Health Tech of the Week: Modern Hydrogel Membrane KARVADERM – A Revolution in Wound and Infection Treatment

Health Tech of the Week: Modern Hydrogel Membrane KARVADERM – A Revolution in Wound and Infection Treatment

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.

Press Release

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.

Press release

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!

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].

Health Tech of the Week: Aptamedica’s Medical Analyzer – a revolution in personalized therapy

Health Tech of the Week: Aptamedica’s Medical Analyzer – a revolution in personalized therapy

The hero of the latest January post of the Health Tech of the Week series is Aptamedica, a rapidly growing startup introducing a groundbreaking medical analyzer to the market. This innovative device enables the fast and precise measurement of drug concentrations and diagnostic markers in patients’ blood. Based on advanced DNA biosensors and electrochemical technology, the analyzer has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of critically ill patients.

 

The Aptamedica analyzer operates through the precise interaction between DNA fragments and specific molecules such as drugs or sepsis markers. Each test is single-use and tailored to a particular substance, allowing for real-time measurements. This provides doctors with immediate access to critical information about a patient’s condition, which is particularly vital in intensive care units.

  • Our team was formed during our university studies. As part of exploring our scientific interests, we became fascinated by the emerging field of using DNA as a biosensor. We developed this concept into a new technology that allows for the measurement of various substances – says Maciej Łach, co-founder of Aptamedica. – The possibility of helping others, especially those in critical need, motivates us to develop our company and product. We always remember that one day our device might save our own lives or those of our family members –  he adds.
Press Release

Personalizing therapy with Artificial Intelligence

Advanced AI algorithms support the Aptamedica analyzer in personalizing patient therapies. The system not only enables precise drug dosage but also integrates test results with other medical data, allowing for even more tailored treatments.

What stands out about this Polish startup’s solution is its ability to rapidly determine the concentration of diagnostic markers. The use of innovative biopolymer layers and hydrogels eliminates interference during measurements, resulting in more accurate outcomes and significantly reduced waiting times.

Deploying the Aptamedica analyzer in intensive care units brings multiple clinical benefits. By instant access to results it allows immediate therapy adjustments. It streamlines medical workflows and eliminates the need to transport samples to a laboratory. What is more, analyzer enables bedside testing and gives personnel an opportunity to spend more time planning treatments and caring for patients.

Additionally, the analyzer is designed for full integration with hospital systems. Test results are automatically recorded in patients’ electronic medical records, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This improves diagnostic efficiency and provides authorized personnel with easier access to essential data.

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Development Plans and Certification

Aptamedica is working intensively to enhance the functionalities of its analyzer. Future plans include expanding the range of tests and increasing the sensitivity of test strips. The startup is also preparing for an investment round to secure funding for further development. Achieving certification in international markets, including compliance with EU directives and FDA standards in the United States, is a key goal.

  • Our device consists of two components: a universal analyzer (AptaSense) and interchangeable single-use tips specific to a given substance. When we develop a new test strip for detecting another substance, such as troponin or digoxin, we can update the analyzer, enabling it to perform a wider range of tests. In this way, we can create tests to measure the concentration of numerous substances relevant to other areas of medicine – explain Aptamedica representatives.

The team is focused on developing a reliable, fast, and user-friendly analyzer that will find broad applications in healthcare. The attractive pricing of the tests may increase access to diagnostic examinations, leading to better therapy planning and improved treatment effectiveness.

The realization of this vision marks a step toward the future of healthcare, driven by modern technologies and personalized therapies. The entire Health Tech of the Week editorial team is rooting for Aptamedica’s success!

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].

Health Tech of the Week: FIDI – a modern feeding robot that transforms the lives of people with disabilities

Health Tech of the Week: FIDI – a modern feeding robot that transforms the lives of people with disabilities

In the latest edition of the HealthTech of the Week series, we highlight the innovations of the Semi Robotics team with their device, FIDI. This highly needed device was created in response to the real needs of people with disabilities and their caregivers. The use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, has led to the development of a feeding robot that is not only functional but also intuitive to use. The creators aimed to provide users with greater independence and comfort while reducing the burden on caregivers.

 

We also became acquainted with the Semi Robotics team during the Mother and Child Startup Challenge organized by the Mother and Child Institute. It was one of the projects that sparked discussions about supporting disabilities in daily life. We had the chance to ask the creators about their inspirations, challenges, user feedback, and future plans. The team is led by Krzysztof Stelmach, the CEO of the brand, who, like the rest of the team, prefers to shorten the distance and simply go by his first name. Together with him, Izabela and Paweł also provided answers to our questions.

