4 medical devices launching via crowdfunding

It’s proving to be something a controversial topic in the medical device world. But there’s no denying, crowdfunding can help to bring innovation to market

The last two years have seen a raft of products marketed as ‘medical devices’ and promoted via crowdfunding campaigns. The problem? Many devices receive finance from backers before they’ve even had FDA approval. Startups are taking advantage of the crowdfunding model, making some grand marketing claims for investors about products which are not guaranteed to make it through the regulatory process.

Nonetheless, if successful, some of the products on crowdfunding websites today can be ranked among some of the most innovative proposals out there. Here’s just five of the most exciting items that have either been launched via crowdfunding, or may yet – or in some cases, may not – see the light of day.

1 – Airing

Airing: the first hoseless, maskless, micro-CPAP. There’s the claim. And the fact that this small device has raised over $1million in funding says a lot about the demand for a sleep apnea device which is less cumbersome than traditional options.

2 – CUR

This pain relief device has apparently just started shipping to its backers. Borrowing its design from the Apple school of fashion, this little wearable promises to “deliver the experience of a $10,000 professional pain therapy (TENS) machine applied by a trained medical professional”. It ran with a target of $50,000, and is now available to buy on the website.

3 – Empatica Embrace

Empatica has now reached its target for its Embrace device to detect epileptic seizures four times over. Originally listed on Indiegogo, the device monitors a combination of signals, including physiological stress and physical activity to catch epileptic seizures before they happen.

4 – Scanadu Scout

Probably the most famous device to launch via crowdfunding, the Scanadu Scout takes inspiration from Star Trek’s fictional tricorders. It doesn’t quite diagnose disease, but it can help you keep track of some of your vital signs. And its neat design and function make it an interesting gadget to have around the house.