The funding will be used to help develop the ‘Aiber’ project to support in-flight cabin crews dealing with medical events.

Last week, Scottish Financial News reported that MIME Technologies received £248,000 in funding from the Scottish Government to help deliver technology that will support the heavily impacted aviation industry during its recovery from the pandemic.

MTL founders Dr Alasdair Mort and Anne Roberts started the venture after taking part in HIE’s Life Sciences Pathfinder Programme to test the idea’s potential for commercialisation.

The lightweight class 1 medical device is specifically designed for cabin crew. The technology supports users through the process of administering first aid at 40,000 feet. It facilitates the recording and auto-reporting of data and can connect to one of the world’s latest heart monitoring sensors.

Aiber is aimed at both commercial aircraft and corporate jets to deal with in-flight medical events and help reduce unnecessary, costly diversions.

The HIE investment will support the continued employment of MTL’s team of five, who are carrying out the next stage of the product’s research and development. This includes implementing a ‘chat’ function to enable cabin crew to communicate directly with ground-based medical professionals.

There is already interest in the Aiber product from airlines in the UK, Europe and around the world.

Phil King, senior account manager with HIE’s Inner Moray Firth Team, said: “MTL is a great example of a new life sciences venture using the latest technology and innovation to develop a product that meets a current gap in the global market.

“The company is part of the wider life sciences cluster in the Highlands and Islands and the project is very much in keeping with the collaborative ethos of Inverness Campus. It will help accelerate the commercialisation of Aiber, leading to business growth and high-quality employment opportunities.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide support and look forward to seeing the product become fully commercial.”

Anne Roberts, CEO of MTL, added: “It has never been more important for the aviation industry to provide clear guidance and reassurance to passengers. This funding is an acknowledgement of the difference technologies such as ours can make, and we are delighted that HIE is supporting our growth journey.”