SonoStent receives CHF 40,000 from Venture Kick to advance non-invasive urinary stent technology
16.06.2026
SonoStent receives CHF 40,000 from Venture Kick to advance its ultrasound-activated technology for urinary stents and catheters. By removing biofilm and encrustation without requiring device removal, the solution aims to reduce repeated surgical interventions and improve long-term outcomes for patients requiring indwelling urological devices.
 Daniel Ahmed Acoustic Robotics, Francesco Clavica Urogenital Engineering, Cornel Dillinger PhD CEO, Pedro Amado CTO SonoStent
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What was the first real signal that your solution worked outside the lab or pitch deck, and what did that moment change for you?
The first signal came during our microfluidic proof-of-concept experiments in 2024. After years of research, we knew the mechanism should work in theory, but seeing it in action was something else. When we tested it, the biofilm didn’t just loosen, it was pulverized.
That was the moment the project shifted from an interesting scientific principle to a technology with a clear medical application. We realized it could address a long-standing unmet need in urology and potentially spare patients repeated surgical interventions. Soon after, we filed our patent and started building a company around it.
Can you briefly describe your project and where it stood when you entered Venture Kick?
SonoStent is developing an ultrasound-activated surface that removes biofilm and encrustation from urinary stents and catheters without removing the device from the body. By using externally applied ultrasound, we aim to replace the repeated surgical exchanges patients undergo today.
When we entered Venture Kick, we had strong scientific foundations and growing clinical interest, but the business case was still taking shape. Venture Kick helped us strengthen our market analysis, product strategy, and regulatory roadmap, turning the technology into a more compelling commercial opportunity.
How has the direction of your product/service/product strategy changed since working with the Venture Kick Team?
The biggest change was moving beyond the university environment. We entered with strong academic results, but a lab-validated technology is still far from a market-ready product.
Through Venture Kick, we brought in industrial partners and specialized consultants, allowing us to develop the device alongside experienced medtech professionals. That shift moved us from academic proof of concept to a product built for real-world adoption.
How will the Stage 2 funding help you advance your project concretely?
Stage 2 funding will primarily support our commercial readiness. A key focus is a health-economic study to quantify cost savings and define reimbursement pathways in our target markets.
At the same time, we’ll continue advancing product development and regulatory planning. Together, these steps will help transform a validated technology into a venture ready for its next stage of growth.
The first signal came during our microfluidic proof-of-concept experiments in 2024. After years of research, we knew the mechanism should work in theory, but seeing it in action was something else. When we tested it, the biofilm didn’t just loosen, it was pulverized.
That was the moment the project shifted from an interesting scientific principle to a technology with a clear medical application. We realized it could address a long-standing unmet need in urology and potentially spare patients repeated surgical interventions. Soon after, we filed our patent and started building a company around it.
Can you briefly describe your project and where it stood when you entered Venture Kick?
SonoStent is developing an ultrasound-activated surface that removes biofilm and encrustation from urinary stents and catheters without removing the device from the body. By using externally applied ultrasound, we aim to replace the repeated surgical exchanges patients undergo today.
When we entered Venture Kick, we had strong scientific foundations and growing clinical interest, but the business case was still taking shape. Venture Kick helped us strengthen our market analysis, product strategy, and regulatory roadmap, turning the technology into a more compelling commercial opportunity.
How has the direction of your product/service/product strategy changed since working with the Venture Kick Team?
The biggest change was moving beyond the university environment. We entered with strong academic results, but a lab-validated technology is still far from a market-ready product.
Through Venture Kick, we brought in industrial partners and specialized consultants, allowing us to develop the device alongside experienced medtech professionals. That shift moved us from academic proof of concept to a product built for real-world adoption.
How will the Stage 2 funding help you advance your project concretely?
Stage 2 funding will primarily support our commercial readiness. A key focus is a health-economic study to quantify cost savings and define reimbursement pathways in our target markets.
At the same time, we’ll continue advancing product development and regulatory planning. Together, these steps will help transform a validated technology into a venture ready for its next stage of growth.