Proprio Vision

About Proprio Vision

Proprio is a surgical technology company developing a platform that integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and augmented reality to enhance surgical procedures. The company was founded in 2016 as a spinout from the University of Washington by CEO Gabriel Jones, neurosurgeon Dr. Samuel Browd, Professor Joshua Smith, and computer vision specialist James Youngquist. The founding team's goal was to create a system to improve surgical accuracy and efficiency. Jones has a background in emerging technology and intellectual property law, having previously helped clients like Bill Gates evaluate new technologies. Dr. Browd is also a co-founder of the high-tech sports helmet maker Vicis.

The company's core product is the Paradigm™ system, an advanced surgical navigation platform that received FDA 510(k) clearance. Paradigm uses light field technology and AI to generate a real-time, 3D visualization of the patient's anatomy and the surgical environment without using harmful radiation. It synthesizes data from preoperative images and intraoperative sensors to provide surgeons with what the company calls "Volumetric Intelligence™". This technology allows surgeons to see around obstructions, magnify views without losing detail, and align tools with pre-operative plans. The system is initially focused on spine surgery, with applications for procedures like lumbar fusions and scoliosis correction. By passively capturing data, the platform aims to quantify and understand surgery better, creating a data-rich resource for surgeons. The first successful in-human light field-enabled spine surgery using the system has been completed.

Proprio's business model is centered on selling its platform and related services to hospitals and surgical teams. The company is positioning itself to shift the medical device industry from a focus on implants to one driven by data and intelligence. Proprio has raised significant funding, including a $23 million Series A round in 2020 and a $43 million Series B round in 2023, to fuel commercialization in the U.S. and internationally. Key investors include DCVC, BOLD Capital Partners, Cota Capital, Intel, and HTC.