As they unanimously admit from the start, the project was born out of the need to find an alternative to manual care in situations where traditional support was difficult to access. The challenges included both the high costs of available devices and their complicated operation. FIDI fills this gap by offering a solution that is simple to use and reasonably priced.

– We came across an interesting opinion from a person who takes care of dependent patients in a medical unit on a daily basis. She stated that if she had four such robots at her facility, she would be able to feed a room of five in 20 minutes. The robots would feed four of them, and she would take care of the one requiring the most care quietly. Currently, she spends more than an hour doing this – Paul adds – We live in an aging society, so this kind of feedback shows that our device solves a rather important problem.

Press Release

Intuitive and Safe Solutions

The feeding robot by Semi Robotics utilizes artificial intelligence, including machine learning, a 3D camera, and a set of sensors that enable it to analyze the user’s movements and gestures. This allows the device to adjust the feeding pace and respond to the individual needs of the person being fed, eliminating the need for manual control.

It’s worth noting that FIDI was designed to be ready to work immediately after being powered on, without requiring complex setup. It detects the user’s presence, recognizes their face and facial expressions, and in the future, it will enable users to start feeding themselves using specific gestures. The device handles a variety of food textures – from soups and purees to solid dishes, which only need to be cut into smaller pieces. This approach allows FIDI to be widely applied in various care environments.

The entire team agrees that one of the key challenges was ensuring the device’s ease of use, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. The robot is equipped with safety systems that minimize the risk of errors, such as spilling food or unintended contact with the user. FIDI brings the spoon close to the user’s mouth, giving the individual the ability to decide when to take a bite. During testing, various situations occurred, but one particularly memorable incident stood out to Semi Robotics.

– During one of the tests, a person being fed suddenly leaned over the device, causing a collision with the spoon. Thanks to the safety mechanisms, the spoon detached from the arm and fell to the floor, causing no harm. This case confirmed the effectiveness of the protective systems, which minimize risks in such situations –  recalls Krzysztof.

Press release

An Innovation That Changes Daily Life

FIDI is more than a modern robot – it’s support for people with mobility limitations, an improvement in their quality of life, and a relief for caregivers. The project demonstrates that innovation can begin by solving everyday problems, transforming the lives of individuals and entire communities. The creators emphasize that their mission is to combine technology with humanism, offering solutions that genuinely impact the comfort and independence of users. With FIDI, the future of care becomes more accessible, modern, and user-friendly for everyone.

– Our immediate plans are focused on testing and improving the FIDI robot in real-life conditions of use. Thanks to our distinction in the Mother and Child Startup Challenge competition and in the Warsaw Booster program, we have gained the opportunity to conduct tests in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices – Izabela says – Our priority is to develop technology that will realistically make life easier for people with disabilities and their caregivers, as well as ensure high quality and reliability in everyday use – she adds.

Currently, FIDI is undergoing intensive testing in hospitals, hospices, and care homes such as the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk and the Warsaw Care and Treatment Center. The results of these tests will help refine the device and confirm its effectiveness in everyday use. The creators also plan to begin the CE certification process, which will pave the way for introducing FIDI to the European market. Further plans include certifications for the United Kingdom and the United States.

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].

Winners of the Mother and Child Startup Challenge: How Ultra Echo Scan and Ultra Pregna Scan Are Transforming the Future of Prenatal Medicine

Winners of the Mother and Child Startup Challenge: How Ultra Echo Scan and Ultra Pregna Scan Are Transforming the Future of Prenatal Medicine

We begin this week’s HealthTech of the Week with a feature on Team Prometheus, the creators of groundbreaking tools like Ultra Echo Scan (UES) and Ultra Pregna Scan (UPS). These are not just innovative software solutions but the foundation of a revolution with the potential to enhance the quality of medical diagnostics worldwide. What inspired their creation, what challenges were faced, and what sets these tools apart?

 

Inspiration and the Birth of Innovation

The foundation of Ultra Pregna Scan and Ultra Echo Scan lies in Team Prometheus’s fascination with cutting-edge technologies and their practical applications. The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in pattern recognition and image analysis inspired the team to develop tools that could radically improve early detection of congenital heart defects (CHD).

– It all started with our fascination with new technologies and their ability to enhance processes that were previously beyond the reach of modern tools – said Wiktor Strzelczyk, CEO UES Sp. z o.o. – A key motivator was understanding the scale of the problem: in Poland, ten children are born every day with congenital heart defects, and half of these cases are diagnosed only after birth. Early diagnosis is crucial to give these children a chance at a healthy life and provide families the opportunity to prepare for treatment.

