Munich, November 2025
Dotspace Inc. is committed to optimizing existing medical service processes and actively incorporating new industrial technologies, with the aim of creating a new paradigm shift in health, medical, and care in the future. Dotspace secured second place at the Wearable Technologies USA Innovation World Cup®.
We had a great conversation with the Dotspace Inc. team. Let’s explore their journey and the key steps that led them to achieve this impressive milestone.
1. HOW DID IT ALL START?
Dotspace was founded by three founders:
- Dr.Uei-Ming Jow, EE Engineer from Google [x], specialized in implantable antenna, wireless communication, and electronic package and participated in the early Dexcom CGM R&D project and smart contact lenses.
- Dr. Ranson Liao a trauma surgeon with more than 20 years of experience.
- Dr. Dong-Ru Ho a urologist with more than 20 years of experience.
Dr. Liao and Dr. Ho first connected in 2017 through the Stanford-Taiwan Biodesign Program, united by a vision for the future of wireless, continuous medical monitoring.
Their initial focus on a significant, unmet need in the ICU: the method of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring by Foley catheters. They observed that using Foley catheters was not only highly invasive but also resulted in infections, inconsistent accuracy, non-continuous readings, and extensive manual work from staff.
Determined to find a better way, they teamed up with an engineer and challenged the status of pressure monitoring. The result was PressureDOT: the world’s smallest wireless digital capsule designed for gastrointestinal monitoring. This minimally invasive innovation offers ICU staff an accurate and continuous solution, finally replacing catheter-based systems. To develop and deploy this wireless digital capsule technology in critical care settings, the team established Dotspace in 2020.
2. WHAT ARE THE KEY MILESTONES YOU HAVE REACHED SO FAR?
Product Development & Clinical Validation: 2020–2023: Finalized the product design of the PressureDOT GI monitoring system. The device meets all FDA compliance requirements and has been validated in over 10 preclinical (animal) studies.
2023-2025: Initiated the first-in-human pilot clinical study. Results showed a high correlation between traditional Foley catheter-based measurements and PressureDOT readings, confirming its clinical accuracy. The pilot clinical trial demonstrated PressureDOT’s safety and efficacy. Completed a Following discussions with the FDA, the team is currently preparing for the final pivotal trial required forward FDA 510(k) clearance.
Team Growth: 2023–2025: Key team members joined to strengthen leadership and execution:
Steve Melchiode – A seasoned medical device entrepreneur, leading business development.
Dr. Johnson Chou – A physician and serial entrepreneur, overseeing company operations.
Manufacturing: 2024: Established the first production line to support pilot and early commercial manufacturing.
Fundraising History: 2021: Raised $2.4M in a seed funding round.
2024: Raised an additional $800K via a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) round.
3.WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED?
We’ve learned that: Bringing an innovative medical device to market requires a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes regulatory clarity and user needs. Because our technology is new to the medical field, we view active and timely communication with FDA reviewers through Q-submission meetings as a step to confirm the appropriate regulatory pathway. We recognize that regulatory cost and strategy are as critical to our timeline as our technology, design, and clinical data. Our commitment is always to the end users: patients and healthcare providers. To validate our innovative solution, we are dedicated to extended clinical protocol development, collaborating with a broader network of physicians and hospitals. This deliberate, thorough approach ensures a clearer clinical trial protocol, even if it adds time to the process.
4.WHAT IS COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
We will have the following milestones:
1.Finish the pivotal clinical trial around Q1 2026.
2. Get the FDA 510k Clearance around Q2 2026.
3.Get revenue and more feedback from the beachhead market – ICUs in Stanford H., UNLV H, and other KOLs’ institutions in 2026.
4.Finish the next round of fundraising in 2026 Q3.
5. 2nd product R&D with prototype in 2026 Q4.
5.DESCRIBE YOUR EXPIRIENCE IN THE INNOVATION WORLD CUP®
One of the most impressive aspects of this conference was the participation of leading wearable technology companies and research institutes, which showed true frontrunners in the field. These organizations openly shared their latest advancements and technologies, offering valuable insights into the current state of the industry. Additionally, the WT Innovation World Cup demonstrated groundbreaking ideas and products with real potential to make a global impact.
6.YOUR THREE TIPS FOR UP-COMING START-UPS
1.Breakthrough technologies are most impactful when applied to real, pressing challenges.
2. A successful moonshot vision is grounded in robust technology and deep industry insight.
3.People matter. It’s the passion and commitment of the team that truly brings the story to life and inspires others.
”The Dotspace team was honored to be selected as a finalist in the MEDICA 2024 Innovation World Cup and is grateful for the continued recognition through our invitation to the Wearable Technologies Conference 2025 Innovation World Cup. This level of exposure is important during our current fundraising efforts, as it highlights our technological advancements and achievements to a global audience. Following the event, we’ve begun engaging with several interested investors and look forward to building strong partnerships as we move forward.”
Johnson Chou, MD
C.O.O. Dotspace Inc
Thank you for sharing such meaningful insights. We’re excited to follow your journey and see the remarkable achievements you’ll reach in the future!
Visit Dotspace Inc. and see how they develop and deploy a smart capsule system for real-time intra-abdominal pressure monitoring, aiming to reduce surgical costs, improve healthcare quality, and transform medical service processes through digital health innovation.
Are you ready to write your own success story? Visit the INNOVATION WORLD CUP®. Participation is free of charge.
