The challenge in pelvic neurostimulation
Pelvic nerve disorders affect vital functions such as bladder/bowel control, sexual performance, and mobility. While neurostimulation can offer a lifeline for patients when conventional treatments fail, existing general-purpose stimulation devices are bulky, expensive, and not tailored to advanced clinical procedures and the anatomy of the pelvic nerves.
NeuroGyn AG, a Swiss medtech company founded by Prof. Dr. Marc Possover – a global pioneer in neuropelveology – set out to change this by developing a new class of neuroprostheses that would enable minimally invasive, cost-effective, and clinically aligned solutions. To realize this vision, NeuroGyn partnered with imec to leverage its deep-tech capabilities and build a dedicated neurostimulator for pelvic nerve disorders.
“Our mission is to design a neurostimulator that truly matches the needs of pelvic clinicians, especially gynaecologist – something that did not exist until now. With PosStim™, we are opening a new chapter in pelvic neuromodulation – unlocking the potential of neuromodulation in both gynaecology and sexual health“
Prof. Dr. Marc Possover, Founder & CEO of NeuroGyn AG
R&D phase successfully concluded with functional prototype
Imec and NeuroGyn are proud to announce that they have finalized the research and development of a next-generation implantable pelvic nerve stimulator. The design has been frozen and the project is now entering the manufacturing and clinical testing phase.
Imec’s rapid prototyping approach – combining ready-to-use building blocks with a flexible development model – enabled an accelerated timeline from concept to product-equivalent prototype.
A smart, miniature implant
Roughly the size of a fingertip joint, the stimulator connects to an electrode targeting pelvic nerves such as those controlling bladder, bowel and sexual function. Imec designed and integrated the electronics that enable low-power communication, control, and charging, coordinating work across several specialized partners to build a fully functional system.
Based on imec’s ultra-low-power wireless technology and miniaturization capabilities, the device is engineered for minimally invasive surgical implantation, longer battery life, and lower total cost of ownership.
Slightly larger than a AAA battery, the PosStim features a state-of-the-art ultra-low power miniaturized electronic system enclosed in a completely safe ceramic capsule.
A non-detachable electrode is integrated into the device, which is powered by a rechargeable battery and can be wirelessly controlled and recharged via a wearable companion.
The convenient form factor and stimulation characteristics have been specifically designed for the Genital Nerve Stimulation (GNS) implantation procedure and to support the neuromodulation therapy for OverActive Bladder (OAB) developed by prof. Possover.
Imec’s strategic role in next-gen neuromodulation and medtech
This collaboration is a clear example of how imec supports medtech players in developing unconventional and highly advanced implants – the kind of innovation that mainstream manufacturers often overlook or cannot support due to limited flexibility or lack of the necessary advanced technologies.
Imec’s strong portfolio in implantable system design – spanning ASICs, wireless communication, power delivery, biocompatible encapsulation, and system miniaturization – was key to this achievement.
Recently, imec made the headlines with its solution for selective peripheral nerve stimulation (sPNS) – validated by Feinstein with animal studies. The work includes the IGNITE platform (a custom ASIC supporting imec’s new solution for sPNS) and the IGNITOR development kit (for getting access to these sPNS capabilities; under guided supervision of imec). These kinds of innovations are extremely interesting for startups and scale-ups aiming to push boundaries in neuromodulation.
Imec’s offering to medtech and PNS companies
Imec’s medtech offering is tailored for both startups and larger companies looking to develop novel, non-conventional (neuro)implants. Working from a system-level perspective, imec offers co-creation engagements through agile, iterative development – starting with a concept study to explore feasibility and compatibility.
From research to prototype to trial-ready device, imec ensures a smooth journey through expert orchestration and access to a world-class network of manufacturing and integration partners.
If you are developing the next big thing in neurostimulation or bioelectronics, imec offers the expertise, infrastructure, and collaboration model to get you there – fast.
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