Innovation Interviews: Picterus repeats funding success to expand jaundice monitoring solution to save newborn lives, as told by Tormod Thomsen
Picterus is a Norwegian company that is expanding on the success of its smartphone app with the ability to measure and manage neonatal jaundice. They now look to develop a full-fledged mHealth platform to equip parents to monitor their infants at home.
In this interview with Tormod Thomsen, CEO, we find out what´s next for Picterus.
What sets Picterus apart from other jaundice monitoring solutions?
We have developed a disruptive bilirubin measurement technology for jaundice screening in newborns using only our app on your smartphone together with a calibration card. This allows for reliable screening of newborns everywhere, and the solution is very easy to use also for non-healthcare professionals. Alternative technologies require blood-samples or expensive medical devices. There are some other neonatal jaundice apps, but none of them are able to actually measure bilirubin.
How has the EIC Accelerator program helped Picterus?
Picterus received blended funding from the EIC-A program in 2019 that has been imperative for developing our unique measurement technology. Now, we have applied for a new round of funding to allow us to develop a platform that will support non-professional users in assessing jaundice in their newborn, allowing them to be more independent of the healthcare system.
The Evolution team has been instrumental in obtaining the EIC financing. Their knowledge of the application process and structure as well at their ability to support our team with the writing has made a big difference.
Please tell us about how Norway supports innovative start-ups like yours.
Picterus has received several grants from Innovation Norway to support early-stage development. However, Picterus is company with global ambitions, and there is not a lot of support for companies like us in Norway. There are few investors with the knowledge and network that can help our global growth plan, and therefore the EIC Accelerator funding is important not only for the money, but also as quality assurance and recognition for international investors.
Can you give us a peek into what’s next for Picterus following the Accelerator project?
The Accelerator project will allow us to develop a platform to be used by parents in the first week of their newborn’s life. This provides an attractive onboarding opportunity for a large user group, and we have started thinking about how to expand our product offering beyond the first two weeks of life.
Our technology is also relevant for other patient groups than newborns, and for more than just measuring bilirubin. With many product development opportunities, we will take our time to refine our long-term strategy while executing the Accelerator project.
Thank you very much, Tormod, for telling us more about Picterus’ next project. We look forward to seeing Picterus realize its solution to help tackle neonatal jaundice and improve newborn care worldwide.
