Sencilia's infusion technology to international level
With the support of Future Tech Ventures and imec.istart, Sencilia is taking a major step toward launching its innovative infusion sensor. The capital will be used to finalize the product design for manufacturing, establish a quality management system, prepare FDA submissions and international approvals, and collect clinical data in collaboration with hospitals such as UMCG and Erasmus MC, among others. The Groningen-based team will also expand, including the addition of a Chief Commercial Officer to strengthen its commercial development.
Sencilia’s real-time, highly accurate, and user-friendly infusion monitoring system aligns perfectly with FTV’s commitment to support groundbreaking solutions developed locally that improve patient outcomes. We believe that their technology not only has the potential to transform patient care in vulnerable populations like neonatal and pediatric patients but also across various clinical settings where there is a need for accurate and reliable infusion systems.” said Ignacio Faustino, Investment Manager at Future Tech Ventures.
imec.istart adds: “At imec.istart.nl, we are proud to continue supporting the Sencilia team in their mission to make intravenous infusions safer and smarter. Their flow sensing technology addresses a critical need in clinical care, and we believe this investment will help accelerate their journey to market. We’re excited to see Sencilia’s innovation gain traction and look forward to the impact it will have on patient safety and hospital workflows.”
Academic collaboration accelerates sensor development
With close proximity to both UMCG and the University of Groningen, Sencilia benefits from direct access to clinical expertise and highly skilled talent. The company is currently engaged in a collaborative R&D project ‘Rely-V’ with the University of Groningen (subsidized via the Health Holland MKB program) to improve the technology readiness level (TRL) of the sensors. Further, Sencilia also recently led the SmartInfuus project consortium subsidized by the SNN EFRO Valorization program, where the sensor’s performance was successfully validated in an animal kidney model at the UMCG’s Surgical Research Laboratory.
Clinical studies are now in preparation to explore the sensor’s application in critical care, including adult and neonatal intensive care. Several students from RUG and Hanze have since joined the team as permanent staff. “Groningen offers exactly what we need: a strong ecosystem where science, healthcare, and entrepreneurship reinforce each other,” said Amar Kamat, founder and CEO of Sencilia. “Our collaboration with UMCG is not only valuable in content but also fundamental to the preclinical and clinical validation of our technology.”
Source article: Future Tech Ventures
Photo: Jan Buwalda
