London-based startup Cryogenx, a healthtech startup offering a portable body cooling device for heat-related illness, has secured £800K. Of this, £150K came from the British Design Fund, which recently invested in Aeropowder and Koalaa. The round also saw participation from shareholders, angel investors, and a US-based fund.
How will it use the funding?
The funding will support Cryogenx as it looks to initiate and ramp up its commercial activities, including completing its first formal production run. The company is also undertaking several preclinical studies, including with Brunel University and a study in the US with a leading academic in exercise and environmental physiology.
Damon Bonser, CEO of the British Design Fund, said: “Cryogenx’s technology solves a growing global need for a rapid, emergency response for heat illness. What is really impressive about the device is how well designed and thought through it is, being easily transported and operated by a single person, with no pre-preparation or specialist storage required. We look forward to working with Matt and the Cryogenx team as they bring this vital technology to market.”
What challenge does it address?
Reportedly, 489,000 deaths globally are caused by extreme heat every year and, likely, these figures will significantly increase, as a result of rising temperatures caused by climate change. With heatstroke, the quicker you can start effectively reducing core body temperature, the more successful the treatment will be. However, in remote locations that can be very challenging.
Cryogenx does exactly that with its portable body cooling device that can provide an immediate and on-demand solution.
How was the idea born?
Founder Matt Anderson came up with the idea while studying Industrial Design at Brunel University. After watching a documentary that led to a cameraman losing his life due to the effects of heat while filming in a remote location, Matt began looking into the dangers and effects of extreme heat.
Cryogenx CGX1 device
The company’s CGX1 device is described as an ‘ice bath in a backpack.’ It is a portable, pre-hospital core body cooling device, designed to enable rapid, life-saving cooling in any scenario. Cryogenx’s patent-pending technology features a powerful coolant stored within compact cylinders that is injected into an adhesive, thermally conductive pad placed on the patient’s torso. This emulates the effects of ice water immersion and offers a first line of treatment for anyone suffering from heat-related illness, particularly heatstrokes.
Cryogenx co-founder Matt Anderson said, “Our device is ideally positioned to support individuals and organisations where incidents of heat-related illness are common or likely, such as where physical labour and exposure to heat and humidity forms part of the job. This includes defence, construction, the energy sector, manufacturing industries, the fire service, and sports, among many others. We are keen to connect with companies and distributors in this space to enable our technology to be in the hands of people who need it.”
What do we think about Cryogenx?
By addressing the critical need for rapid treatment of heat-related illnesses with its portable body cooling device, the CGX1, and within the recent funding, Cryogenx will scale its commercial activities and complete its first production run.
This device offers immediate, effective cooling in emergencies, making it invaluable in variable sectors where heat exposure is a significant risk. The startup aims to save lives in extreme heat scenarios with its innovative, easily transportable device.
