Kate de Ridder

Our vision is to create globally disruptive, non-surgical treatments for patients with vision disorders. We are developing a unique therapy which will induce therapeutic remodeling of the cornea in patients with ectatic disorders such as keratoconus.

AVASA is a venture backed medical device company on a mission to simplify microsurgery by delivering the AVASA Coupler – an implantable device designed to help microsurgeons connect microvascular arteries and veins safer, simpler, and 80% faster than the current standard of care.

Bridgewest Ventures is a New Zealand-based deep tech incubator, searching for ideas with impact. As an approved partner under Callaghan Innovations 2020 Technology Incubator Programme, were looking for local ventures ready to commercialise on a global scale. Were backed by our parent company, Bridgewest Group, a privately held investment company from the United States. With global assets in biotech, wireless communications, IoT, software, and semiconductors, Bridgewest Group brings its extensive global network and tried-and-true incubator approach to our home base in Auckland. If accepted into our programme, entrepreneurs can expect mentorship and funding to commercialise their technology, improve business capabilities, and facilitate future growth. Were committed to not only building startups into companies but also contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem that exists in New Zealand.

Our vision is to create globally disruptive, non-surgical treatments for patients with vision disorders. We are developing a unique therapy which will induce therapeutic remodeling of the cornea in patients with ectatic disorders such as keratoconus.

AVASA is a venture backed medical device company on a mission to simplify microsurgery by delivering the AVASA Coupler – an implantable device designed to help microsurgeons connect microvascular arteries and veins safer, simpler, and 80% faster than the current standard of care.