About MARS Bioimaging Ltd


MARS Bioimaging Ltd (MBI) was founded in 2007 to commercialize the cutting-edge Medipix technology and bring photon-counting CT to the clinic

MBI has established itself as the world’s leading research and development group in spectral molecular imaging, and to-date has delivered the world’s first commercial pre-clinical spectral CT scanner.

The MARS Microlab 5X120 is based on the next generation of x-ray detectors (Medipix3RX) developed in collaboration with CERN, University of Canterbury, University of Otago, and other partners. Using our technology, customers can conduct experiments in a system that is directly translatable to human clinical imaging.

MBI works closely with customers to provide a wide range of spectral imaging solutions for applications ranging from cancer detection to development of novel contrast agents. Contact us to find out how MARS Microlab 5X120 can improve your research. Subject to regulatory approvals, MBI’s human extremity scanner will soon be available for clinical use.

Recent Awards

  • HealthTech Award for Best Translational Project – HealthTech Week 2019
  • Finalist in Best Hardware Product category – NZ Hi-Tech Awards 2018
  • Winner of Best Emerging New Zealand Innovation – New Zealand Innovations Award 2017
  • Winner of Best Innovation in Health and Science – New Zealand Innovations Award 2017
  • Winner of Supreme Award (Small Enterprise) – Champion Canterbury Business Awards 2017
  • Winner of Champion Innovations – Champion Canterbury Business Awards 2017
  • Winner of Champion Producer/Manufacturer (Small Enterprise) – Champion Canterbury Business Awards 2018

Board of Directors

Chris Stoelhorst has held executive director and non-executive director roles across a range of high-tech industries and sectors over a period of more than 25 years. These roles followed chief executive positions in New Zealand and overseas, typically of proprietary specialised equipment manufacturing-engineering enterprises offering product that saves lives and protects assets. Chris is active in governance, as independent chair of a number of New Zealand fast-growth high-tech exporting companies facing multiple sectors.

Colin Dawson has held a number of senior executive roles in the primary, secondary and tertiary health care sectors and was a founding partner in health consulting and investment banking services firm Medicus Capital. Relevant healthcare roles have included GM Clinical Support Services Health Waikato, CEO of Integrated Care IT company HSAGlobal, CEO of one of NZ’s largest aged care operations and Executive Director – Group Strategy of healthcare REIT.

An experienced life science industry executive with 25 years of international corporate, IP, business development, and R&D management expertise. Dr Toder held positions as CEO and CSO as well as non-executive and executive director roles in multiple successful companies in Germany, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. Roland brings a wealth of knowledge in technical due diligence, scientific and market validation, valuation of early-stage start-ups, international licensing, regulatory and go-to-market strategies.

Professor Phil Butler has founded two companies and three not-for-profit businesses and served on other Boards. He was successful in developing and commercializing a novel laser treatment for port wine stain birthmarks. He is an internationally respected mathematical physicist, a member of CERN and the UC leader for participation in the Medipix3 Collaboration. Phil served as Head of the Physics and Astronomy Department for 8 years and was Pro-Vice Chancellor of UC for 3 year.

Executive Team

Dr. Ojas Mahapatra is an accomplished Executive leader with over a decade of experience scaling and transforming deep-tech companies across global markets. He has successfully led high-growth businesses in advanced technology sectors, driving significant valuation growth, securing substantial international investment, and expanding operations across multiple regions. 

Mark Figgitt is a highly respected executive and director with four decades of technology and leadership experience, including leading growth for health software, cardiology and radiology providers, Change Healthcare ANZ and HSTM Group NZ for the past six years. He is a proven leader with a distinguished track record of innovation, global growth, and a deep knowledge of technology commercialisation across many industries including health.

Professor Anthony Butler is a clinical radiologist with an interest in developing new imaging technologies. He is a co-founder of MARS Bioimaging Ltd. He is the lead investigator on over $12m of NZ government research grants, and co-investigator on more than $30m of other grants. At the University of Otago, Christchurch, he is head of the Department of Radiology. At CERN, he is a member of the Medipix3, Medipix4, and CMS collaborations.

Rob brings over 24 years of financial leadership experience across diverse industries, ranging from established retail to high-growth ventures, both internationally and within New Zealand. He has held senior roles including CFO, Financial Manager, Commercial Lead, and Director, with a strong track record in financial operations, capital raising, IPO preparation, and strategic business transformation.

Stuart is a proactive and innovative Quality & Regulatory Affairs professional with extensive experience in implementing and managing Quality Management Systems (QMS) in the medical device and biotechnology industries. With expertise in ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001, he has successfully led regulatory compliance initiatives, Lean manufacturing programs, and strategic quality improvements to enhance business performance.

A long career as a Regulatory Affairs professional with over 30 years of experience, Homi started out in the pharmaceutical arena, working for German, Swiss and Australian multinational organizations, and later in the medical device regulatory and compliance field. Back in 2005 when Homi got his Regulatory Affairs Certificate from the US based Regulatory Affairs Professional Society, he was one of very few so qualified. 

Bob Senzig has more than 3 decades of experience designing CT scanning equipment. He was most recently GE Healthcare’s Global CT Chief Engineer. Bob says he is thrilled to be part of the future of imaging. “I have seen many innovations in imaging. Spectral imaging is the next step in CT scanning. The MARS spectral photon-counting technology will truly impact point-of-care imaging.

Our History

 

2019-present: Clinical trials

MBI began human trials in 2019 to assess the value of this technology for evaluating injured wrists. The first trials were based at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. The preliminary results are very exciting and MBI are motivated to move to the next step. https://marsbioimaging. Sign up to hear about our clinical and technical updates.

 

 

2018: First human image

In 2018, MBI scanned a living human body using the revolutionary ‘color’ CT. The images are the first of its kind captured by the Medipix detector technology.

 

 

 

 

2017: An award winning manufacturer

Ground-breaking work achieved by MBI was recognized at the Champion Canterbury Awards and New Zealand Innovation Awards. MBI began appointing partners for product distribution.

 

 

2013: Medipix3

The latest version of the Medipix detector chip was suitable for imaging. MARS Bioimaging Ltd has exclusive rights for Medipix3 developed at CERN in the field of small animal and human CT.

 

 

 

 

 

2011: First commercially available multi-energy small-bore scanner for preclinical research

 

 

 

 

 

2007: MBI was founded

The company was formed in 2007 to commercialize the ground-breaking photon-counting Medipix technology. Four colors could be measured one after the other, not simultaneously. Scanning took one day, reconstruction took one month.

 

 

 

2006: Medipix2

Much like the first x-rays discovered by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895, the capability of the Medipix detector was first demonstrated on a hand.

 

Our Mission

To bring technically excellent products to the clinic and improve healthcare worldwide, while delighting clinicians, scientists and patients.