Lincoln company wins Governor’s Bioscience Award

A Lincoln company that makes a miniature surgical robot has been named this year's winner of the Governor's Bioscience Award.

Virtual Incision, which developed the world's first miniaturized robotic-assisted surgical device, received the award Wednesday at Bio Nebraska's annual event.

The device, called the MIRA surgical system, became commercially available in the United States this year for use in colon resection surgeries. The system is currently being evaluated in a clinical study in Switzerland to analyze its use in benign gynecologic procedures.

"The technology developed by Virtual Incision is nothing short of revolutionary. The result will be incredibly impactful to patients who undergo any number of medical procedures, as well as the surgeons who use it," Gov. Jim Pillen said in a news release. "It's a pleasure to recognize the company with the Governor's Bioscience Award."

The award is presented annually to an individual or company that has made significant contributions to Nebraska's bioscience industry. The selection criteria range from conducting innovative research to product development to investment that grows the bioscience community in Nebraska.

Shane Farritor, co-founder and chief technology officer of Virtual Incision, accepted the award.

"For more than a decade, we've focused on a vision to miniaturize robotic-assisted surgery so that it can be available to any patient, anytime, anywhere," Farritor said in the news release. "I am extremely proud of the milestones we've been able to achieve this year, and we thank Bio Nebraska and Governor Pillen for recognizing the significance of our work."

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