As a first-year student in Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering, Tanvi Mittal knew that one day she wanted to work in the biomedical space. She never imagined that just four years later she’d be the chief operating officer of a healthcare startup before even receiving her diploma.
The startup, noVRel, is bringing augmented reality into the operating room by way of a hardware attachment that integrates smart headlights, virtual magnification loupes, and a fluorescence guided surgery microscope into existing AR headsets. Eliminating the need for equipment changes, this all-in-one technology enhances surgeons’ visualization, mobility, and their access to patient data resulting in more accurate, more efficient surgeries.
Mittal holds noVRel prototype
Founded by a student at the University of Pittsburgh with clinical guidance from neurosurgeons at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, noVRel’s functional prototype has already been tested in mock studies to check for dexterity, efficacy, comfort, and usability.
In 2023, Mittal joined the company in a technical role to help develop the prototype, but now works on financial modeling, grant writing, and networking with potential investors. This year the company was awarded second place in Carnegie Mellon’s McGinnis Venture Competition, a platform for student entrepreneurs to engage with alumni and venture capitalists to raise capital for their companies.
She attributes her success within the company to the skills she learned from the hands-on projects built into CMU’s engineering curriculum.
“Engineering teaches you how to think critically, to pivot when something doesn’t go as planned, and to handle tough situations. I use that every day in my role,” she said. “An engineering background sets you up for success no matter what route you take in your career, but I think that startups are a great place to learn, and to get your hands dirty.”
Mittal and research group presenting their poster, Endometrial Ablation Device Demo + Scientific, in the Medical Device Innovation and Realization class
Following graduation, Mittal will continue to work with noVRel to raise the company’s visibility.
“I believe that Carnegie Mellon students are perfectly poised to take on the unique challenges that come with applying new technology to healthcare. It’s not an easy route to take, but it’s the one capable of making the biggest impact.”
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