The problem: Extremely pre-term babies have underdeveloped organs and a weak immune system and need intensive care. Because they cannot breathe properly, these babies need an additional oxygen supply and ventilation support. But the supply needs to be tightly controlled: if oxygen levels are too high there is a risk of eye damage, even blindness, if too low there is a risk of permanent damage to the brain and other organs.
The answer: Neosense Technologies has developed a sensor with monitoring systems that keeps tabs on the blood oxygen levels and temperature of preterm infants. The company claims its system can reduce mortality and morbidity for pre-term babies at risk of developing lifelong disorders due to impaired oxygen therapy.
The developers estimate a market of 50,000 patients across Europe and calculate that a reduction of minor and major disabilities by 10 per cent would save health systems €4 billion a year.
In the longer term, the company says the sensor could be used for adults in intensive care and in cardiac and vascular surgery.
The company: Neosense’s patented monitoring system is based on a sensor developed by Nils Holmström as part of his PhD work at Stockholm’s Royal Institute of Technology. He formed the company with Kenneth Danehorn and Lars Åke Brodin, a professor of medical engineering at KTH. Neosense has attracted a number of backers. Sweden's innovation agency, Vinnova, funded the company with €175,000. Stockholm County Council, SLL Innovation Fund will support the company with €40,000 this year. Stockholm Innovation and Growth has provided business coaching and has a 5 per cent option agreement in the company. KTH Holding invested €25,000 for a 5 per cent holding in the company. There is also an innovation loan of €30,000 from the Swedish government-backed innovation group Almi. KTH Innovation has supported and funded the company with €5,000. Flemingsberg Science Foundation has put in €2,500 and provided free legal support.
A clinical evaluation has successfully completed and the company hopes to see its sensor launched in Europe and Asia in five years' time.
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