OrganLike

OrganLike has developed a genuinely novel technology: hyper‑real hydrogel body‑part models that replicate the look, feel and behaviour of human tissue with extraordinary accuracy. These models provide surgeons with a training environment that closely mirrors real‑life procedures without the limitations, costs and logistical challenges associated with traditional organic materials.

From the outset, the challenge wasn’t technical credibility, it was how to position and scale such a specialised innovation.

Vivolution worked alongside OrganLike to help shape early commercial direction and market focus. Using our experience across medical technology and regulated markets, we supported the team to think carefully about how and where to deploy the technology to build momentum.

A key decision was to prioritise volume and early sales, rather than remaining limited to small‑scale, research‑driven use cases. This allowed OrganLike to validate demand, build relationships and create a platform for reaching more specialist, higher‑value applications over time.

OrganLike’s models are now used by major medical device companies including Boston Scientific, Olympus, Dexcom and Vascutek, validating both the technology and its commercial relevance.

The company has also established a partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, which represents around 25,000 members globally, a significant endorsement within the surgical community.

Beyond training, the technology has proven valuable for:

• Medical device demonstration, both in‑person and online
• Visual simulation and education
• Patient‑specific rehearsal, using models created from individual MRI and CT scans

These use cases highlight the versatility of the technology and its potential to improve outcomes across multiple parts of the healthcare ecosystem.

Vivolution recognised early that OrganLike faced a strategic crossroads: remain focused on niche, high‑value research projects, or pursue broader market engagement to accelerate validation and growth.

By choosing the latter, OrganLike was able to access a wider range of customers and partners more quickly. Vivolution supported this shift by helping introduce the company to leading medical providers and institutions, enabling faster market penetration and real‑world feedback.

We also worked alongside Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the University of Strathclyde to help build a supportive ecosystem around the business — connecting OrganLike into the right mix of academic, commercial and public‑sector support. This combination of strategic focus and partnership helped OrganLike move from promising innovation to a business with global potential.

OrganLike continues to roll out its products to a growing community of surgeons, healthcare institutions and global medical device companies, supported by Innovate UK funding.

Alongside this, the company is:

• Expanding the use of patient‑specific models for life‑critical surgical rehearsal
• Continuing to advance its 3D printing techniques
• Working towards a longer‑term vision of organic 3D printers and materials becoming widely available to healthcare providers

The ambition is to embed OrganLike’s technology as a standard part of surgical training and preparation worldwide.

Vivolution supported OrganLike through strategic decision support, helping the team navigate early commercial choices and identify the most effective route to market. We also helped build a wider support ecosystem, connecting the company with institutions, partners and funders to support growth.