Syntropic Medical receives investment for light-based depression therapy

The Austrian medtech start-up Syntropic Medical has received new funding from better ventures. The alliance of entrepreneurial business angels from Europe is thus supporting the further development of a digital, non-drug therapy for depression. The newly raised capital will flow into ongoing clinical studies, preparations for FDA approval in the USA and the development of a telemedicine care model, also with prospects for Germany and Europe.

High medical need meets stagnating innovation

Depression is one of the most common illnesses worldwide. Around 280 million people are affected, 5.3 million of them in Germany. Until now, treatment has largely been based on medication, often with limited effectiveness. 70% of patients do not achieve complete remission and many discontinue treatment due to severe side effects. At the same time, therapeutic progress remains slow, particularly in the digital field.

Light stimulation as a new type of non-invasive neuromodulation

Syntropic Medical is taking a new approach: light-based neuromodulation that does not require medication and can be used at home. The therapy uses intermittent light stimulation (ILS) at 60 Hz, which is administered via the specially developed HAVEN™ device. The stimulation is intended to promote the neuroplasticity of the brain, which is considered a key mechanism for alleviating depressive symptoms. The application is accompanied by telemedicine. Preclinical data show a significant reduction in listlessness, stress and social withdrawal.

Clinical trials in Brazil and the USA

In 2025, Syntropic Medical launched its first clinical trial (LUX trial) at the University of São Paulo. This was followed in the summer by IRB approval for a second trial (NEON trial) in cooperation with NYU Langone Health, one of the leading neurological research institutions in the USA. The aim is to obtain FDA approval and subsequently launch the product as a reimbursable, medically prescribed therapy on the US market. European expansion is to follow.

Investor network for the next growth phase

In addition to better ventures, the circle of investors already includes renowned investors such as xista science ventures, Springboard Health Angels, Wicklow Capital and Vento Ventures. The participation of better ventures gives Syntropic additional access to entrepreneurial impact investors from German-speaking countries.

The startup was spun out of the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in 2023. The founding team combines research excellence and entrepreneurship:

• Mark Caffrey (CEO) - multiple neurotech founder
• Jack O'Keeffe (CTO) - biomedical engineer with experience at Johnson & Johnson and Baxter
• Dr. Alessandro Venturino (Head of Research) - scientific developer of the core technology (ISTA, MIT)

The team is scientifically supported by Prof. Sandra Siegert, an internationally recognized expert with an ERC Proof of Concept Award. Syntropic Medical was named "Best of Biotech" in Austria in October 2025 for its developments.