Smart Sensor Breakthrough: Kepler Vision Secures €1.5M for Healthcare Innovation
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 23 July 2024.
Amsterdam-based Kepler Vision Technologies has raised €1.5 million to enhance their Night Nurse software, which uses smart sensors to detect patient falls and movements in healthcare settings. The technology promises to reduce false alarms by 99%, addressing critical staffing shortages in elderly care.
Addressing Staffing Shortages with Technology
The healthcare sector, particularly elderly care, has been grappling with severe staffing shortages for years. According to Harro Stokman, CEO of Kepler Vision Technologies, the problem is exacerbated by the ‘double aging’ phenomenon: a significant portion of the current workforce is set to retire in the next five years, while the elderly population continues to grow. This dual pressure necessitates innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and ensure high-quality care.
Efficiency Through Precision
Kepler’s Night Nurse technology stands out by significantly reducing false alarms, with a reported 99% decrease. Traditional systems often cause unnecessary disturbances, waking patients and wasting valuable time for healthcare providers. By using advanced smart sensors, Night Nurse can accurately detect critical patient movements, such as falls or prolonged inactivity, enabling caregivers to respond promptly and appropriately.
Investment to Scale Production
The recent €1.5 million investment from ROM InWest and existing shareholders is pivotal for Kepler. The funding will enable the company to scale the production of Night Nurse, broadening its availability to more healthcare facilities. ‘Our goal is to have our software monitoring one million patients by 2030,’ Stokman stated, highlighting the potential widespread impact of this technology.
ROM InWest’s Role and Vision
ROM InWest, the regional development agency for North Holland, plays a crucial role in supporting innovative solutions that drive various transitions, including in healthcare. Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest, emphasized the importance of such technologies: ‘Kepler’s Night Nurse offers a smarter and more reliable alternative to existing solutions like panic button chains and bed mats. These innovations are essential to maintaining high-quality, affordable care.’
The Future of Healthcare Technology
Kepler Vision Technologies, a spin-off from the University of Amsterdam, has been at the forefront of utilizing AI in healthcare. Their smart sensor technology not only improves patient safety but also enhances the efficiency of healthcare providers. As the demand for such innovations grows, particularly in the wake of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Kepler’s advancements are poised to play a significant role in the future of healthcare.