No More Speculum. Yes, you read that right! That is the goal of Illinois startup Sakura MedTech. Sakura is on a mission to transform the world of gynecology by developing a minimally invasive diagnostic imaging device for cervical cancer screening. By eliminating the need for the speculum, a metal medical tool often associated with discomfort and anxiety, Sakura is not only aiming to improve patient experience but also improve medical efficiency for gynecologists. The new imaging device aims to avoid additional invasive examinations like colposcopy (a type of cervical cancer test) by enhancing the original exam.

Cervical cancer is a global health concern, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, about 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. However, the cervical cancer death rate significantly decreased with the widespread use of the Pap test.

“So many women aren't getting screened simply because the use of speculum for the pap test is anxiety inducing, painful, and emotionally triggering. The speculum has hardly changed in the last 150-200 years! The World Health Organization has said cervical cancer is the first type of cancer that can be eliminated as it can be treated before it turns to the cancerous stage.”

Priya Kumar, Co-founder of Sakura MedTech and senior in Bioengineering

Priya Kumar, co-founder of Sakura MedTech says, “I think so many women struggle with the pap smear test process. So many women aren’t getting screened simply because the use of speculum for the pap test is anxiety inducing, painful, and emotionally triggering. The speculum has hardly changed in the last 150-200 years! So many people are dying from cervical cancer, which the WHO has said is the first type of cancer that can be eliminated as it can be treated before it turns to cancerous stage.”

Growing up in a family of small business owners, Priya co-founded Sakura MedTech as a bioengineering senior. She is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. “Starting my business was an obvious choice, and I wanted to combine that with my interest in engineering and medicine. My co-founder (Uditha Venkata Velidandla) and I had been brainstorming projects for a while. We saw a lack of innovation in women’s health, and we wanted to do something to change that,” Priya explains.

Sakura MedTech is leveraging the influx of new medical imaging technology and de-stigmatization of women’s health. However, the startup is facing barriers while launching and testing prototypes and engaging with medical professionals for feedback.

“Doctors tell us that they love the idea, but we have learned that they are very resistant to change in their established workflow. The pap test procedure has stayed the same since it was developed and we are trying to completely disrupt that workflow with the new tool. The existing procedure technically works, though it might not be the best experience for the patient. Also, it is cost-effective. Effectively conveying the value of disrupting established workflows and fundamentally transforming procedures for both medical practitioners and healthcare institutions is our paramount challenge.”

Demonstrating not only the clinical benefits but also the positive impact on the financial bottom-line is crucial to gaining traction. Securing initial adoption among pioneering medical professionals stands as a pivotal step in this direction. Sakura MedTech is also exploring international markets like India for quicker turnaround time and broader impact. Priya emphasizes, “Securing a few dedicated early adopters within the medical community could catalyze the entire process.”

Achievements on campus: The startup won second place with $35,000 in funding in the annual Cozad New Venture Challenge competition in 2023. Cozad New Venture Challenge is a campus-wide new business venture creation program managed by the Technology Entrepreneur Center. The team also won second place (tie) with $20,000 in investment as a Grainger Engineering Startup City Scholars program participant in College New Venture Challenge competition hosted by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago and in partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

If you’re a student entrepreneur
on campus, Priya has some valuable
advice to share.

• Legal considerations: Be aware of the legal side of incorporating a startup as early as possible. Minor legal things are important. Don’t disregard the legal aspects because they can impact funding down the line.
• Focus on your startup: Turnaround for startups in some industries is so much quicker than in med tech. Put yourself in a bubble and focus on what you are doing.
• Team dynamics is important: Building a strong team is essential. Co-founders can provide support, motivation, and accountability during challenging times. Collaboration and discussion are key.
• Leverage your network: Utilize your network and advisors. They understand the entrepreneurial journey and can offer valuable guidance and connections