Novai, a Reading startup, has made waves by securing a spot in the prestigious Startups 100 index, showcasing its innovative medical tech solutions.
Reading: Novai has just snagged the 24th spot in the 2025 Startups 100 index. That’s pretty impressive! This index, put together by Startups.co.uk, highlights the top 100 young businesses in the UK that are really making waves.
Founded in 2020 by Professor M. Francesca Cordeiro, Novai is doing some cool stuff in medical tech. They’ve developed a technique called DARC, which helps detect stressed cells in the eye. This means earlier diagnoses for conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
What’s even cooler? Their AI algorithm can predict how these diseases will progress up to 36 months ahead of time. That’s a big deal for anyone looking to preserve their vision!
Novai was started by researchers from University College London, and they’re tackling a serious health issue in the UK. A lot of people are affected by eye diseases, and Novai’s innovative approach is really catching attention.
The Startups 100 index has been around for 17 years and is known for spotting future stars like Monzo and Deliveroo. This year, Novai stood out among many entries thanks to its unique approach and potential impact on healthcare.
As part of launching this year’s index, Startups.co.uk asked 531 business leaders about their outlook for 2025. A whopping 82% from the South East are feeling optimistic about business growth, which is great news!
Zohra Huda, the editor of Startups.co.uk, said it’s clear that you don’t have to be in London to succeed. Novai is leading the way in Reading, showing that innovation is alive and well, even in tough times.
The Startups 100 list isn’t just about celebrating the best small businesses; it’s about building a community of entrepreneurs who support each other. Being included in this list not only highlights Novai’s achievements but also connects it with other companies shaping the future of business in the UK.
