Cynteract

Why did you found your start-up, what problem are you addressing and how are you solving it?

This project has won several prizes, so we were invited to trade fairs to present our prototype. We quickly realized that there was a lot of interest, especially in the medical field - from doctors, physiotherapists and patients.

One of our first steps towards founding the company was to take part in competitions. We also exhibited regularly at relevant trade fairs to present our product. We then decided to take part in an accelerator program for start-ups in the Netherlands. Our experience was that there is a greater openness to innovation there - we were able to carry out initial tests with patients, i.e. under real conditions, in a clinic right from the start. This would not have been possible in Germany due to the strict regulations. As part of the Accelerator program, we were also able to deepen our business expertise and focus our business model more closely. Originally, we had several target markets in mind, but then we decided to concentrate on the rehabilitation sector.

How did you come up with the idea of founding Cynteract?

We have always been very interested in new technologies and followed the development of VR headsets. But very soon we realized that it is quite uncomfortable to use a controller/keyboard and mouse to navigate through the programs. When a friend suffered a stroke, he had to do monotonous exercises to heal his injury. So we decided to find a solution to the problem, especially to motivate young people to do their exercises more often and in a fun way. That's why we combined our idea with the goal of helping young people to heal their injuries better.

What is special about your business model, what do you do differently?

The focus is on motivating patients to train. With the help of gamification, patients enjoy training and almost forget that they are in rehab. In addition, we offer therapists the opportunity to track patients' progress during the exercises. It is very important to us that the games, despite their easy-to-understand concept, present a certain challenge for adult users. We develop the games so that they are fun for us too. The portable size of the glove allows patients to train not only in hospital but also at home.

What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome at the beginning?

Founding a healthcare or medtech start-up means facing the major challenge of certification. Extensive risk assessments and tests have to be carried out for a medical device. As we don't have a medical background ourselves, we didn't initially understand what standards had to be met and how to get approval for an electronic product. Unfortunately, even advice on the regulations for a medical device is difficult to obtain. Together with technical experts, we then explored the market and got help with the regulations. It was an advantage for us to have exhibited at international trade fairs and events such as "MEDICA" or "REHACARE".

What was the most valuable piece of advice someone gave you during the start-up phase?

"Focus on trade fairs that are relevant to you. Focus on an MVP in the development of the product. Focus on a specific market.

What would you recommend to other founders?

Networking is absolutely essential for a start-up, so it makes sense to discuss your idea with other interested parties at start-up events or in cooperations such as the "Digital Hubs". We are also happy to share our experience and answer questions in person.

Where did you get to know each other as a team?

We have an interdisciplinary structure in order to pool the necessary expertise. The original "Jugend Forscht" team has dispersed, but in return Gernot got to know Manuel, who lived in the same building during his studies at RWTH Aachen University - as a computer scientist, he ideally complements Gernot's skills as a mechanical engineer: Manuel is responsible for the software, Gernot for the hardware.

8. do you have an office cat / dog / turtle...?

Only in the virtual environment. :D

Suppose you were the mayor of Aachen for a day, what would you change?

Promotion of start-ups and accessibility with financial support, with test areas, with presence and web advertising.

Who would you like to have dinner with and why?

With world leaders like Bill Gates or Elon Musk, and on the other hand with people from politics like Angela Merkel, to influence the world in a positive direction together. Because there are many problems that need to be solved and both sides need to take action.