SmallMachines, a specialized in-vitro diagnostic device company, has announced that it has secured Series A bridge investment from Widwin Investment. The investment amount remains undisclosed.

SmallMachines is an R&D-focused company that develops advanced medical devices capable of high-speed analysis of small sample volumes by combining AI-powered big data algorithms for cellular image analysis with nanotechnology. The company was founded by CEO Jun-Kyu Choi, who holds a doctorate from Seoul National University. SmallMachines also holds the distinction of being the first investment target of Korea Science & Technology Holdings.

Dr. Yejin Chae, Principal Fund Manager at Widwin Investment (who holds a doctorate in biomedical sciences), explained the investment rationale: “We determined that SmallMachines’ innovative nanotechnology and their regulatory-approved AI-based cellular imaging medical devices have the potential to transform the healthcare ecosystem. We decided to invest based on the high growth potential we observed.”

Technological Innovation and Intellectual Property

SmallMachines has secured proprietary technologies in microfluidic chip design optimized for small sample testing and high-speed analysis. The company has filed and registered 46 related patents to date. The firm has continued its technology development with cumulative R&D funding support of over 35.1 billion won from the government. CEO Jun-Kyu Choi has received recognition for his contributions, winning the Minister’s Award from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in 2020 and the Minister’s Award from the Ministry of Science and ICT in 2021 for his contributions to the research industry.

The company has also implemented the world’s first domestic technology-based Fourier Ptychography Microscopy (FPM) technique, creating fluorescence-free three-dimensional cellular imaging optical technology and accelerating the development of high-resolution diagnostic platforms.

Future Market Expansion Plans

CEO Jun-Kyu Choi of SmallMachines stated: “Through AI-based optical technology, we can perform high-speed immune, cellular, and blood analysis while implementing 3D blood cell structure imaging, significantly enhancing testing accuracy. Having recently completed the construction of GMP production facilities in Wonju, we will strengthen our competitiveness in the global diagnostic market through this high-resolution imaging technology and expanded sales network.”

The investment positions SmallMachines to leverage its advanced diagnostic technologies and manufacturing capabilities to capture opportunities in the rapidly growing global medical diagnostics market.