Not long ago, in HealthTech of the Week, we introduced solutions primarily aimed at children. This time, we are focusing on seniors. The development of modern technologies is opening new possibilities for elderly therapy, especially in the context of cognitive and motor rehabilitation. In response to the needs of seniors and the specialists caring for their health, the GRYDSEN tool was created, utilizing virtual reality to support therapy. This innovative approach significantly enhances the effectiveness of exercises and improves the quality of life for patients.

GRYDSEN was designed for seniors requiring support in cognitive and physical rehabilitation. Traditional therapy methods, based on manual exercises, were often not engaging enough, negatively impacting their regular use. The project team, after analyzing available research on VR technology and its therapeutic potential, decided to develop a tool that innovatively combines virtual reality with senior rehabilitation. Particular attention was given to the impact of simultaneous cognitive and motor function stimulation on therapy effectiveness.

– In the cognitive sphere, the tool helps improve working and long-term memory, enhance concentration and spatial orientation, and refine problem-solving skills – explains Michał Majcherek, CEO of GRYDSEN. – In the motor aspect, it supports hand-eye coordination, movement precision, and overall physical fitness, tailored to the individual capabilities of patients.

A brand new world for seniors

Virtual reality stands out due to its high level of immersion, leading to greater senior engagement in the therapeutic process. It eliminates distracting environmental stimuli, allowing patients to focus entirely on their exercises. As a result, therapy becomes more effective, and seniors can perform tasks in a safe, controlled environment. Moreover, GRYDSEN offers the possibility of customizing therapeutic scenarios to individual needs, ensuring that the rehabilitation process is personalized and adapted to the severity of the patient’s conditions.

A typical therapy session using this tool lasts between 20 to 40 minutes. By putting on VR goggles, the senior is introduced to an interactive exercise world that includes both simple motor tasks and more complex cognitive activities. The system guides the user through therapy stages, monitoring progress and adjusting the difficulty level according to individual abilities. The entire process can be supervised by a therapist who can adjust the exercises as needed to ensure correct execution.

Overcoming initial challenges

Developing the tool involved many challenges, with the most significant being the creation of an intuitive and ergonomic interface tailored to seniors’ needs. Another crucial aspect was optimizing game mechanics to ensure accessibility for individuals with limited mobility. A key element of the project development was also validating the tool’s effectiveness, conducted under the supervision of an ethics committee in collaboration with senior clubs. This enabled a reliable assessment of VR therapy’s impact on improving patients’ cognitive and motor functions.

Initially, seniors may approach VR technology with some hesitation, fearing difficulties in operating the device. However, practice shows that intuitive controls and simple interaction mechanisms significantly ease the adaptation process. Therapist support during the first sessions plays a crucial role, but after a short period of use, seniors gain confidence and become more willing to engage with GRYDSEN, further enhancing their motivation for regular exercise.

The tool is designed so that seniors can perform exercises independently, guided automatically through therapy sessions. However, the presence of a therapist or caregiver is recommended to ensure safety, particularly for those with balance issues or other health limitations. GRYDSEN also offers extensive therapy customization, allowing the difficulty level and type of exercises to be tailored to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. This makes therapy more effective and better suited to the actual needs of each patient.

Looking ahead

In our opinion, implementing GRYDSEN in care and medical facilities can bring numerous benefits. Therapy effectiveness significantly increases, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes. Patients show greater engagement in exercises, while therapists can optimize their work by monitoring progress and better tailoring therapy to individual senior needs. Thanks to modern solutions, rehabilitation becomes more efficient and appealing, directly improving patients’ quality of life.

• We are continuously working on further developing the tool. We plan to expand therapeutic scenarios and introduce advanced analytical functions that will enable even more precise therapy customization to seniors’ individual needs. We are also considering integration with telemedicine systems, allowing for remote monitoring of rehabilitation progress and ongoing assessment of therapy effectiveness – says Michał Majcherek.

GRYDSEN represents a breakthrough in senior therapy, combining modern technology with the rehabilitation needs of the elderly. By leveraging virtual reality, therapy becomes more engaging, effective, and tailored to the individual capabilities of patients.

