In 2023, Sebastian Högnabba and Timo Niskanen embarked on their Biodesign Finland journeys, initially exploring innovation in medical transportation. Their experiences led them to develop two pioneering projects.
Sebastian Högnabba: Retinal Imaging to Detect Alzheimer’s
During his clinical immersion, Högnabba observed how experienced healthcare professionals could detect hints of patient's condition by observing their faces. This observation led him to explore the potential of using facial and eye analysis to monitor health. Through the Biodesign Finland program, his focus shifted to retinal imaging and its potential to reveal early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Collaborating with experts in retinal imaging from Aalto University and Alzheimer’s researchers at the University of Helsinki, Högnabba’s idea matured into the Neuroeye project. In 2024, the team secured Business Finland’s Research to Business (R2B) funding, positioning Högnabba as the commercial lead. His team is now exploring the commercialization of retinal image analysis as a tool for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, offering a non-invasive way to identify neurodegenerative diseases before symptoms become severe.
Timo Niskanen: Augmented Reality to Support Elderly Independence
While Högnabba focused on Alzheimer’s diagnostics, Timo Niskanen concentrated on improving elderly care. His immersion revealed a growing need to help seniors stay healthy and independent in their own homes. Niskanen found inspiration from a research team at Aalto University that had developed virtual reality (VR) technology to track eye movements in children with ADHD. He envisioned adapting this technology to help monitor cognitive health in the elderly.
The research team embraced the idea, and together they began exploring how augmented reality (AR) could be used to assist elderly individuals with cognitive challenges. Now, as the commercial lead of a new R2B project, Niskanen is assessing the commercial potential of AR technology for monitoring cognitive health and providing support to seniors, enabling them to live independently longer.
Leading Healthcare Innovation
The projects spearheaded by Högnabba and Niskanen highlight the effectiveness of Biodesign Finland in turning clinical insights into innovative healthcare solutions. Both projects, supported by Business Finland’s R2B funding, are moving toward the commercialization of advanced technologies that could revolutionize early disease detection and elderly care.Both innovators exemplify how interdisciplinary collaboration and technology can tackle some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges. As they advance, these projects hold the promise of transforming patient care in significant and lasting ways.