Smart technology for better healthcare
In early June, we speak with Menno – CEO of Momo Medical. Menno has come from Delft to the TNO headquarters in The Hague with two colleagues to receive the research report and take some photos of the moment. More on the report later. Menno speaks with a mix of entrepreneurial bravado and sound logic about the growing staffing challenges in healthcare, and how Momo Medical can help restructure processes to address them.
What does Momo Medical do?
Momo Medical helps reduce the workload for nursing staff and increase job satisfaction in nursing homes. We do this by providing insights that ensure care is delivered at the right time and in the right place. These insights in the Momo App come from the BedSense, a sensor placed under the mattress of nursing home residents. The sensors detect movement in bed and provide staff with insights via the Momo App. For example, a resident with dementia receives attention precisely when needed. Instead of doing standard rounds, staff can purposefully attend to the right residents.
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What is the scale of the challenges in healthcare?
The challenges in healthcare are significant. Life expectancy is increasing, and due to an aging population, an entire generation will require care. In addition, staff shortages are expected to grow further, leading to increased workload and absenteeism. Thanks to innovative technology, such as Momo Medical’s BedSense, crucial optimizations can be made in the care process that are applicable worldwide. This allows caregivers to save valuable time that can be spent on resident care, thereby reducing their workload.
How did you get in touch with TNO Fast Track?
At the end of 2023, we were named the most innovative company in the Netherlands (by AVRO TROS and the University of Amsterdam). All nominees were given the opportunity to get acquainted with TNO Fast Track through a voucher. At that time, however, we didn’t yet have a clear issue for which we needed TNO’s help. But a few months later, we did have a challenge, and the connection was quickly made. That’s how I got in touch with Ruben.
What was Momo Medical's technical challenge?
From nursing homes, we received the question of whether the mesh network of interconnected BedSenses interferes with the WiFi network. In nursing homes, nursing staff primarily focus on the residents. Facility-related matters, such as the WiFi network, are often handled by others within the organization or by external parties. These can sometimes be local service providers, small companies, or large firms that are relatively removed from the day-to-day operations of a nursing home. To assist the IT team of the nursing home in assessing the potential impact of interference, we enlisted the help of TNO.
How did TNO help?
The question arose about how the BedSense mesh network operates in combination with WiFi networks in nursing homes. We approached TNO because we were confident they could help us. TNO conducted an extensive simulation. Together with various departments at TNO, the findings were summarized in a detailed research report. The report helps us answer questions from nursing homes, provides reassurance for IT teams and potential WiFi network providers, and accelerates the implementation of the BedSenses and the Momo App.
Are you satisfied with the help of TNO?
Yes, for us as a scale-up, it’s valuable to collaborate with a party like TNO. The independent research is credible and provides clarity to the market, while also helping us advance technically. Moreover, there are no lengthy reports or bureaucracy—just a practical, clear answer to a concrete problem. That works for us as a growing company.
About TNO Fast Track
Do you have a challenge where you could use TNO’s specialized knowledge and R&D? Through TNO Fast Track, we are your independent technology partner for startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs. Schedule an intake with TNO Fast Track, and we’ll get in touch quickly to accelerate your innovation together.
