Life science and medical devices
HENTOTOUCH
Aalto University's thinTouch project aims to develop a completely new technology for the treatment of a specific brain disease. The invention originated from the Biodesign Finland project, the purpose of which is to identify the needs of healthcare and to develop solutions based on these researches. hentoTouch combines research from different fields of science, creating a completely new concept for the treatment of that disease. The form of treatment is alleviating a huge global health problem that is also currently placing a significant financial burden on health care as well as limited productivity. The aim of the project is to create a solution that offers the opportunity for better treatment results and thus an improved quality of life for patients, as well as significant savings in public funds. In addition, the project will bring Finland to the forefront of the international treatment of this brain disease.
Contact: Ilkka Hyytiäinen, Innovation Advisor (SCI)
MEGMRI
The project is preparing the commercialization of a brain imaging technology developed at Aalto University related to the MEG-MRI combination device. Its aim is to demonstrate the commercial potential of the method, to select the primary market areas and to select the best possible business model for the commercialization of the method. The research part of the project aims to ensure and verify the unparalleled diagnostic accuracy and suitability of the method for treatment planning in important areas of application (epilepsy, brain tumors, Alzheimer's disease). The commercialization part of the project will result in a comprehensive business plan and contacts with potential customers and investors.
Contact: Patrik Hollos, Innovation Advisor (SCI)
MELIORA
Depression (Major depressive disorder, MDD) is the leading cause of disability globally and the largest burden of illness among mental health problems. The cost of depression in the United States is> $ 200 billion and in Europe> € 100 billion. ~ 7% of the adult population suffers from depression each year and about half of depression cases go untreated. The main treatments are antidepressants (limited efficacy, variable response, side effects) and various therapies (limited efficacy, high cost, poor availability). Above all, current therapies do not alleviate the cognitive symptoms of depression. Digital Therapeutics (DTx) is a new form of healthcare technology and offers an affordable, highly scalable and widely available solution to global healthcare challenges such as depression. DTx methods based on cognitive psychotherapy already exist for the treatment of depression. We have developed a new type of action computer game that offers a new DTx treatment for depression. Our game innovation alleviates the symptoms of depression, but also seeks to strengthen cognitive performance and thus correct cognitive deficits associated with depression. Our “game of depression” is a unique, challenging and fun action game developed “game above” instead of being based on playful psychological tests. Preliminary research suggests that as early as 8 to 12 weeks of gaming intervention may lead to a clinically significant response to treatment. In this project, we will identify the gaming DTx business models and the freedom of action for our gaming solution. We are producing a proof-of-concept version of the game that will be tested in a clinical trial to determine its effectiveness and safety. The clinical data thus collected will form the basis for the subsequent commercialization of research results and advance national opportunities to play a leading role in the new digital therapies business.
Contact: Patrik Hollos, Innovation Advisor (SCI)
mTMS
The project is preparing the commercialization of transcranial magnetic stimulation technology, or TMS technology, which is under intensive research and development at Aalto University. TMS is a non-invasive way to activate nerve cells by inducing electrical currents at a desired point in the brain. TMS is already widely used in research, diagnosis and therapy around the world. By commercializing the technology, we aim to bring a new, revolutionary multi-site TMS (mTMS) to other research teams and clinics.
Contact: Patrik Hollos, Innovation Advisor (SCI)
NOSORE
The Nosore R2B project investigates the suitability of a measurement sheet based on smart textiles for assessing the risk of pressure ulcers and thus for the prevention of weight wounds.
Contact Ilkka Hyytiäinen, Innovation Advisor (SCI)
SOLVING THE MESH
The project will develop biomaterial for a network used to correct pelvic organ deposition in women, as well as a business model to commercialize the invention.
Contact: Ilkka Hyytiäinen, Innovation Advisor (SCI)
URISENS
Urisens is a healthcare technology solution that solves a significant need in elderly and long term care (LTC), screening vital urine parameters renal function and hydration. It takes usually a minimum of 3 days for the caregiver to notice the worsening health for long-term bed patients. The clinician suspects of various clinical conditions, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and infections. Getting the results of lab tests take another day. 4 days passed; still the clinician does not have enough data for diagnosis. The symptoms gets worse and treatment is late.
With Urisens, data collection happens wirelessly and immediately, using a low cost printed sensor system embedded in a diaper. Urinary data and artificial intelligence (AI) assisted analysis generates clinically useful information rapidly, reducing caregiver time spent on patient and other clinical resources. The joint parties are Aalto University and VTT. Urisens applied technology is built on a strong research foundation backed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of clinical experts, researchers, engineers and industry experts. The team has solid experience in health technology research and business development.
Contact: Patrik Hollos, Innovation Advisor (SCI)
VISENTOOLS
The visual sensebuilding tools (Visentool) R2B project develops the concepts, designs, and prototypes of the facilitating application and symbolically explicit artifact sets for visual sensebuilding. During the R2B project, the team with the support of advisors will actively test and develop the method, the artifacts, and the facilitation app with real end users of diverse backgrounds. Founded on the most recent design research and cognitive and social neuroscience, the artifact's sizes, shapes, and colors will be designed to inspire intuitive and playful sensebuilding. The concept and pilot design will be done for the digital facilitator application, and the use of various AI algorithms will be explored. The project aims to establish the readiness for commercialization, produce supportive research for proof of concept and relevance, and prepare the founding of a start-up and a first risk funding round. We have an exceptionally experienced multidisciplinary research and a business-focused team composed of Aalto University faculty from the School of Science, School of Art and Design, and the Innovation support unit, partner companies, and start-up advisors, with strong expertise in artifact design, work design, software development, plastic molding, neuroscience, marketing, scaling start-ups, and organization and strategic management.
Contact: Ilkka Hyytiäinen, Innovation Advisor (SCI)