Visual impairments, including blindness and partial sight, affect millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their ability to navigate daily life independently. These impairments can range from complete blindness to various degrees of partial sight, where individuals may perceive light and shadows, see in a blurred manner, or experience tunnel vision. The causes of visual impairment are diverse, encompassing congenital conditions, diseases such as diabetes, age-related issues like macular degeneration and cataracts, and injuries.
In Europe, visual impairments, including blindness and partial sight, affect a significant portion of the population, with an estimated 30 million people across the continent experiencing some form of sight loss. On average, 1 in 30 Europeans faces visual challenges, with the majority of these individuals being partially sighted rather than completely blind. As technology advances, there has been a surge in innovative solutions aimed at addressing the challenges faced by those with visual impairments.
In this article, we shine a light on 10 promising European startups that are making significant contributions to assist the blind and visually impaired. From smart mobility aids to advanced medical devices and accessible software, vision technology is rapidly evolving to empower individuals with better tools for daily living, enhancing their ability to navigate the world and maintain their eye health. These companies are not only redefining how we approach eye health and mobility but are also paving the way for a more inclusive future.
BIOPHTA: Based in Paris, BIOPHTA is a company focused on revolutionising the treatment of eye diseases by developing a novel, non-invasive drug delivery system. Their technology features a 7-day continuous micro-dosing system using dry mini-tablets that transform into a gel when applied to the eye, providing controlled drug release without the need for frequent eye drops or invasive injections. Founded in 2020, BIOPHTA has raised €6.5 million intending to improve treatment efficacy and patient adherence, ultimately reducing the global burden of visual impairment.
biped.ai: Based in Switzerland, biped.ai is an innovative, AI-powered mobility vest designed for people with blindness and low vision. The device, named NOA, uses 3D sounds to guide users, serving as an ideal complement to a white cane or guide dog. By providing real-time environmental feedback, biped.ai empowers individuals with visual impairments to navigate their surroundings more safely and independently. Founded in 2021 and developed in partnership with the Honda Research Institute, biped has secured €2.14 million in funding to advance its cutting-edge accessibility solutions.
DIVE Medical: Based in Zaragoza, Spain, DIVE Medical offers a digital medical device designed to provide fast and accurate visual assessments for non-collaborative patients, such as young children and those with developmental issues. By utilising eye-tracking technology, DIVE Medical’s device enables paediatric ophthalmologists and paediatricians to diagnose and treat visual impairments early, even in infants as young as six months. Founded in 2020, DIVE Medical has raised €1.45 million to support the development and deployment of its innovative vision exploration tools.
D-Sight: Based in Barcelona, D-sight is a spin-off of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), which is focused on developing treatments for retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy. They have created a non-invasive, cost-effective eye drop treatment that prevents and treats the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, addressing a major unmet need in eye care. Their solution uses DPP-IV inhibitors to protect against retinal damage without the side effects of current treatments. Founded in 2023, D-Sight has raised €1 million to further develop this innovative approach to preventing blindness.
.Lumen: Based in Romania, .Lumen is a research startup dedicated to empowering the blind through AI, robotics, and neuroscience. The .Lumen Glasses offer features such as obstacle detection, safe path indication, and real-time environmental analysis, functioning like a wearable autonomous driving system for pedestrians. The glasses compute safe walking paths 100 times per second, providing a scalable alternative to guide dogs with continuous software updates that expand their capabilities over time. Founded in 2020, .Lumen has raised €18.32 million to advance its mission of transforming the lives of those with visual impairments.
Ilasis: Based in France, Ilasis is at the forefront of ophthalmic innovation, developing advanced medical devices and solutions for eye care. One of its key innovations is the Helix Surgical Rx, the first handheld, compact, and battery-powered femtosecond laser instrument designed specifically for cataract surgery. This device allows surgeons to perform precise, circular, and centred capsulotomies, which are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes with advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs). Its femtosecond laser technology ensures predictable and reproducible results, enhancing the efficiency of cataract surgeries while remaining portable and suitable for non-sterile environments. Founded in 2019, Ilasis has raised €6.6 million to continue its work in revolutionising eye health and treatment.
Novis Games: Based in Turin, Italy, Novis Games is dedicated to making video games accessible to blind and visually impaired players by integrating advanced accessibility features into gaming. Their solutions include high-contrast displays, AI-generated voices for dialogues and texts, and screen reader tools with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to provide audio descriptions of on-screen elements. Additionally, Novis Games offers sound vocabulary positioning for precise audio cue placement, object and map interaction for tactile and auditory feedback, and a framework for seamless integration into existing game development pipelines. Founded in 2019, the company has raised €350K to foster inclusivity, enabling visually impaired gamers to fully engage with and enjoy video games.
OKKO Health: Based in Bristol, United Kingdom, OKKO Health offers self-monitoring apps that use simple puzzle games embedded with vision science to help patients track their eye health. Their technology allows for remote monitoring of vision, enabling early detection of eye issues and timely intervention by specialists. Founded in 2018, OKKO Health has raised €4.88 million to protect sight and improve patient engagement, particularly for conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Regensight: Headquartered in Rome, Regensight is a startup developing a new technology called theranostics to treat common vision problems like keratoconus, myopia, and presbyopia. Their non-invasive approach combines riboflavin application with UV-A light, using real-time feedback to improve vision without the need for traditional surgery. The technology includes advanced features like augmented reality and AI to provide precise and personalized treatment. Regensight’s products are certified for quality, and they are conducting clinical trials to validate their innovative approach to vision care. Founded in 2019, they raised over €1.7 million.
WeWALK: Based in London, WeWALK leverages cutting-edge technology and AI to create revolutionary mobility tools for the visually impaired. Their Smart Cane 2 integrates features such as obstacle detection, voice assistance, and real-time navigation, providing users with essential information about their surroundings and public transport options. The cane uses AI technology to offer turn-by-turn directions, identify nearby points of interest, and ensure safe, hands-free travel. By combining the functionality of a traditional white cane with advanced technology, WeWALK aims to revolutionise the mobility experience for visually impaired people. Founded in 2020, the company has raised €10.14 million to advance its innovative mobility solutions.
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Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/08/leading-the-way-10-promising-european-startups-helping-the-blind-and-visually-impaired/
