The challenge that MAG4Health has set itself is a sizeable one: designing a compact, affordable alternative to current cryogenic equipment used to record neural activity. “We want to make high-quality diagnoses affordable without using major hospital infrastructure,” explains Matthieu Le Prado. MAG4Health’s approach is based on miniaturised OPM (Optically Pumped Magnetometers). The only ones working at room temperature, capable of detecting the very weak magnetic fields generated by the brain.
This technology opens the way for a variety of applications, including diagnosis of neurological disorders. For example, the sensors can detect abnormal electrical signals reflecting disrupted brain activity. “Our system allows detailed, fast and non-invasive analysis. It’s a major step forward in customising treatments,” underlines the co-founder.
But the innovation isn’t limited to sensor performance. MAG4Health is also working on artificial intelligence-based data analysis systems. “The algorithms we are developing optimise signal interpretation and reduce margins of error,” states Matthieu Le Prado. “This further increases the effectiveness of our devices.”
During the prototyping phase, the start-up is getting solid support from the Grenoble ecosystem, which is renowned for its excellence in microelectronics and medical technologies. “Grenoble is fertile ground for projects like ours. The proximity of research laboratories and technological infrastructure is a major asset.”
Si les premiers essais cliniques s’annoncent prometteurs, Matthieu Le Prado n’envisage pas de ralentir. L’ambition est claire : faire de MAG4Health un acteur incontournable de la santé de demain, en mettant la technologie magnétique au service des patients du monde entier. En s’appuyant sur son parcours d’ingénieur formé à Grenoble INP - Phelma, il illustre avec brio la contribution des diplômés de l’école à l’innovation et au progrès.
