Dr. Nandoun Abeysekera (Avasa)

Overview

Dr. Nandoun Abeysekera, known professionally as Avasa, is an innovative biomedical engineer and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions in the field of medical device technology. He is the CEO and founder of Avasa, a groundbreaking medtech startup company based in New Zealand, that focuses on simplifying complex microsurgical procedures. Dr. Abeysekera is primarily known for the development of the Avasa Coupler, a pioneering device aimed at improving the speed and safety of microvascular surgeries by facilitating the reconnection of small arteries — a process traditionally complex and time-consuming when performed manually.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Dr. Nandoun Abeysekera has made notable progress with his company Avasa and its flagship product. Some key developments include:

August 2025: Avasa secured a pre-Series-A capital raise, largely oversubscribed, closing at NZD$4.75 million. This funding round was led by Movac, a renowned venture capital firm in New Zealand, with participation from existing backers like Bridgewest Ventures. The funding is intended to support US FDA clearance efforts for their arterial coupler product.
2024 (Expected): Avasa is on course to submit FDA documentation with a focus on securing market entry in the US by mid-2025. This is a critical step in bringing their arterial coupler to a broader market.
2023: Avasa, acknowledged in the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards, was a finalist under the PwC Breakthrough Project category. This recognition underscores the innovative impact of their arterial coupling device, which has shown promising results.
2023: Extensive pre-production phases and successful animal studies affirmed the viability and efficacy of the Avasa Coupler, marking a milestone in their development journey.
Continuous development and collaborations highlight efforts to expedite the product’s commercialization, with Avasa now focusing on acquiring regulatory approval and arrangements for mass production.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Dr. Nandoun Abeysekera
Born	Not publicly available
Nationality	New Zealander
Occupation	Biomedical Engineer, Clinician, Entrepreneur
Known For	Development of Avasa Coupler for microvascular surgery
Education	Bachelor of Engineering (1st Class Honors) in Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Auckland

Early Life and Education

Dr. Abeysekera’s journey into biomedical engineering and his eventual role as an entrepreneur began with a deep interest in both engineering and medicine. Raised in an environment that fostered curiosity and innovation, he was intrigued by the possibilities at the intersection of technology and human health from an early age. After completing high school, he pursued a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Auckland, which he completed with First Class Honors. His fascination with medicine led him to further pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Throughout his educational journey, inspirations from his engineering-centric background and the rich academic setting at the University of Auckland played pivotal roles in shaping his career aspirations.

Career and Notable Achievements

Dr. Abeysekera began his professional life as a biomedical engineering graduate who quickly excelled in his field. His career milestones include:

Foundation of Avasa in 2018: His venture into entrepreneurship was marked by the establishment of Avasa, with an initial focus on addressing unmet needs in medical device technology.
Development of the Avasa Coupler: This product represents a significant leap in surgical technology, aimed at simplifying the process of arterial coupling in reconstructive surgeries.
Recognition in KiwiNet Awards in 2023: As a finalist for breakthrough innovation, highlighting the public and industry acknowledgment of his contributions.
Mentoring and Strategic Collaborations: Leveraging his clinical experience and engineering expertise to foster innovation and development within the medtech sector.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Dr. Abeysekera is leading Avasa towards a pivotal stage of growth, focusing on finalizing regulatory requirements to enter the US market. His work aims to revolutionize microvascular surgery by providing safer and faster solutions for arterial reconnection. The impact of his innovation is far-reaching, promising to improve surgical outcomes significantly, reduce operational times, and expand the scope of reconstructive surgeries performed worldwide.

Conclusion

Dr. Nandoun Abeysekera stands as a remarkable figure in medical technology innovation. His work with Avasa has already made significant strides in microvascular surgery, promising yet more impactful contributions to come. As he advances toward US market entry, the potential for widespread adoption of his solutions could reshape surgical standards globally, making intricate procedures safer and more efficient. With his commitment to ethical and sustainable innovation, Dr. Abeysekera’s efforts signify a substantial legacy in the field of medtech advancements.