The global shortage of medical imaging technologists is quietly transforming the way healthcare is delivered. Behind hospital walls, radiology teams face mounting pressure: idle equipment, longer waiting times, and postponed examinations. In response, a new generation of MedTech companies is emerging with a concrete promise, enabling remote operation of medical equipment through the convergence of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and ultra-low-latency networks.
Berlin-based roclub exemplifies this shift toward medical teleoperation. Its platform connects technologists to MedTech equipment anywhere in the world, allowing them to remotely operate scanners, MRIs, and other imaging devices regardless of manufacturer. Within seconds, a technologist can launch a scan hundreds of kilometers away, view real-time imaging data, and adjust technical parameters while maintaining secure video and audio communication with on-site teams and patients.
The stakes go beyond automation. By shifting technical expertise into the cloud, such platforms create continuity of service in a sector where human availability remains a critical constraint. For hospitals, this means fewer operational losses from idle machines and improved return on capital expenditures. For patients, it translates into faster access to diagnostic imaging, even in regions facing acute workforce shortages.
Founded in 2022 by Dr. Matthias Issing and André Glardon, roclub positions itself as a pioneer in this transformation. Operating in eleven countries, the company has developed a cloud- and AI-based solution capable of teleoperating any medical device, regardless of vendor or generation. Its compact smartphone-sized connector links to any monitor-equipped system, enabling full remote control while maintaining secure communication channels between operators and clinical sites.
The company is now preparing its U.S. expansion, where the shortage of radiologic technologists has deepened by 20 % over the past five years. Its objective is to double its headcount by 2026 and roll out its platform across large hospital networks, supported by a receptive American market eager for AI-driven MedTech solutions.
roclub has raised €10 million in a Series A round led by Smedvig Ventures and YZR Capital, with participation from Speedinvest and several angel investors. This follows a previous €4 million Seed round completed in 2024. With this new funding, the company aims to accelerate the global deployment of its teleoperation platform, extend compatibility to additional medical equipment, and strengthen its international commercial teams.
