Aitrasound® Debuts as Zhonghui Medical Imaging Secures HK$60M in Pre-A Funding and Launches AI-Powered 3D Ultrasound Product Line

VCBeat has learned that, recentlyTelefield Medical Imaging LimitedCompanyAnnounced Official CompletionPre-Series A financing of nearly HK$60 million has been received; the first tranche of the Pre-Series A round, amounting to nearly HK$40 million, was completed in March 2023, andSuccessfully Added in Q1 This Year250ten thousand U.S. dollars,Additional investment byAEF Greater Bay Area Venture Capital Fund (Managed by Gobi Greater Bay Area)Lead investor,Major investments will be directed towardInternet Hospital Developmentand the development of digital therapeutics platforms suitable for schools and households, achieving an integrated commercial closed loop for screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The company has officially launched its Series A financing round, aiming to raise RMB 50 million in the initial tranche to expand its integrated screening, diagnosis, and treatment business model for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as to support Aitrasound.^®Development of the AI-powered 3D ultrasound imaging diagnostic product line. The Series A financing round involves Telefield Medical Imaging Limited establishing its global headquarters in China, with reports indicating that discussions are underway with prospective cities regarding implementation details.

At the 89th China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) in Shanghai, held from April 11 to 14, Telefield Medical Imaging officially launched its new group brand, Aitrasound.^®, ushering in a new chapter for the company’s brand, and will achieve AI-powered 3D ultrasound imaging diagnosis in more chronic disease fields.Aitrasound^®The brand name draws inspiration from the fusion of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Ultrasound technologies, dedicated to realizing the vision of “making 3D medical imaging accessible anytime, anywhere, for anyone,” namely, “To Make 3D Medical Imaging—Anytime, Anywhere, Anyone and Affordable.”

Figure 1 Telefield Medical Imaging Officially Launches New Corporate Brand Aitrasound^®

Scolioscan, a brand under Telefield Medical Imaging, is based on the world’s first proprietary technology—3D Ultrasound Spinal Imaging Assessment.^®By integrating scoliosis assessment devices, spinal image processing software, and a cloud-based data management platform, we offer a comprehensive solution for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of scoliosis. This end-to-end approach, ranging from large-scale screening to non-surgical intervention, enables zero-radiation, high-precision quantitative medical assessments, thereby enhancing the visualization and accuracy of specialized care.

Figure 2. Telefield Medical Imaging’s Globally Proprietary 3D Ultrasound Spinal Imaging Assessment System, Scolioscan^®

According to epidemiological survey data compiled in 2022 by the Spinal Disease Prevention and Control Committee of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, the prevalence of adolescent scoliosis has reached as high as 3%–5%. The vast majority of patients appear normal in terms of physical appearance, making it easy to miss the optimal window for treatment. Timely detection of the condition is crucial for maximizing rehabilitation outcomes.Screening practices in multiple regions have demonstrated that Scolioscan^®The rapid and precise screening protocol has significantly enhanced the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of school-based screening programs, making diagnosis safer and more convenient, thereby safeguarding spinal health in adolescents.

Figure 3. The precise scoliosis screening solution developed by Telefield Medical Imaging has been widely applied in adolescent scoliosis screening and national physical fitness monitoring programs.

As spinal health screenings are incorporated into the physical examination programs for primary and secondary school students, heightened awareness is driving treatment demand. The demand for spinal rehabilitation is growing rapidly, Scolioscan^®It provides keen insight into disease progression during the treatment phase. Its safe, radiation-free scanning modality meets the clinical need for frequent monitoring, enabling physicians and patients to track disease status in real time and obtain timely feedback on therapeutic efficacy.

Figure 4. Prototype of the Whole-Body Musculoskeletal 3D Ultrasound Assessment System Displayed at the Telefield Medical Imaging Booth

Innovative Imaging, Endless Brilliance. Ultrasound is a high-frequency sound wave that can penetrate skin, tissue, and fluids, reflecting off the interfaces of organs and structures to form images for physicians to diagnose and treat diseases.Telefield Medical Imaging originated from the proprietary 3D ultrasound imaging technology independently developed by the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. By integrating artificial intelligence algorithms with conventional ultrasound, it has overcome traditional limitations and achieved groundbreaking 3D ultrasound bone imaging.In addition to spinal disorders, three-dimensional imaging enables precise, rapid, and convenient assessment of injuries affecting muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints throughout the body, thereby establishing a green channel for diagnosis and treatment.Next-generation musculoskeletal ultrasound products employ advanced imaging algorithms to provide clinical, non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free three-dimensional imaging of areas such as the pelvis and extremities. Integrated with professionally designed scientific exercise programs, these systems enable patients to undergo rehabilitation training under the guidance of a digital therapeutics APP, including correction of poor posture, exercise-based interventions for chronic diseases, and management of certain types of chronic pain. Rehabilitation therapy and surgical assistance products integrate 3D ultrasound with force-sensing technology to guide motion rehabilitation robots, fracture alignment surgeries, scoliosis corrections, and anesthetic punctures. This makes real-time dynamic imaging readily accessible, facilitating the personalized customization of radiation-free, precise rehabilitation plans and minimally invasive surgical procedures.。

