Nokia and Celesta Capital have launched Astranu, a healthcare imaging startup spun out from Nokia Bell Labs, to commercialize advanced diagnostic technology for hearing and middle-ear conditions. Astranu is the first venture to emerge from the new Nokia–Celesta collaboration focused on translating Bell Labs research into market-ready solutions.
Astranu’s core innovation is a proprietary integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (iOCT) platform originally developed at Bell Labs. The technology enables high-resolution, non-invasive 3D imaging at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. By delivering real-time, accurate visualizations of the middle ear, the system could reduce misdiagnosis, avoid unnecessary CT/MRI scans, and eliminate exploratory surgeries in routine hearing care. Trevor Hawkins, PhD, a veteran in scaling diagnostic startups, has been appointed CEO. iOCT co-inventors Michael Eggleston, PhD, and Bibek Samanta, PhD, will continue supporting the company’s R&D efforts.
Celesta Capital is providing strategic support and commercialization expertise to help Astranu scale. Nokia Bell Labs remains involved by offering lab resources and technical guidance. Industry executive Achin Bhowmik, PhD, CTO of Starkey, has also joined the board to help guide the company’s trajectory. “Astranu’s revolutionary imaging technology holds transformative promise for healthcare,” said Mike Chen, VP of Ventures at Nokia.
- Astranu spun out of Nokia Bell Labs with backing from Celesta Capital
- Uses proprietary integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (iOCT) for 3D imaging
- Targets improved diagnosis and treatment of middle-ear conditions
- Trevor Hawkins, PhD appointed CEO; Bell Labs inventors stay on in support roles
- Nokia and Celesta plan further spin-outs of Bell Labs technologies
“Astranu’s revolutionary imaging technology holds transformative promise for healthcare, and we’re proud to support their journey,” said Mike Chen, Vice President of Ventures at Nokia.
