ZAP Surgical Secures $36M to Expand Robotic Brain Surgery

ZAP Surgical Systems has raised $36 million in new financing to rapidly expand globally. The California-based medical technology firm disclosed the investment on October 19th, 2026. Lead investor Catalio Capital Management was followed by strategic partner Baheal and its involvement in China. This financial backing signifies trust in ZAP's robotic radiosurgery technology and market potential.

The funding will be utilized to expand the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform across various healthcare settings, including academic medical centers, community hospitals and physician-led practices. Additionally, ZAP is increasing manufacturing capacity to meet heightened global demand. The company has already delivered its 50th system and has treated nearly 10,000 patients.

ZAP-X technology employs radiation beams from over 1,000 angles, eliminating the need for a radiation vault as it utilizes modern linear accelerators instead of radioactive cobalt. This design aims to reduce installation costs and streamline operations, potentially allowing the procedure to reach hospitals and outpatient care providers with limited facilities.

The company plans to strengthen its presence in the United States while deepening its partnership with Baheal in China. Nicholas von Guionneau, a physician and investor at Catalio, noted the financing reflects confidence in ZAP's global opportunities. He will join ZAP’s board as an observer. He added that intelligent robotics could help reduce healthcare costs while improving standards of care.

ZAP is also advancing radiomodulation research, exploring non-invasive treatments for treatment-resistant depression and addiction. This emerging approach uses precisely targeted, low-dose ionizing radiation, with initial findings from a first-in-human pilot study showing promising results. The company aims to conduct broader clinical trials focusing on treatment-resistant depression and addiction.

ZAP founder and CEO John R. Adler believes neuroscience could witness significant therapeutic advances in the coming decade, emphasizing the importance of mission-aligned investment partners for expanding access to non-invasive therapies.