The HealthTech of the Week team firmly believes that introducing this tool into medical facilities and senior homes can significantly enhance the quality of care and the effectiveness of cognitive-motor rehabilitation. As society continues to age, solutions like this could play a key role in ensuring seniors live longer, more active, and healthier lives.

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Stay tuned for more in the “Health Tech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

Spring is almost here, and in this edition of Healthtech of the Week, we take inspiration from the changing season. In the era of rapid medical technology advancements, patient temperature monitoring is becoming increasingly precise and convenient—thanks in part to Warmie. Traditional thermometers require manual measurement, often impractical at night or for patients needing constant care. Warmie eliminates these inconveniences by providing continuous and contactless temperature measurements, delivering real-time, accurate data.

Warmie is a medical sensor that leverages cutting-edge technology, combining precise temperature measurement with wireless data transmission. Traditional thermometers provide a one-time reading with an accuracy of up to 0.1°C, whereas Warmie delivers a continuous data stream, enabling temperature trend analysis. Advanced algorithms filter measurements, eliminating the influence of external factors such as body position changes or environmental conditions, allowing for a true reflection of the patient’s condition.

– Warmie operates in real-time, meaning caregivers and doctors can detect the early signs of infection even before other symptoms appear. „The application allows users to set individual alert thresholds, for example, 38°C, triggering a push notification when exceeded – explains Katarzyna Linette from Polmedi. – With continuous measurements, Warmie detects early signs of infection, such as a gradual temperature increase, which is difficult to observe with sporadic traditional measurements. In clinical practice, this enables quicker diagnostics and treatment, reducing the risk of complications – she adds.

Safety and versatility

The sensor is designed for patients requiring constant monitoring—children, seniors, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Its safety is confirmed by certifications compliant with European standards. Thanks to its lightweight and comfortable design, the sensor does not cause discomfort, even with prolonged use. One practical application is monitoring children with epilepsy. Sudden temperature spikes can signal an impending seizure, and Warmie allows for an immediate response.

A key element of Warmie is its machine-learning algorithms and time-series analysis. The sensor filters data in real-time, compensating for disturbances and adapting to individual temperature patterns. Intelligent predictive models detect anomalies, which can significantly improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring both in hospitals and at home.

Warmie is also a valuable tool for modern telemedicine. It enables remote temperature monitoring, making it particularly useful in hospital settings. In medical facilities, the sensor can integrate with computer systems to automatically record measurements and generate alerts for concerning changes. Soon, the Warmie app will include a feature for sharing data with other devices, allowing parents to monitor their child’s temperature at school or caregivers to track seniors’ health remotely.

– Our goal is full integration with telemedicine systems. One of our planned innovations is a sterile version of the sensor dedicated to hospitals, which will enable temperature monitoring of postoperative wounds. Even slight temperature fluctuations can be the first sign of an infection, and early diagnosis in such cases allows for faster intervention – Linette explains.

Technical challenges and device optimization

Continuous temperature monitoring presents technological challenges, which the Warmie team has successfully addressed. Measurement stability has been optimized through intelligent algorithms that compensate for patient movement and skin moisture. Another challenge was extending battery life—thanks to software optimizations, the sensor operates for up to six months on a single charge, making it a highly practical solution.

The Warmie team continues to refine its software to meet growing user demands. Plans include a temperature monitoring mode for athletes, allowing for thermal analysis during training. Another step may be integration with wearable devices like smartwatches, providing even more precise real-time health monitoring.

In an era of rapid digital health advancements, PolMedi’s innovation has the potential to become an essential part of daily healthcare. As society becomes more open to innovative solutions, remote health monitoring tools are becoming the standard. With its precision and functionality, Warmie aligns with this trend, offering new possibilities for both patients and healthcare professionals.

This is yet another sign that the future of digital medicine is exciting. Warmie is ready to play an active role in this future, providing accurate and reliable data to support top-quality healthcare.

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Stay tuned for more in the “Health Tech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

In the first March entry of the „Health Tech of the Week” series, we return to the topic of pharmacology. Ensuring the safety of pharmacotherapy is one of the key challenges of modern medicine, requiring advanced analytical technologies and decision-support systems. Innovative solutions developed by Pharmdiver address these challenges by offering a comprehensive approach to therapy individualization and monitoring the risk of adverse drug reactions.

