Diverssity, MoleSense and Performance Mouthguard each receive Tech Seed Loans
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Three innovations have been recognized by the Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT), with three start-ups receiving Tech Seed loans. First, Diverssity received CHF 50,000 for its therapeutic, multisensory game “My Magic Room,” designed for neurodiverse adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Next is MoleSense, which will be able to develop its wearable skin sensor for the management of high-risk pregnancies thanks to CHF 100,000 granted by the FIT. Finally, CHF 100,000 in loan funding has also been awarded to Performance MouthGuard, a custom-made mouthguard that protects against dental injuries and concussions.
Diverssity and its multisensory mixed reality therapeutic gaming software for neurodiverse adolescents
In Switzerland, thousands of children are affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, there are few innovative solutions for parents, therapists, doctors, specialized institutions and healthcare centres to treat these individuals.
Diverssity has developed the game “My Magic Room” for neurodiverse adolescents with ASD, which can be used at home and/or in therapy. The software offers gamified therapies and uses revolutionary mixed reality (MR) technology. Teenagers are immersed in the game by simply wearing an MR headset, which allows them to interact with digital elements and avatars in scenarios designed to reinforce key skills such as emotion regulation, communication, concentration and sensorimotor abilities.
The headset will soon incorporate a tracking device that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to capture behavioural biomarkers in order to develop patient profiles and personalize ASD care.
The CHF 50,000 Tech Seed loan from FIT will contribute to the development of a platform for analysing data and testing AI models, while supporting the rollout of the game to six pilot institutions in the cantons of Vaud and Valais.
MoleSense: helping the management of high-risk pregnancies – continuously and non-invasively
The number of so-called “high-risk” pregnancies is on the rise in Switzerland, mainly due to the increasing age at which women become pregnant. However, even if the risk factors are known (age, excess weight, etc.), detecting complications during pregnancy is very difficult.
The wearable skin sensor – or “patch” – under development by MoleSense aims to address this issue in the monitoring and management of high-risk pregnancies. Worn by the patient throughout her pregnancy, the sensor stimulates local perspiration in the mother-to-be and continuously monitors key biomarkers of reproductive health that may indicate inflammation or hormonal changes. The patch works autonomously and continuously, without requiring any blood tests or active intervention on the user’s part.
An associated AI-based analysis system interprets the data from the sensor. The system will be able to detect patterns indicating risks such as infection or premature birth, even before symptoms appear, much earlier than with conventional examination methods.
With the CHF 100,000 Tech Seed loan, MoleSense will be able to develop its first sensor prototype, begin transitioning to automated production, and conduct the first pre-clinical tests of its solution.
Performance MouthGuard: A custom-made mouthguard that protects against dental injuries and concussions
Depending on their sport, athletes can be subjected to numerous impacts. Trauma to the teeth and jaw, as well as concussions, are among the risks involved.
Performance MouthGuard offers 50% more dental protection than commercially available mouthguards and 50% more muscle activation in the neck, helping to reduce the risk of concussion. When wearing the device, athletes will naturally clench their jaw during an impact, which will activate the neck muscles and thus reduce the acceleration of the head.
These results are made possible by the innovation behind the device, which is based on the individual manufacture of the product using extremely accurate 3D visualization of the mouth of the future wearer, combined with the in-depth medical knowledge of the Performance MouthGuard team. Once the data has been extracted for each individual, the mouthguard is 3D printed.
The CHF 100,000 Tech Seed Loan awarded by FIT will enable Performance MouthGuard to obtain European compliance certification, launch the mouthguard on the Swiss market, and continue safety testing.
➡️ Source: Press Release | 📸 ©Diverssity, MoleSense and Performance Mouthguard