Wearable Wonders: 5 Startups We Met at DMEA 2023
For a long time, wearables were limited to fitness trackers and smartwatches. However, these small, networked computers have now become a significant segment in the digital health market. This was also confirmed by DMEA 2023 in Berlin, where we met exciting startups pushing the boundaries of wearable technology at the health IT trade show from April 25 to 27. We engaged in numerous interesting conversations and exchanged ideas about their groundbreaking technologies.
In this article, we introduce you to five of these innovative companies.
Understanding Wearables
Wearables are smart devices typically worn on the body, designed to support their users in everyday life. Equipped with sensors and advanced technologies, they collect and analyze health data, revolutionizing the way modern healthcare is delivered by enabling personalized and remote care like never before.
Our Top 5 Wearable Innovators
HEI Therapeutics - Self-Monitoring for Hypothyroidism
Our first discovery at DMEA is HEI Therapeutics, a digital therapy company based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The startup is developing the world's first medical monitoring technology for patients with hypothyroidism, using state-of-the-art microfluidics, microtechnology, and artificial intelligence.
More than 200 million people worldwide suffer from hypothyroidism, with many either undiagnosed or improperly treated. HEI Therapeutics' wearable allows these individuals to track their hormone levels, well-being, and symptoms anytime, anywhere.
💡 HEI Therapeutics - Impact
The startup empowers thyroid patients to better personalize the management of their condition and receive continuous digital care.
Nuanic - Early Detection & Prevention of Mental Disorders
We also learned about Nuanic, a Finnish startup based in Tampere, which develops wearable biosensors and software for mental health professionals in medicine, research, and R&D labs. Their platform is designed for the early detection and prevention of mental disorders.
Many mental disorders develop over months or even years, often due to chronic stress. While questionnaires and clinical observations are used for diagnosis, prevention remains challenging. Nuanic addresses this issue by screening electrodermal activity, enabling laboratory-level measurements in daily life.
💡 Nuanic - Impact
Nuanic's biosensor allows for early detection and prevention of mental disorders by screening electrodermal activity.
KENTAGO - Back Measurement Device for Increased Mobility and Well-Being
KENTAGO, a Hamburg-based startup in the Health Innovation Port on the Philips Campus, develops hardware and applications for physical well-being. With experts in science, engineering, software development, sales, and digital, the company has created the patented TRICURO go device for back measurement. Fitness coaches or corporate health management experts can use this device to measure tension in their clients' backs, with results displayed directly on a smartphone app.
💡 KENTAGO - Impact
The back measurement device enables the creation of targeted exercise programs that help people achieve greater mobility and well-being in their backs.
Paragit - Early Detection & Personalized Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
We also met Paragit, a Danish MedTech startup based in Frederiksberg, developing wearable technology for individuals affected by Parkinson's and other neurological disorders. Their product supports research, accurate assessment, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment of these conditions.
The patented forearm cuff consists of sensors and a textile and patch system that detects early individual symptoms. It collects data on muscle function, movement patterns, sleep, grip strength, and abnormal sweating. AI models analyze these data, facilitating clinical decision-making.
💡 Paragit - Impact
Paragit's textile and patch system enables early diagnosis and personalized treatment of Parkinson's disease and other motor disorders.
RooWalk - Electric Walking Aid for Hands-Free Mobility at Any Age
At the DMEA fair, we also discovered RooWalk, a Berlin-based startup that assists children and adults with physical disabilities in achieving self-determined mobility. Their electric walker allows users to stand upright hands-free, walk pain-free, and improve overall mobility.
The unique feature of this device is its two electric wheels, controlled by the user's body movements. The walking aid follows the user's movements and can be individually adapted, making it suitable for all ages.
💡 RooWalk - Impact
RooWalk's electrically powered walker enables children and adults with physical impairments to achieve enhanced mobility, inclusion, and quality of life.
Conclusion: Revolutionary Wearables at DMEA 2023
Wearable technology is paving the way for the future of healthcare, and these five startups are at the forefront of this revolution. With their innovative devices, they are tackling critical challenges in the healthcare industry, from managing chronic diseases to improving mental health and mobility.
As wearables continue to evolve and become increasingly integrated into patient-centric processes, we can expect to see many more exciting innovations in this space. Keep an eye on our DMEA finds. Their wearable wonders will undoubtedly continue to make waves in digital healthcare.
