The Sentire system features lightweight surgeon side arms, tremor filtration, and motion-control techniques to aid complex surgeries in confined spaces. | Source: Cornerstone Robotics
Cornerstone Robotics Ltd., a surgical robotics developer, Monday today said it has raised $70 million in Series C financing. The company said the funding will advance its efforts toward commercialization, development of surgical robotics products, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals.
“Cornerstone Robotics experienced several pivotal milestones over the past year,” stated Prof. Samuel Au, founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics. “We are deeply grateful to our shareholders for their trust and support. This milestone is not only a recognition of our team’s efforts in translating surgical robotics innovations into practical applications, but also a testament to our commitment to long-term, high-quality development.”
Founded in 2019, Cornerstone has offices in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. It has completed clinical trials in multiple specialties, including urology, general surgery, gynecology, and thoracic surgeries. With its wide range of expertise, the company claimed that it has built a foundation for international expansion.
Sentire gets Chinese certification
Through research and development and vertical supply chain integration, Cornerstone Robotics has formed partnerships with leading medical centers in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Europe. This includes the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Medicine.
In September 2024, Cornerstone Robotics obtained National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval in China for Sentire, its endoscopic surgical system. Developed entirely in-house, the system incorporates clinical expertise, mechanical and electrical engineering, software algorithms, and visual imaging.
“After five years of efforts, we have achieved independent R&D and manufacturing, and received recognition from the NMPA in 2024,” Au added. “Moving forward, our team will continue to innovate, expand global markets, advance international certifications, and collaborate with more partners to create value for the intelligent healthcare industry and contribute to a better future for humanity.”
Last year, Cornerstone Robotics also established a site in the U.K. This collaboration aims to foster cutting-edge innovation, support advanced research, and enhance the company’s ability to serve patients in Europe and across global markets.
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Cornerstone gets VC vote of confidence
EQTa global investment organization managing private capital and real assets, led Cornerstone Robotics’ funding round. Qiming Venture Partners, Alpha JWC Venturesthe Innovation and Technology Venture FundeGarden Ventures, CTS Funds, K2VC, Long-Z Capital, and more also participated in the round.
“The development and clinical application of surgical robots continue to drive improved treatment outcomes,” said William Hu, managing partner of Qiming Venture Partners. “Since Qiming Venture Partners’ investment in Cornerstone Robotics, we have observed steady enhancements in the company’s product performance and the continuous growth of its team.”
“We believe Cornerstone Robotics is well-positioned to deliver increasingly competitive products and greater clinical value to customers worldwide,” he added. “We are delighted to continue our investment and support as we work together toward new milestones.”
In addition to receiving funding from a group of prominent investors, the company also received an investment from the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund under the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Cornerstone said this backing will further enable the company to expand into key regions in Europe, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere.
“Globally, there is an urgent need to make high-quality robot-assisted surgical care accessible to patients, yet few companies have the capability to deliver the level of safety, precision, and rigor required for these critical procedures,” stated Clara Ho and Gordon Shaw, partners in the EQT Private Capital Asia advisory team. “Cornerstone Robotics stands out as a leader in this space, combining cutting-edge medical robotics with a focus on expanding access to care.”
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