Press Release

Challenges in Developing Artificial Intelligence

Creating the complex algorithms powering UES and UPS required overcoming numerous hurdles. A key challenge was assembling an interdisciplinary team combining expertise in AI, machine learning, and medicine. It took six months to build the team, followed by over 300 hours of joint consultations between AI specialists and medical professionals to design AI models tailored to the clinical specifics of heart defects.

This collaboration enabled AI experts to train their systems to identify heart structures in ultrasound images with precision comparable to that of medical experts. Meanwhile, doctors gained new perspectives on image analysis and classification.

UES and UPS are designed not to replace doctors but to assist them, particularly in the field of screening. These tools help identify patients requiring further specialized diagnostics with 96% accuracy. Currently, pulse oximetry testing for newborns has only a 70% success rate in detecting certain heart defects and often produces false positives. UES can significantly improve these statistics by providing tools capable of analyzing the full spectrum of heart defects.

A cornerstone of Prometheus’s mission is the scalability of their software. Designed as a SaaS (Software as a Service) model, their tools can be rapidly implemented in medical facilities worldwide. This architecture ensures that the software can be effectively utilized in both small clinics and large hospitals.

The Prometheus team emphasizes that their AI is not a replacement for specialists but a complementary tool—a „second set of eyes” to highlight key diagnostic elements and direct the expert’s attention to the right areas. Their system enables comprehensive fetal and neonatal screenings, facilitating the early identification of potential issues and directing patients to specialists already pre-diagnosed.

One example of AI’s practical application in medicine is the InteliCardio Project, a collaboration with the Children’s Heart Foundation. This initiative demonstrates how technology can serve as a powerful tool in the hands of doctors rather than a competitor.

Victory at the Third Mother and Child Startup Challenge

Winning the third edition of the Mother and Child Startup Challenge, organized by the Institute of Mother and Child, is a significant milestone for Prometheus. The competition provided an opportunity not only to showcase their technology but also to validate its practical value and implementation potential in front of a jury of medical professionals.

The organizers supported participants with workshops, webinars, and consultations, fostering not just competition but also knowledge sharing and collaboration.

The Prometheus team acknowledges that all the showcased projects demonstrated the innovative strides shaping the future of healthcare. For them, this victory is not only a milestone but also a motivation to continue innovating and a chance to strengthen partnerships with medical stakeholders and the innovation community.

Press release

Ambitious Plans for the Future

While Prometheus’s technology was initially designed for detecting congenital heart defects, their ambitions extend far beyond this scope. Their 11-person AI team, with four years of experience in medical image analysis, has the potential to expand diagnostics to other conditions.

– We believe the future of medical diagnostics lies in the synergy between artificial intelligence and specialized medical knowledge. Our current achievements are just the beginning—we’re ready to tackle new challenges and introduce innovations that will transform medicine – says Wiktor Strzelczyk, CEO UES Sp. z o.o..

The team emphasizes that building trust in AI requires collaboration at multiple levels—from engineers and researchers to doctors and patients. Only through joint efforts can they create technology that not only meets but exceeds expectations and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

– We take pride in what we’ve achieved so far, but we know the biggest challenges are still ahead. Every step forward is a testament to AI’s potential to become a cornerstone of precision, accessible, and trustworthy medicine – he conclude.

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].

Health Tech of the Week: Mental Health and Well-being of the Youngest – Projects Recognized in 2024

Health Tech of the Week: Mental Health and Well-being of the Youngest – Projects Recognized in 2024

Launched in 2023, the Health Tech of the Week series continues to grow, giving us deeper insights into exceptional startups and companies that are shaping the future of healthcare and preventive medicine by blending new technologies, innovation, and expertise in medicine and well-being. While there are countless areas where the broader medical field can benefit from new technologies, over the past months, my focus has been primarily on two key areas: mental health and the overall well-being of children. Let’s summarize these efforts.

 

One of the most remarkable events in this year’s series was the Mother and Child Startup Challenge”. This is an initiative aimed at startups creating innovative solutions in the field of healthcare for women and children. Particular emphasis is placed on diagnostics, prevention, and treatment in pediatrics, as well as the broad spectrum of women’s health at all stages of life. This prestigious international competition, organized by the Polish Institute of Mother and Child in collaboration with hospitals and communicatively supported by the Come Creations Group agency, bridged the gap between state medical institutions and the private sector, creating a link between innovation and facilities genuinely in need of such support. The 2024 edition attracted 77 companies from across the globe!

The main prize was awarded to UES – Ultra Echo Scan, an innovative SaaS-based system supporting fetal and neonatal diagnostics. It enables the detection of congenital heart defects (CHD) during ultrasound examinations. The jury appreciated its scalability and low implementation cost, which have the potential to make it a global standard for neonatal screening. Meanwhile, the audience award went to neendu, a home monitoring system for newborn health, designed to detect early symptoms of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Both projects will be featured in-depth in our series through interviews with their creators.

