Chipiron, a pioneering deep-tech company, is making waves in the medical imaging industry with a bold vision to transform MRI accessibility.
In a recent interview with TechCrunch, Chipiron CEO and co-founder Evan Kervella shared insights into the company’s innovative approach, emphasizing that they aim to rethink access to MRI technology rather than replace existing machines.
The Challenge of MRI Accessibility
The high cost of traditional MRI machines, often reaching millions of dollars, has long restricted their availability to large hospitals and specialized centers, leaving many communities underserved.
This disparity is especially stark in low- and middle-income countries, where access to critical diagnostic tools like MRIs can be nearly nonexistent.
Chipiron’s Innovative Solution
Chipiron’s mission is to bridge this gap by developing miniaturized MRI technology that is significantly more affordable—potentially 10 times cheaper than conventional systems.
By focusing on portability and cost-efficiency, the company envisions a future where MRI scans are as accessible as X-rays, a goal that could redefine global healthcare standards.
Historical Context and Industry Impact
Historically, MRI technology, introduced in the late 20th century, has been a cornerstone of medical diagnostics, but its prohibitive cost and size have limited its reach since inception.
Chipiron’s approach could disrupt the multi-billion-dollar medical imaging market, especially as funding for diagnostics and imaging companies has surged to levels unseen since 2021.
Looking to the Future
With a recent €14.9 million Series A funding round announced in April 2025, Chipiron is poised to accelerate the development of its groundbreaking technology.
The potential impact of this innovation extends beyond cost, promising to bring life-saving diagnostics to remote and underserved regions, thus addressing a critical global health inequity.
As the company progresses towards producing clinical-level images, the medical community watches eagerly, hopeful for a future where MRI access is no longer a privilege but a standard of care.
Chipiron’s journey represents a beacon of hope, illustrating how technology can evolve to meet humanity’s most pressing needs in healthcare equity.