French medtech startup develops affordable ultra-low-field MRI with AI technology to make scans as accessible as X-rays

Chipiron, a French medtech startup, is on a mission to transform MRI technology and make it as common and accessible as an X-ray. Founded in 2020, the company is pioneering ultra-low-field MRI machines that are smaller, cheaper, and easier to use compared to traditional MRI systems.

The Problem with Traditional MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool in modern medicine, but conventional machines are expensive, bulky, and require special infrastructure like shielded rooms. They can also be uncomfortable for patients, especially those with implants, claustrophobia, or children who struggle to remain still during long scans. This makes MRI hard to access in smaller hospitals, rural clinics, and developing regions.

Chipiron’s New Approach

Chipiron is rethinking MRI by using ultra-low-field magnetic technology, operating at less than 10 milliTesla — far lower than standard systems. This approach allows the company to build portable MRI scanners that can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet, without the need for complex shielding or massive infrastructure.

To overcome the weaker signals of low-field MRI, Chipiron integrates advanced AI algorithms and signal processing techniques. These tools enhance image quality, enabling reliable diagnostics while keeping costs down. The result is a system that is potentially 10 times cheaper than traditional MRI machines.

Funding and Global Ambitions

In 2025, Chipiron raised €14.9 million (~$17M) in Series A funding to accelerate development. The startup plans to build hospital-grade prototypes, begin clinical trials in 2026, and work toward regulatory approvals in Europe and the U.S..

With its technology, Chipiron envisions a world where MRI scans are available in community clinics, mobile units, and underserved regions — opening the door to earlier diagnoses and more inclusive healthcare.

Why It Matters

If successful, Chipiron could redefine medical imaging by making MRI as affordable and accessible as X-rays. That would not only improve access for millions of patients but also shift how healthcare providers use imaging technology worldwide.