Nanochon Secures $4.1 Million to Advance 3D-Printed Knee Restoration

Washington, D.C.-based Nanochon announced the closing of an oversubscribed $4.1 million Seed Prime II funding round on January 12, 2026. Led by cultivate(MD), this latest financial milestone brings the company total capital to $11.3 million. The funds are earmarked for the immediate launch of the firm's first in-human clinical trial in Canada for its flagship Chondrograft device. The core of Nanochon's innovation lies in its 3D-printed orthopedic implants designed to repair articular cartilage defects in the knee. Unlike traditional methods, the Chondrograft serves as a synthetic scaffold that mimics natural tissue and supports the migration of a patient's own stem cells. This allows for immediate weight-bearing and motion, significantly reducing the lengthy recovery times typically associated with biological repairs. More information on their technology is available at https://nanochon.com.

To enhance surgical outcomes, Nanochon integrates high-tech digital tools into its workflow through a partnership with ProVoyance. They are developing MRI-based preoperative planning software that utilizes AI to map joint defects with high precision. This technology allows surgeons to select and size the 3D-printed implants before entering the operating room, ensuring a better fit and more predictable results.

The capital will specifically fund a Phase I trial in Canada targeting patients between 22 and 60 years old who have failed conservative therapy. Data from this 10-patient feasibility study will be instrumental in planning a larger North American pivotal trial. Ultimately, the company aims to leverage this progress toward securing official FDA clearance for the United States market.

"The capital commitments from our investors speak volumes about their confidence in the work we are doing to shift the paradigm of cartilage restoration," said Ben Holmes, CEO and co-founder. He highlighted that these partnerships offer more than just financial backing, providing critical support in commercial and regulatory strategies. The company is now poised to move from the research lab into active clinical application.