A fundamental issue in pharmacotherapy is the lack of sufficient treatment personalization that considers a patient’s unique characteristics, such as physiology, dietary habits, supplementation, and comorbidities. Pharmdiver’s modern technologies enable a holistic approach to pharmacotherapy safety by identifying drug interactions not only with other medications but also with food and dietary supplements. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction analysis allows for the assessment of drug metabolism and therapy effectiveness.

– Our approach focuses on the patient as an individual with unique characteristics, including physiology, dietary habits, supplementation needs, and lifestyle. We do not treat the patient as an in vitro model, where only a single interaction is analyzed in isolation. In reality, the impact of pharmacotherapy is multidimensional, and our technology enables a comprehensive assessment of potential risks and optimization of therapy tailored to the specific individual – said Marta Jasiewicz, CEO of Pharmdiver.

This individualized approach to the patient is a fundamental pillar of the brand, guiding the development of innovative solutions. Pharmdiver has created several different products that address the most common pharmacological issues encountered by patients.

Analysis of drug interactions with supplements and food

Smart Pharma Finder+ is based on reliable scientific evidence, including meta-analyses, clinical studies, and systematic literature reviews. Interactions are classified according to their mechanisms and effects, with priority given to potentially dangerous interactions. Ambiguous cases are categorized as „other” to avoid overinterpretation.

A key element of this approach is the evaluation of drug-food interactions, considering both entire product groups and individual nutrients that may affect drug bioavailability. This allows doctors and pharmacists to plan patient therapy more comprehensively, minimizing the risk of adverse treatment effects.

On the other hand, AI-based products such as Smart Pharma Optimizer and Smart Pharma Finder+ utilize advanced algorithms combining hybrid artificial intelligence technologies, including natural language processing models (LLM) and classical machine learning (ML) methods. A crucial component of pharmacotherapeutic analysis is a graph database that identifies complex relationships between drugs and potential therapeutic risks.

Personalized treatment and physician support

Therapy individualization is one of the main challenges of modern medicine. Pharmdiver’s tools enable risk assessment for adverse drug reactions based on factors such as patient age, comorbidities, lifestyle, and pharmacotherapy regimen. Additionally, these systems support physicians in selecting safe medications and analyzing supplement ingredients, allowing for informed therapeutic decisions.

Errors in pharmacotherapy, resulting from incorrect prescriptions, cumulative adverse effects, or improper drug use, can lead to severe health consequences. Pharmdiver’s tools help reduce these risks by integrating pharmacotherapy safety data and monitoring the benefit-risk ratio of treatment.

Another important aspect is the verification of oral drug forms for decomposition feasibility. This analysis is invaluable for patients with dysphagia or those requiring drug administration via feeding tubes, ensuring therapy safety.

Innovative pharmacotherapy management

It is also worth mentioning the latest development, Smart Pharma Optimizer. This groundbreaking tool allows for the automatic summation of adverse drug effects and the assessment of their mathematical probability. By factoring in risk-modifying variables, a more precise pharmacotherapeutic analysis can be conducted, taking into account both individual patient characteristics and the specifics of the prescribed therapy.

– One of the key future directions we aim to explore is drug-disease interaction analysis. We strive to develop a tool capable of identifying cases where a disease modifies the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of a drug. In some instances, treatment exacerbates symptoms of comorbid conditions or even triggers the manifestation of a previously latent disease. Analyzing such interactions can ultimately improve pharmacotherapy effectiveness and safety – said CEO of Pharmdiver.

The Health Tech of the Week team is convinced that the development of advanced analytical tools such as Smart Pharma Optimizer and Smart Pharma Finder+ represents a significant step toward enhancing pharmacotherapy safety. By leveraging artificial intelligence, data integration, and advanced analytical algorithms, effective therapy personalization and medical error minimization become achievable. Implementing these technologies into clinical practice can contribute to improved patient health outcomes and optimize therapeutic processes in modern medicine.

