Munich, April 2024
DiaMonTech has developed a novel way to measure biomarkers reagent-free. The first product is a portable non-invasive blood-sugar monitor, called D-Pocket. This revolutionary solution secured them first place in the 15th Healthcare Innovation World Cup 2023, held at MEDICA.
Our conversation with the DiaMonTech team provided invaluable insights. Let’s delve deeper into their path to success.
- HOW DID IT ALL START?
The idea for DiaMonTech started over 20 years ago when Prof. Dr. Werner Mäntele, our CSO and co-founder, pioneered a revolutionary photothermal detection method at a German university and had it patented. Convinced that this technology could revolutionize blood glucose monitoring and improve the lives of millions of people with diabetes, he co-founded DiaMonTech with our CEO Thorsten Lubinski in 2015.
The name “DiaMonTech” stands for “Diabetes Monitoring Technology”. Since our foundation, we have made it our mission to make life with diabetes easier.
- WHAT ARE THE KEY MILESTONES YOU HAVE REACHED SO FAR?
Our journey has been marked by significant milestones, including:
- The completion of successful funding rounds (totaling €19 million), including international investors like Samsung Ventures, Unorthodox Ventures, and IBB Ventures
- Publication of clinical data in the “Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology” showing a comparable accuracy of our device with invasive glucose monitors
- ISO 13485 certification as medical product developer
- Over 80 patents filed to our name including 30 patents, that are already granted
- Participation in prestigious conferences such as the Bernstein CGM Disruptors
Conference and recognition for our innovative approach at SXSW 2023,
and now winning the Healthcare Innovation Worldcup!
- WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED?
Our biggest challenge is to further miniaturize our technology: from our shoebox-sized prototype to a handheld device and then in the future as part of a wearable solution. Something we learned along the way is the importance of a resilient and interdisciplinary team working together across the boundaries of science, engineering, and business to overcome challenges.
- WHAT IS COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
We are currently finalizing the development of our handheld device “D-Pocket”. Additionally, we are conducting a clinical study with a renowned Diabetes Institute in Germany to have our technology externally validated. To prepare our future US market entry, we are part of the German Accelerator Life Sciences Program 2024. So, we are very much looking forward to the next couple of months!
5. DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY IN THE INNOVATION WORLD CUP®
It was a great experience! The competition was very well organized and highlighted the impressive technological landscape within the health sector. From smart gloves to AI-driven smart bands, the innovations presented during the event were a testament to the industry’s potential for positive change. It was an honour sharing the stage with all these visionaries!
- YOUR THREE TIPS FOR UP-COMING STARTUPS
1. Focus on innovation: Prioritize innovation in your solution. Identify a unique value proposition that sets your product or technology apart from existing solutions in the market.
2. Build your community early on: Get to know your customers even before your product is ready, build a community and actively engage with industry experts, potential collaborators, and other start-ups. Building a strong network within your ecosystem makes your product better and can provide valuable insights, partnerships, and opportunities for collaboration.
3. Get comfortable pitching your story: Practice makes perfect! Apply to all the awards that make sense to you and use their stages. Ask for feedback and keep adapting your pitch. Craft a compelling and clear pitch that effectively communicates the problem you are solving, the uniqueness of your solution, and the market opportunity.
We are grateful for the captivating insights you have shared, and we eagerly look forward to witnessing your future endeavors and the remarkable strides you will take ahead!!
Visit DiaMonTech and explore their hand-held glucose monitor for non-invasive, painless and accurate glucose measurements within seconds.
Submit your solution and join us at the 16th Healthcare Innovation World Cup. The next generation of smart health devices, medical wearables, digital biomarkers, electroceuticals, intelligent patches, and more. HealthTech and MedTech innovators worldwide are invited to take part in free of charge.
