nir-vana innovation network

A Dutch company, currently mainly active in the Netherlands, Belgium and France, with 4+ years of experience, produces an interactive instrument that enables a new form of non-verbal communication. It utilises novel technology to translate interpersonal touch into sounds/music to encourage physical contact between people suffering from dementia, autism or visual impairment and their caregiver and loved ones.

The product is organically formed and fully made of natural wood, with on top on opposite sides conductive elastomer for touching the instrument. Because of the gentle round forms, it can be easily placed and shared on each others lap and underline the proximity of users. The product doesn't possess any visible, disturbing, control mechanisms, like lights, knobs, buttons or a remote control. On the inside, out of sight and out of reach, the advanced electronics translate the skin-touch into different sounds.

The interaction starts when two users each place one hand on the product and a physical skin-connection is established between users. Through innovative technology it can register and distinguish different gestures in the formed circuit and simultaneously convert these into a variety of sounds. (hold, tick, caress, knock, knead)

All participants have equal opportunities to initiate and influence the interaction, regardless of their cognitive abilities. The instrument can be used in one-to-one interactions, or in larger groups by simply adding more participants to the circuit.

The company is looking for opportunities to expand its activities internationally to Austria, Denmark, Finland and Germany and is interested in partners to conclude a distribution service agreement or a commercial agency agreement.

Advantages & innovations

The product delivers an answer to essential aspects which tend to become more significant and more urgent, when communication gradually becomes more difficult: 1. Quality of Life (QoL) Thereby the product delivers a positive contribution to the Quality of Life (QoL) of PwD (Persons with disabilities) since social interaction and communication become possible again and can be experienced together in a dignified and respectful manner by professional caretakers, family members or partners. 2. Communication The product enables to communicate with a loved one who lives in another reality. By enabling communication, on a full reciprocal and equality basis, with personal attention and respect towards persons with dementia (PwD). Coupled with a free association for communication topics, on the basis of touching each other on the skin (hand-wrist-arm-cheek-neck) during the interaction, thereby creating sounds and music emitted by the instrument and meanwhile stimulating thoughts and memories. 3. Human contact: Persons with dementia have the same need and desire for human contact, regardless of the phase of dementia they experience at any given moment. This product enables that. 4. Breaking social isolation The product helps to break the barrier of social isolation for people who normally experience difficulty in communication or social interaction, such as people suffering from dementia, autism, mental disabilities or visual impairment - and their caretakers or loved ones.

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

A. The company is looking for opportunities to expand its activities internationally and is looking for partners active in distribution services so as to distribute their product. Sought are distributors (national or regional) active in one or some of the countries listed. Preferably they should be active in supply of tools, equipment, furniture or installations to care homes with the clear and primary intent to improve the wellbeing (Quality of Life) of inhabitants of these care homes. Care homes for elderly persons (with symptoms of Dementia, Alzheimer, Parkinson, Korsakoff, brain damage) and for persons with multiple or severe mental disabilities. Large customer base of care homes must be in place next to a visiting sales team who explain and demonstrate the various product offerings. The role envisaged is to be the country representative(s) for this product covering all marketing and sales activities for this product. B. The company is looking for opportunities to expand its activities internationally and is looking for commercial agents active in agent services. If a valid case can be presented on the incremental economical value of a commercial representation agency in one or more of the countries listed, agencies are requested to apply.