(Vienna, 17 April 2026) Gunpreet Coudert Oberoi from the Medical University of Vienna has been awarded the Female Startup of the Year Award 2026 at the #glaubandich CHALLENGE 2026. The prize was awarded to the founder and CEO of the MedUni Vienna spin-off SVAN Technologies GmbH, which is developing an intelligent auto-stop drilling platform for medical applications.
Gunpreet Coudert Oberoi is a dental implant surgeon and biomedical engineer with two doctorates in dentistry and biomedical engineering. She is firmly established in the clinical and scientific environment at the Medical University of Vienna and combines medical practice, research and entrepreneurship. As founder and CEO of SVAN Technologies GmbH, she champions a translational approach in which technological developments arise specifically from concrete clinical requirements.
With SVAN Technologies GmbH, Gunpreet Coudert Oberoi has established a spin-off that translates research into concrete medical applications. At its core is a patented sensor system that detects tissue resistance in real time and automatically stops a drill at the critical moment. The aim is to increase precision during sensitive procedures and reduce the risk of complications. SVAN’s first application is an intelligent intraosseous drill for emergency access. The system is designed for patients of all ages and sizes, including particularly vulnerable patient groups. Further applications, such as in the field of neurosurgical access, are currently under development.
Research with clinical application
The technological foundation for SVAN was established within the environment of the Medical University of Vienna. Gunpreet Coudert Oberoi combines clinical experience with biomedical research and entrepreneurial implementation. The fact that development takes place within a research-intensive medical environment is a key factor in ensuring proximity to clinical practice and a consistent focus on specific medical requirements.
An important scientific framework for this development is the Centre for Medical Physics at MedUni Vienna, led by Wolfgang Drexler, which stands for high scientific quality and interdisciplinary research at the interface of medicine and technology. SVAN is thus also an example of how university research can lead to application-oriented innovation.
A signal for female founders in research
The award has significance beyond this individual success. Women remain under-represented in the field of research-based start-ups, including within the university environment. The Female Startup of the Year 2026 for Gunpreet Coudert Oberoi therefore demonstrates that scientific excellence and business start-ups can be combined at MedUni Vienna. At the same time, the award highlights the importance of structures that support female researchers on their journey from scientific work to starting a business.
The Technology Transfer Office at MedUni Vienna provides comprehensive support and advice to researchers on all matters relating to intellectual property rights (IPR) and the establishment of spin-offs. https://intranet.meduniwien.ac.at/forschung/serviceeinrichtungen/technologietransfer/