Early-stage support and a specialist innovation ecosystem help Active Needle advance a breakthrough in medical device technology.
Active Needle Technology is a UK-based medical device company that has developed a new generation of precision needles for ultrasound-guided interventional procedures. Built on research originally developed at the University of Dundee, the company’s mission is to improve the accuracy, safety, and effectiveness of needle-based medical interventions, reducing risk for clinicians and improving outcomes for patients.
Their proprietary technology is designed for use in procedures such as cancer biopsy and treatment in areas where precise needle placement is critical but often difficult to achieve under conventional ultrasound imaging; for cancer drug delivery and for low pain needles..
The Challenges
Despite widespread use of ultrasound guidance in clinical settings, accurately visualising needles remains a significant challenge. Conventional needles can be difficult to see at certain angles or depths, increasing the risk of misplacement, tissue trauma, repeat procedures, and associated costs to healthcare providers and patients.
Needle deflection and poor visibility are particularly problematic in deep tissue procedures, where millimetres matter and errors can have serious consequences.
Needles can be painful, and in applications where multiple punctures are necessary, the challenge is to reduce the pain to tolerable levels. In various test, the Company has reduced pain by half, from extremely painful, to comfortable.
In cancers, injecting directly into the tumour is the optimal way of increasing local efficacy and avoiding systemic toxicity. The technique is currently underused as the current generation of needles does not effectively infiltrate drugs or biological entities into the tumour, rather they are rejected back along the needle path, and are therefore largely ineffective. In tests, Active Needle has shown a significant reduction of tumour size and survival.
The Solutions
Active Needle has developed an award-winning ultrasonic needle actuation technology that causes the needle to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. This motion is detectable using standard Doppler ultrasound, allowing the full length of the needle—including the tip—to appear clearly in colour on the ultrasound image. It also reduces pain and improves drug dispersion in tumours.
The result is unparalleled needle visibility, reduced penetration force and therefore reduced pain, less deflection, and more accurate placement, even at challenging angles and depths. The technology can be activated or deactivated at the clinician’s discretion, integrating seamlessly into existing clinical workflows without introducing new imaging systems.
In addition, the added diffusion into tissues can significantly increase the efficacy of intratumoural drug delivery, unlocking additional treatment options for a range of solid tumours.
Why Culham Innovation Centre?
Culham Innovation Centre provides a specialist environment for early‑stage, research‑led medtech companies like Active Needle. Flexible workspace and access to a strong scientific and engineering ecosystem supported the company’s transition from academic IP to commercial‑ready technology.
As part of the Oxford Innovation Space network, Active Needle gained access to tailored one‑to‑one business support, a wider customer base, and a broad network of experienced growth specialists, allowing the team to focus on technical development, regulatory progress and investor engagement while scaling with confidence.
Founder Insight
“Our goal has always been to solve a very real clinical problem using elegant engineering. Having the right environment and support around us in the early stages made it possible to focus on getting the technology right.”
— Ian Quirk, CEO and Co‑Founder, Active Needle Technology Ltd
Growth & Milestones
Since its formation, Active Needle has:
- Built a robust patent-backed technology platform
- Raised early-stage funding through grants, angel investment, and crowdfunding
- Progressed its technology through advanced testing and regulatory preparation
- Expanded applications beyond biopsy into drug delivery and other interventional uses
- Executed commercial deals for a range of products
Where They Are Now
Active Needle Technology continues to operate from Culham Science Centre, working towards commercialisation of its products while engaging with clinical partners, investors, and the wider MedTech ecosystem. With commercial deals signed, the company remains focused on turning a powerful piece of academic research into a globally impactful medical device business.
Looking Ahead
The company is poised to break into new low pain drug delivery markets. Working with commercial partners Active Needle aims to rapidly gain market share with its revolutionary technology.
Active Needle’s journey highlights the importance of early-stage support, specialist innovation centres, and science-led ecosystems in turning breakthrough research into real-world medical impact.