Innovation is the cornerstone of Telefield Medical Imaging Limited. With over two decades of technological R&D and clinical validation, the company continues to break through barriers and expand its boundaries. The new brand identity carries a broader vision, as Telefield Medical Imaging forges ahead on a wider stage, exploring medical technology solutions for life and health.

Ms. Han Mingzhu, President of Telefield Medical Imagingstated: “Aitrasound^®The launch of the group brand marks Telefield Medical Imaging’s evolution from an innovative medical device and technology company into an integrated innovative medical technology service platform for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases.Integrating the concept of medical-sports convergence with expertise in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine, we provide comprehensive solutions for precise rehabilitation and minimally invasive surgery based on AI and medical imaging technologies to healthcare institutions, schools, and households. By leveraging solutions such as quantitative assessment via 3D ultrasound imaging, AI-driven digital rehabilitation, and 3D-guided minimally invasive surgery, we empower healthcare institutions to co-establish specialized outpatient treatment systems. In the next phase, we will establish an internet hospital to extend assessment and rehabilitation beyond specific hospital settings, thereby enhancing patient autonomy and engagement while integrating treatment into daily life."In terms of global expansion, we will obtain the U.S. FDA Class II medical device certification in the third quarter of 2024, officially entering the U.S. market."

Mr. Tang Qibo, Managing Partner of Gobi PartnersStatement: We have long been dedicated to investing in independently developed, original technological achievements in the Greater Bay Area, continuously expanding their application scenarios and market reach.As a homegrown startup team originating from Hong Kong, Telefield Medical Imaging Limited integrates proprietary technologies in artificial intelligence, hard tech, and general health. Its core team possesses extensive experience in technology commercialization. In the Chinese market, the company leverages its local advantages to diversify revenue streams across various scenarios, while in overseas markets, it builds a brand for China’s indigenous, original technologies through its distinctive products.We empower entrepreneurs from the early stage through the growth phase, focusing on emerging industries and markets. We look forward to seeing more outstanding enterprises based in the Greater Bay Area expand their reach globally.

Telefield Medical Imaging Limited is a global leader in providing 3D ultrasound imaging technologies, equipment, and solutions.

• Its subsidiary, Scolioscan^®It is the world’s first and only ultrasound system for scoliosis assessment., filling a global technological gap in 3D ultrasound spinal imaging,Holds over 30 patent clusters, with a total of more than 100 patents.. This assessment system has completed clinical testing and been put into use in hospitals and clinics across Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, mainland China, and Hong Kong, and has currently obtainedCE marking in the European Union, ARTG registration in Australia, NMPA certification in Mainland China, and Class II medical device approvals from the Thai FDA and Malaysian MDA.

• Collaborating on scientific research with internationally renowned hospitals and universities, the research team has published more thanMore than 30 scientific research papers have demonstrated the precision and reliability of the technology, which has also won multiple awards in international innovation competitions.

• Installed and put into use in 20+ countries and regions,and inUniversity research institutions; orthopedics, rehabilitation, and physical examination departments of hospitals affiliated with the National Health Commission; tuina departments of traditional Chinese medicine hospitals; child healthcare departments of maternal and child health hospitals; work-injury rehabilitation hospitals affiliated with the Department of Civil Affairs; sports rehabilitation hospitals affiliated with the Sports Bureau; private orthopedic rehabilitation clinics and traditional Chinese medicine clinics...have all established benchmark cases.

• Since its establishment, it has repeatedly won major international and domestic awards for innovation and entrepreneurship:Gold Award Winner of the 2023 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-Value Patent Cultivation and Layout Competition (“Wan Gao Sai”), jointly organized by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and MacaoThe sole award winner from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;The sole winner in the life and health sector of the “BOC Cup Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Award,” organized by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Alliance and titled by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited in 2022.

Established in 2016, Gobi Greater Bay Area is part of Gobi Partners, a leading pan-Asian venture capital platform. It serves as the manager for the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund and the AEF Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurship Fund, and has established strategic partnerships with renowned financial institutions such as HSBC and Hang Seng Bank.

As of 2023, Gobi Partners Greater Bay Area had cumulatively invested in more than 80 startups, successfully nurturing eight unicorns, including WeLab, Airwallex, Amber Group, and Animoca Brands.