MedTechSouthEast highlights devices to aid independence
Laser-emitting shoes and a Meccano-style walking aid kit were two inventions showcased at the MedTechSouthEast pitching event
All of the devices showcased at the event were developed by companies in London and the south-east to help people stay independent as they get older or develop debilitating illnesses.
A judging panel at the event selected 10 winners who will receive mentoring to develop and commercialise their products from Design Council and MedCity, the Mayor of London’s life sciences promotional organisation.
The 10 winning MedTechSouthEast entries were:
- Dermaspray – An automated, spray-on medication which reduces inflammation and pain in people with arthritis, while avoiding the side-effects of oral tablets
- Dolman Plug & Socket – a plug and socket system designed for people with poor grip that can be pushed in or removed with little effort
- Esher’s Maternity & Menstrual Solutions – disposable leak-proof absorbent briefs to for women during periods or after childbirth
- Evolvable Walking Aid Kit – a ‘build- it- yourself’ walking aid kit to overcome to lack of adaptability in walking frames, crutches or sticks
- GyroGear – gyroscope and sensor technology in a glove to combat hand tremor in people with conditions such as Parkinson’s
- HeliconLiveLong – online tool to help interdisciplinary care teams manage the health of elderly people with multiple conditions more effectively
- Integro Smart Box – a system to manage multiple drugs that sends an alert to family or carers via text or email when medication is late or missed
- Path Finder – shoes that incorporate laser and sensor technology to emit lines ahead as users walk to tackle ‘freezing of gait’ in people with Parkinson’s
- Speak Set – video calling via the TV to help elderly people easily keep in touch with caregivers and family
- Strawz – fixed-dose medicine dispenser to ensure accurate doses
John Mathers, chief executive of Design Council, said: “Technology can be a vital tool in retaining our quality of life as we get older. MedTechSouthEast has highlighted some of the fantastic pool of innovation talent we have in Britain, this programme will now harness it and develop these fantastic ideas.
“We need to increase the convergence of tech and design to create usable, accessible, human-centred devices and systems that will help us all retain our quality of life as we age.”