From Academia to Impact: The Story of Dr. Özge Karakas and Hi-D Imaging

In the world of medical technology, the journey from a scientific breakthrough in a research lab to a market-ready product that saves lives is a long and arduous one. It requires not only technical brilliance but also entrepreneurial vision and resilience. The story of Dr. Özge Karakas, co-founder and COO of Hi-D Imaging, is a testament to this journey. As a scientist turned entrepreneur, she is at the forefront of a Swiss startup that is revolutionizing how cardiovascular diseases are understood and treated.

The Spark of Innovation at ETH Zurich

Hi-D Imaging was born not in a boardroom, but in the fertile academic environment of ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities for technology and natural sciences. In 2019, while conducting their postdoctoral research, Dr. Özge Karakas and Dr. Utku Gulan identified a critical gap in cardiovascular care: the pre-operational planning for complex heart procedures was often time-consuming, subjective, and lacked predictive power. They envisioned a future where advanced technology could provide surgeons with a precise, data-driven roadmap for each patient.

Driven by a shared passion to make a tangible impact on patient outcomes, they took the leap from academia to entrepreneurship. They founded Hi-D Imaging AG, an ETH spinoff, with a clear mission: to revolutionize medical image processing for cardiology. The company’s name itself is a clever nod to its identity and ambition. “Hi-D” represents its Swiss roots (a play on “Heidi”), the high-dimensional (4D) nature of its technology, and the Turkish phrase “haydi,” meaning “let’s go”—a reflection of the team’s energetic and resilient spirit.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to a Complex Problem

At the heart of Hi-D Imaging’s innovation is a powerful, AI-driven platform that transforms standard medical scans (like CT scans) into interactive, 4D models of a patient’s heart. This “digital twin” allows surgeons to simulate different treatment scenarios, predict potential complications, and select the optimal size and type of implant before the patient ever enters the operating room. This reduces surgical time, minimizes risks, and ultimately improves patient safety.

The company’s competitive advantage lies in its unique, multidisciplinary approach. The team at Hi-D Imaging combines expertise in fluid dynamics, machine learning, computer vision, and 3D printing. This fusion of different scientific fields allows them to create highly accurate and predictive models that were previously impossible to achieve. Their technology provides over 60 critical parameters and downloadable 3D meshes, offering an unprecedented level of detail for pre-operative planning.

From a Duo of Scientists to a Thriving Medtech Company

Under the leadership of Dr. Karakas as COO and Dr. Gulan as CEO, Hi-D Imaging has grown from a two-person team of “nerds” into a thriving medtech company. The company has successfully navigated the challenging startup landscape, securing funding from a range of prestigious investors, including Venture Kick, HEMEX, MassChallenge, and the HeartX Accelerator. To date, the company has raised over $2.5 million to fuel its growth and expand its market reach.

Dr. Karakas’s leadership has been instrumental in this success. She has been recognized multiple times as one of the top female entrepreneurs to watch in the Swiss startup scene. Her journey from a scientist to a successful COO exemplifies the growing trend of academic entrepreneurs who are translating their research into real-world impact. She is also an alumna of the CAS ETH in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures, a program that equips scientists with the business acumen needed to build successful companies.

The Future of Cardiovascular Care

Hi-D Imaging is more than just a technology company; it is a company with a clear purpose. By providing surgeons with better tools and more accurate information, they are not only improving the efficiency of healthcare but also saving lives. The story of Dr. Özge Karakas and Hi-D Imaging is a powerful example of how a deep understanding of a clinical need, combined with scientific excellence and entrepreneurial drive, can lead to innovations that have the potential to change the world. As they continue to expand their product offerings and enter new markets, Hi-D Imaging is well on its way to becoming the world’s leading company in cardiac image analysis, analysis, and redefining the future of cardiovascular care.