AutoCast: A Mission to Transform Diabetic Wound Healing
The AutoCast system was born from a shared vision: to reduce the high rate of amputations among diabetic patients by developing an innovative solution that aids wound healing. Co-founded by Martyna Jakubowska and Dr. Mateusz Dworak, their start-up, Diabetic Foot Care addresses an urgent need in diabetic care.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Early on, the team faced significant barriers in accessing clinical insights from healthcare professionals, as these stakeholders were initially hesitant to share sensitive information about patient care. Overcoming this required patience, persistence, and building strong relationships within the healthcare community. Another major challenge was securing funding. Without adequate resources, the team found it difficult to attract skilled talent, whether for research collaboration, or for technical experts to manage the start-up’s operations.
Martyna and Mateusz first met at the EIT Health Digital Medical Devices Summer School in 2023. Here, they were provided with invaluable support. The team connected with mentors, industry experts, and other healthcare innovators across Europe. The two entrepreneurs gained a deep understanding of European health regulations, a critical area that was initially a barrier. They also received guidance in refining their business model, gaining essential skills in pitching their product and understanding their market potential.
EIT Health’s connections and resources also played a key role in funding the AutoCast system. The team leveraged EIT Health’s network to gain visibility with potential investors and industry experts, helping them secure initial public grants from Poland and support from an incubator in Germany. These grants allowed them to focus on product development, build a functional prototype, and start planning clinical trials.
“EIT Health helped us find the experts and mentors we needed to build our vision,” says Mateusz. “Their support empowered us to push forward with confidence, knowing we were following a well-guided path.”
Today, they are preparing for clinical trials for the AutoCast system and working toward European certification for this innovative device.
With EIT Health’s support, AutoCast is ready to make a lasting impact, offering a unique combination of innovation, effectiveness, and patient-centered design.