Press Release

Projects Supporting Child Development

Our focus on children’s well-being extended throughout the year. Previous editions of the series showcased projects like The Linghos – an app designed to improve speech therapy for children through games and educational activities, and GenMe Labs – offering genetic tests for parents, enabling them to respond earlier to their children’s needs based on insights from their genome.

One standout project, Calmsie, bridged the two themes I explored most frequently in 2024: enhancing mental health and supporting children. This innovative game allows children, who often struggle to express their difficult experiences or emotions, to solve tasks in a virtual world that supports their mental health and teaches healthy behaviors.

The Beginning of Necessary Changes

Raising awareness about mental health and providing easy access to quick psychiatric and psychological help, as well as mindfulness tools that can significantly improve well-being, is a trend that didn’t end last year – in fact, it’s becoming more prominent. Actively supporting mental health across all age groups, and especially reacting quickly and preventing serious conditions, should become the norm in our society, where we are often overworked, overstimulated, and lack the time to address our needs before the situation becomes critical.

Understanding this challenge, in 2024, the Health Tech of the Week series also highlighted companies like HearMe, Trzymsie, and Mindy. These projects aim to provide psychological support to those who truly need it, through accessible and straightforward online consultations. All three also collaborate with companies, integrating psychological care as a benefit for employees. This approach is gaining traction among employers who recognize the needs of their teams and understand that providing support positively impacts workplace atmosphere, employee health, and overall company performance. I predict that such services will soon become a standard among employers, alongside benefits like private healthcare or gym memberships.

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What Does the Future Hold?

The Health Tech of the Week series in 2024 demonstrated the immense potential of combining new technologies, innovation, and a focus on the well-being of the youngest and their families. The projects recognized this year not only address pressing needs in modern society but also set the direction for the development of the medical and well-being sectors. Awareness of the importance of mental health and prevention is becoming increasingly widespread, and technological solutions are enabling their effective integration into everyday life.

I believe initiatives like those featured in the series will not only inspire others but also act as catalysts for positive change in healthcare systems worldwide. The coming months will bring new stories and exciting projects – so I invite you to continue following upcoming articles and actively submit projects and initiatives in the field of Health Tech.

Why do we focus on balance? How mental health is gaining value

Why do we focus on balance? How mental health is gaining value

In the „Health Tech of The Week” initiative, I discuss health comprehensively, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to individuals. While describing intriguing startups, I highlight the significance of preventive actions that genuinely impact the quality and longevity of life. Speaking about prevention, we cannot forget about mental health and preventing exhaustion, apathy, excessive stress, or depressive states. This is why I’m thrilled to see projects like Mindy emerge.

 

Mindy – an app supporting mental well-being

Mindy is a Polish app that supports broadly understood mental health. Users have access to over 1,000 recordings that help them practice mindfulness. The available materials include relaxation techniques, mindfulness training, stress reduction methods, and ways to improve concentration. Like fitness apps that allow users to tailor their workouts to their needs, Mindy is designed to enable everyone to systematically work on their mental health daily, preventing problems before the need for treatment arises.

The app allows progress tracking, encouraging users to build habits such as regular meditation or relaxation techniques, which help them recharge after an exhausting workday.

Press Release

What are the results for users?

Although mental health is often considered difficult to measure, the outcomes of using Mindy are highly tangible. The app creators collect data based on user progress and boast impressive results. Over 74% of registered users declare that the app has helped them manage stress better. 65.7% have noticed an improvement in sleep quality, and 77.6% have reported better overall mental health.

Behind this success is the involvement of over 40 experts, including psychotherapists, mindfulness trainers, and coaches who prepare engaging content. A unique feature is the collaboration with renowned voice artists like Krystyna Czubówna, Piotr Fronczewski, and Irena Melcer, which enriches the project with high-quality recordings.

 

Equality and accessibility

What sets Mindy apart is its inclusivity. The app offers special courses for groups that might be more vulnerable to emotional challenges. These include a course for mothers, who often face numerous challenges and lack time to care for themselves, as well as a course for LGBTQ+ individuals. This course is particularly aimed at young people struggling with misalignment to prevailing social norms. Such support can be a first step toward addressing difficulties while fostering a sense of acceptance and support, crucial for mental health.

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Polish innovations on a global scale

Mindy is a perfect example of how Polish innovations can improve lives. Its holistic approach, engaging content, and high-quality execution make the app highly regarded both locally and internationally. If you want to learn more about innovative solutions from Poland, stay tuned for upcoming posts in the „Health Tech of The Week” series, which has already covered several mindfulness-focused apps.