Panda Surgical

Advancing handheld robotics platform for minimally-invasive spinal and brain surgery.

close up of surgical tools, with operating room in the background

Panda Surgical is developing a next-generation handheld robotics platform for minimally-invasive spinal and brain surgery.

Founded in 2022, the platform offers neurosurgeons enhanced dexterity and control in confined spaces. This allows them to reach previously unattainable areas and perform complex operations - such as removing tumours and abnormalities deep within the brain and spine - safely and precisely.

The Panda Surgical journey so far:

2022: Founded at UCL by team from Neurosurgery and Surgical Robotics
2023: £1m seed investment from PrimaNova Technologies, £45,000 grant from NIHR
2025: £1m Series A raised, led by Oxford Investment Consultants
2026: Achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification

Team

Dr Manios Dimitrakakis

Founder and CEO

Manios obtained a PhD at UCL Computer Science on the development of handheld robotic devices for minimally invasive neurosurgery. Since 2023, he has been leading the effort at Panda Surgical as CEO.

Dr Weng Sie Wong

Senior Business Manager

UCL Hawkes Institute

Dr Wong brings extensive experience of all aspects of university technology transfer activities from strategic IP management to licence negotiations and spinout formation.