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Stay tuned for more in the “Health Tech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

In the Healthtech of the Week series, we once again turn our attention to children. This is because modern speech therapy faces numerous challenges: a lack of engaging methods, difficulties in motivating children to practice regularly, and issues with managing therapy documentation. Play.air has addressed these needs by creating Logoplan—a system that supports speech therapists in organizing their work while making therapy more engaging for young patients.

The idea of developing technology to support speech therapy arose from real needs, such as the lack of engaging tools for breathing exercises, patient motivation issues, and the challenge of managing a speech therapy practice. Initially, the Play.air team focused on creating a solution for breathing exercises. However, after analyzing therapists’ needs, they decided to shift direction and develop Logoplan. This system is a comprehensive tool for therapy and practice management and will soon enable the prescription of personalized home exercises.

Challenges on the Path to Innovation

As Michał Pożoga, COO of Play.air, emphasizes, the development of innovative technological products is a significant challenge—both financially and conceptually.

– The costs of software development and previous hardware projects were among the main barriers Play.air had to overcome. Equally crucial was understanding the real needs of speech therapists, which required intensive collaboration and a thorough analysis of their daily work. While demanding, this process turned out to be incredibly inspiring and motivating – he highlights.

Thanks to Logoplan, speech therapists can efficiently manage their practice—from scheduling and documentation to patient communication. The digital platform eliminates the issue of misplaced paper notes and automates many repetitive tasks, such as appointment reminders.

For children and their parents, interactivity is a key element of Logoplan. The startup recognized that traditional paper-based exercises often fail to engage young patients. By incorporating familiar and enjoyable mechanics such as memory games, sorting, and matching pairs, the exercises become much more appealing. Moreover, speech therapists can select appropriate tasks from a vast database, tailoring them to each patient’s individual needs.

A Breathing Revolution and Gamification

In its early stages, Play.air experimented with an innovative approach to respiratory therapy using a breath-controlled device that allowed players to control a game through inhalations and exhalations. Although the development of this project was put on hold in favor of Logoplan, initial tests revealed the immense potential of combining therapy with interactive play. Children who participated in the tests were highly engaged—so much so that they often refused to give up the controllers. This confirmed how technology and gamification can significantly enhance the effectiveness of speech therapy. Play.air plans to continue developing interactive exercise formats, potentially revolutionizing how children learn correct pronunciation.

Play.air also recognized the crucial role parents play in the speech therapy process. When asked about future plans, the company’s COO responded:

– We are working on solutions that will help parents better monitor their children’s progress. Our plans include voice recording features, therapy plans, and detailed exercise schedules, enabling parents to track their child’s improvements in real time.

Currently, the company is acquiring its first Logoplan users and focusing on further development. The next step will be the implementation of an interactive home exercise module, which will help improve the consistency and effectiveness of therapy for patients.

Towards the Future

While Play.air is currently focused on the Polish market, plans for international expansion are already on the horizon. The company has yet to reveal specific target regions, but it sees significant potential for adapting its solution to the global speech therapy market.

Moreover, in the future, the technology developed by Play.air could be applied to other areas of therapy. The creators recognize the potential for integrating Logoplan with sensory integration therapy (SI), occupational therapy, and hand therapy, as these fields are closely related to speech therapy. When conducted by experts, such integrations can yield even more measurable results.

This is yet another example of the rapid growth of Polish MedTech and how technology can support both specialists and patients in the speech therapy process. With Logoplan, speech therapists can better manage their practice, while children engage more actively in pronunciation exercises. In a world where traditional methods are increasingly giving way to digital solutions, Play.air is opening new possibilities—proving that speech therapy can be not only effective but also engaging and modern.

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Stay tuned for more in the “Health Tech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

February marks a noticeable increase in illnesses compared to previous months. In the era of rising antibiotic resistance, the need for innovative solutions in wound and infection treatment is becoming increasingly urgent. This is the perfect moment to present the Polish scientific team from FunkBIOTICS in the latest edition of Health Tech of the Week. They have responded to these challenges by developing a groundbreaking product – the KARVADERM hydrogel membrane, which combines natural ingredients with eco-friendly technology, offering effective protection against infections and supporting tissue regeneration.

