TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — SurgMate is bringing aerospace precision to the operating room, supplying surgical simulators to 20 countries as minimally invasive surgery becomes the global standard.

Surgical simulators are models that surgeons use for training before operating on patients. Most medical simulators in Taiwan are imported, while the New Taipei startup is one of the few local developers manufacturing its own, per CNA.

Founded in 2018 by aerospace PhDs Hsu Tzu-chen (徐自珍) and Su Chun-min (蘇浚民), the company blends engineering precision with medical needs.

Hsu spent two decades in artificial heart research, while Su worked at Industrial Technology Research Institute and led the national accelerator TAcc+ before joining in 2023. Both say their aerospace background naturally lends itself to designing simulators, which Hsu calls “a flight simulator for doctors.”

Hsu’s motivation came from seeing countless lab animals used in medical research. He believes simulators can bridge engineers and doctors, allowing extensive practice before procedures on animals, cadavers, or patients.

With minimally invasive surgery now the global standard, SurgMate has developed products to meet new demands. Its portfolio spans two core areas: cardiovascular care and tumor ablation for conditions such as thyroid cancer, breast tumors, and uterine fibroids.

SurgMate’s simulators stand out for their materials and modular design. Self-healing synthetic skin can endure 30–50 punctures without visible marks, and replaceable components allow cost-effective repairs. Lesion models can be inserted for biopsy and ablation training.

The company has also begun expanding abroad, breaking into foreign markets in 2022. Looking ahead, Hsu advocates incorporating simulator training into physician licensing exams, while Su calls for more flexible investment regulations to aid startup funding.