Bohong Medical Builds Fully In-House Developed Endoscopy Camera System Platform, Filing IPO Prospectus

In 2019, a high-definition single-channel camera system from Shanghai Bohong Medical Device Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Bohong Medical”) was officially implemented at renowned Grade-A tertiary hospitals across China, including the PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital) in Beijing and Nanfang Hospital affiliated with Southern Medical University.

As a critical medical device used in minimally invasive surgery, the endoscopic camera system exemplifies Bochong Medical’s philosophy of “seeing the big picture from the small details.” The company is dedicated to the field of minimally invasive surgical instruments.

As is well known, a successful medical device requires not only exquisite craftsmanship but also robust independent R&D capabilities to keep pace with the rapid advancements in medical technology and evolving clinical paradigms, thereby helping physicians address specific clinical needs.

An endoscopy system is an integrated platform that combines optics, ergonomics, precision instrumentation, modern electronics, software, and other technologies. The endoscope scope and the endoscopic camera system are two distinct medical products; the endoscopic camera system is a device used to convert the image signals from the endoscope into video images.

For endoscopic camera systems, the imaging module responsible for processing image signals is as critical as the engine is to an aircraft.

Currently, most enterprises in the domestic market that produce endoscopic camera systems obtain imaging modules through external procurement, whereas Bohong Medical’s imaging module chips are independently developed. According to Dong Weidong, founder of Bohong Medical,Currently, Bohui Medical is the only enterprise in China that both develops core components for imaging modules and researches, develops, and manufactures complete systems.

Core Section Source: Bochum Medical

“Bohong has independently developed imaging modules. When new clinical needs arise, we can upgrade and adjust them on demand, eliminating the need for extensive multi-party communication and repeated confirmations. This ensures that requirements are promptly reflected in technological upgrades, saving valuable time and economic costs for both enterprises and healthcare institutions.” Dong Weidong expressed full confidence in Bohong Medical’s technological capabilities.“In addition to independently developing imaging module chips, we also have the corresponding operating system and source code.”

Since its inception, Bohui Medical has been committed to becoming an enterprise focused on independent research and development (R&D) and manufacturing. After five years of refinement, the company has established a fully self-developed camera system platform and completed technical validation.

The establishment of the technology platform has, on one hand, enhanced the scalability of product R&D; on the other hand, it has effectively controlled R&D costs. Furthermore, by mastering core technologies, the company can independently carry out product upgrades and iterations without relying on external integration.

Leveraging its technology platform, the company can promptly upgrade and iterate its products based on market feedback, thereby reducing R&D uncertainty and enriching its product pipeline. Currently, Bohong Medical has completed the development of two generations of products, with four additional products under development.

The Generation I high-definition single-channel camera system, positioned as a premium offering, has been implemented in Grade A tertiary hospitals across China and has received positive feedback. The Generation II high-definition dual-channel camera system was developed to address clinical needs; it not only meets surgeons’ operational requirements during procedures but also conserves limited operating room space. Currently, the Generation II dual-channel endoscopic camera system has completed its research and development phase and is undergoing the registration process. The core R&D work for the 4K ultra-high-definition camera system has also been completed.

In the early stages of building its technology platform and developing its first-generation products, the company encountered numerous challenges related to technology, market access, and funding. Nevertheless, throughout this journey, Bohong Medical has placed increasing emphasis on technological innovation. Although the initial R&D phase was arduous, requiring substantial time and financial investment, success in this endeavor has endowed the company with distinctive capabilities and enhanced market competitiveness.

“Some focus on business models, others on software development. Bohong Medical has chosen the most challenging path: we focus on technology.”

Bohong Medical Specializes in the Core of Endoscopic Camera Systems: Imaging Modules, not only achieving independent R&D but also delivering high-quality imaging and scalability to keep pace with advancements in medical standards. Behind the 22nm chip lies cutting-edge technology, providing an enhanced imaging experience. Let the data speak: Bohong Medical’s current endoscopic camera system offers a resolution of 1920×1200, ensuring clear visualization of every blood vessel and complete imaging of every tissue structure.

Certainly, Bohui Medical’s independent R&D efforts extend even further: from major components such as CMOS+ISP and motherboards to smaller elements like power modules and signal transmission, all underpinned by proprietary source code, are fully equipped with independent intellectual property rights. The Bohui team presses forward in quiet dedication, committed to achieving a self-sustaining “internal cycle” of technological capability.

In addition to independently developed technologies, excellent quality control is also key to winning in the market.Guided by the philosophy of addressing clinical needs to solve problems and eliminating issues at their root cause of error, Bohong Medical’s endoscopic camera system replaces reduced instruction set computing (RISC) motherboards with industrial control motherboards. This upgrade increases the clock speed by 3.6 times and incorporates RAM significantly exceeding 3GB, fully accommodating the long-term development needs for ongoing clinical system upgrades and the practical requirement for real-time image saving.

The founder’s prior experience as a surgeon has enabled Bohong Medical to gain deeper insights into clinical needs. On one hand, addressing the clinical demand for water resistance, Bohong Medical has engineered its devices to achieve the highest IPX8 waterproof rating. On the other hand, considering potential interference with other medical instruments, the company has implemented electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding to mitigate electromagnetic radiation. The advancement from non-waterproof to IPX8-rated protection, and the establishment of EMC safeguards from scratch, signifies a proactive approach to eliminating potential accidents at their source.

For Bohong Medical, which commands core technologies, price is the least of its concerns.Doctors and lives should not have to bear the cost of numerous intermediaries in the production chain. Competitive pricing is a key advantage of Bohong Medical, offering domestically produced instruments that match the quality of imported equivalents.

Bohong Medical was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Shanghai.

Dong Weidong, founder of Bohong Medical, graduated from the School of Medicine at Zhejiang University and began his career as a clinical surgeon. Two years later, he joined GE, Philips, and Kodak, where he participated in the development of multiple product projects, including digital X-ray machines and oral endoscopes. In 2014, he founded Bohong Medical.

Source: Bochum Medical

With over two decades of experience in the research, development, and manufacturing of medical devices, coupled with a precise understanding of clinical needs, Dong Weidong possesses the confidence to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. Meanwhile, BoHong Medical’s entrepreneurial strength is underpinned by its robust scientific research team.

Currently, Bochum Medical’s organizational structure comprises five main departments: Research and Development, Production, Quality Control, Product Sales, and Logistics Support.Among them, R&D personnel account for half of the company's workforce.

Compared with foreign countries, China's endoscopy industry started late. Most domestic independent brands have a significant gap compared to imported products, lack competitiveness in the market, and therefore mainly target the low-end market. However, domestic substitution is the main theme of the industry.

Domestic substitution, progressing from low-end to high-end products, is an inevitable trend and the strategic direction pursued by Bohong Medical. With the widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgery, primary-care hospitals also require high-tech medical equipment, enabling more people to benefit from technological advancements while effectively controlling healthcare costs.

Regarding the company’s future plans, Dong Weidong outlined two primary directions. First, with the continued strengthening of BoHong Medical’s R&D capabilities, domestically produced endoscopic products will comprehensively enter the high-end market. Second, the company will expand into minimally invasive surgical consumables. Currently, prototypes for these consumables have already been developed.

In 2018, Bohong Medical secured Pre-A round financing from Zhongwei Fund. With its technological prowess no longer lagging behind imported products, Bohong Medical has finally ushered in its own spring in the endoscopy field.

Currently, the company is undergoing a new round of financing, with the proceeds to be used for market expansion of endoscopic camera systems and the advancement of new product development.