When the idea for an innovative product is born, it often has a personal dimension. For the team, the inspiration to create KARVADERM came from the personal experience of the company’s founder, who saw his father’s complications with diabetes as a driving force. His father’s illness, which led to an infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, became a serious health threat and highlighted the lack of effective and safe methods for treating infected wounds. The desire to develop an effective, natural dressing to help patients fight infections was therefore the key motivator behind the creation of the dressing.

Natural ingredients and modern technology

The hydrogel membrane from the Polish startup stands out with several unique properties, making it one of the most innovative products in the field of wound treatment. The combination of natural bioactive ingredients and modern technology makes KARVADERM a solution for contemporary medical challenges. It contains essential oils of thyme and oregano, which have strong antibacterial properties, effectively combating pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, these ingredients reduce biofilm formation, which is crucial in the treatment of chronic wounds.

– The dressing’s membrane is based on chitosan, a biopolymer of natural origin that is fully biodegradable. As a result, the dressing is not only effective in treatment but also environmentally friendly. Unlike synthetic dressings, which often generate medical waste, KARVADERM minimizes its negative impact on the planet, aligning with sustainable development principles – says Monika Bończa-Tomaszewska, co-founder and CEO.

The dressing is the result of a unique chitosan dissolution technology using gaseous carbon dioxide, which creates a more efficient hydrogel matrix. This structure allows for the gradual release of active ingredients, providing long-lasting antiseptic and therapeutic effects, which enhance treatment effectiveness and support the wound healing process. It has been designed with patients with sensitive skin in mind, including those with diabetes. Its biocompatibility ensures safe use, and its hemostatic and tissue-healing properties effectively support skin regeneration naturally and safely.

Unlike traditional dressings, which only provide passive protection, KARVADERM is an active dressing. Thanks to the presence of essential oils and other active ingredients, it acts proactively – aiding wound healing, controlling infections, and creating optimal conditions for tissue regeneration. This makes it stand out from other products on the market, offering more effective and faster wound healing.

– Thanks to its technology, it can maintain its antiseptic properties for 48-72 hours, making it a convenient solution for both patients and healthcare professionals. The frequency of dressing changes depends on the wound condition and the amount of exudate, but regular changes allow for monitoring treatment progress and maintaining optimal conditions for tissue regeneration – says dr. Agnieszka Magryś, associate professor at UMLUB, co-founder, and CSO of the brand.

Research on the effectiveness of KARVADERM indicates its high efficiency in accelerating wound healing and improving scar aesthetics. In vitro tests showed that the active ingredients of the dressing have strong activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Preclinical studies observed faster wound closure and a lower risk of scarring compared to traditional dressings.

In the process of certification

The next step in the product’s development is to expand the product line with new forms of dressings, such as therapeutic foam. The foam, like the hydrogel, will contain the same bioactive ingredients but in a form more suitable for application in hard-to-reach areas. This product aims to improve the effectiveness of treating wounds with uneven surfaces and will serve as an alternative for patients using dressings in home settings.

Further studies on KARVADERM also include its use in treating more advanced burns and in emergency situations such as military actions or rescue missions. The product shows enormous potential for dual-use applications, both in civilian medicine and military healthcare.

– FunkBIOTICS is continuously working towards obtaining certifications that will allow the dressing to enter international markets. We plan to obtain CE certification, which will enable the sale of the dressing in the European Union. Additionally, further steps are being taken to expand distribution to other markets, which requires intensive efforts toward certification and cooperation with investors and strategic partners – adds Marcin Bończa-Tomaszewski, co-founder of the startup.

Sustainability at the forefront

KARVADERM is more than just an innovative medical product – it is also a step toward sustainable development and environmental protection. Its biodegradability and use of natural ingredients make it a product that meets the growing needs of modern society for health protection and care for our planet.

In the future, the dressing may find application not only in wound healing but also in regenerative medicine, aesthetic surgery, and even in military medical units. Further research and development of this technology aim to expand its applications to meet both civilian and military requirements.

FunkBIOTICS focuses on innovation, ecology, and patient care, creating a product that can change the future of wound treatment, which we sincerely believe. We hope it will!

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Stay tuned for more in the “Health Tech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].