Kitea Health is an Auckland University Bioengineering Institute spin-out building a miniature implant that wirelessly measures pressure inside the brain or heart and transmits data through an external wand. The device is designed to cut down false alarms and provide clinicians with real-time information for patients suffering from hydrocephalus, heart failure, or traumatic injury. Kitea has already completed a first-in-human safety study at Auckland Hospital, implanting the sensor in 20 patients aged 18 months to 84 years with no adverse effects reported. The company is preparing a 150-patient U.S. trial at Texas Children’s Hospital, targeting FDA clearance that could unlock approvals in the UK, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Kitea employs 24 staff (23 in Auckland and one U.S. regulatory specialist) and has attracted $14 million in research grants. Financially, the firm closed an oversubscribed $13 million pre-Series A round, following a $6 million seed raise in 2023, and management believes the new capital will last through late 2027 and completion of U.S. trials. Future capital raises are expected only after trial results, potentially involving U.S. med-tech investors or a strategic acquirer.

Total raised

$13M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Dec 2025