Berkeley-founded InkSpace Imaging earns FDA clearance for flexible MR coil on Philips 3T

InkSpace Imaging’s flexible MR coil has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance for use with Philips 3.0T MRI systems, opening the door for its adoption across all major MRI platforms. The clearance marks a notable achievement for the Berkeley-born startup, enabling radiologists to access faster workflows, sharper images, and greater patient comfort on Siemens Healthineers, GE HealthCare, and now Philips MRI systems.

InkSpace Imaging was founded at UC Berkeley by Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences Professors Ana Arias and Michael (Miki) Lustig, together with then-Ph.D. student Joseph Corea. The company stems directly from Berkeley research in flexible electronics and advanced medical imaging, reflecting the university’s ongoing role in translating fundamental innovation into real-world healthcare solutions.

The new MR coil is designed to be lightweight and flexible, allowing it to conform closely to the patient’s body. This improves the quality of the captured signal while also making the experience significantly more comfortable—especially for patients who may have difficulty remaining still or who experience discomfort with traditional rigid coils. By reducing setup time and improving consistency in imaging, the system supports both more efficient clinical workflows and more reliable diagnostic outcomes.

“This milestone highlights Berkeley’s strength in fostering interdisciplinary breakthroughs,” the founders noted. “From engineering research to clinical application, our goal has always been to make MRI more patient-centered while advancing the capabilities of medical imaging.”