Henkel: invests in medical technology start-up Smartz AG

Henkel Adhesive Technologies is further strengthening its capabilities to meet the growing demand for intelligent adult care solutions by investing in Smartz AG (Smartz), a medical technology start-up based in Baar, Switzerland. Smartz has developed an end-to-end solution for diapers that improves the quality of life for adults while effectively supporting healthcare and medical personnel, while reducing costs and increasing the level of service in care facilities. The two companies have already signed a joint marketing and development agreement earlier this year to combine Henkel’s expertise in printed electronics with Internet of Things (IoT) hardware and software solutions for adult care. start-up. With this investment, Henkel aims to strengthen this partnership and stimulate the development of additional innovative applications for adult care in the future.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies is one of the world’s leading suppliers of materials and adhesives for hygiene products with a broad portfolio of products designed for each phase of diaper manufacturing. In addition, the business unit offers a variety of materials and service solutions for printed electronics. Based on its broad portfolio of functional ink formulations, Henkel enables innovative printed electronics applications in all industries including smart living, mobility and hygiene.

“As part of our corporate activities, we are focusing on new and scalable technologies that complement our existing portfolio of adhesives, sealants and functional coatings with data-driven business models”, explains Paolo Bavaj, Manager of the company, Adhesive Technologies. “Together with Smartz, we have combined our printed electronics capabilities with their IoT and software platform, developing a market-ready solution that can be easily integrated into existing adult diaper manufacturing processes. The partnership helps us to differentiate and further strengthen our offerings in the diaper market and respond to the growing demand for smart adult care. With this investment, we want to demonstrate our commitment to Smartz and further stimulate the development of future generations of smart care products and new applications related to digital health.

Smartz was founded in 2021 and was officially known as Simavita. The special design of the company’s pod sensor is a reusable clip-on device that works in tandem with a sensing interface based on Henkel’s conductive inks. The sensing interface is imprinted on the incontinence product at the time of manufacture at high speed. This ready-to-market material is non-invasive, completely safe for skin contact, and allows sensors to communicate wirelessly with a caregiver’s software dashboard. The solution provides hygiene product manufacturers with smart capabilities that can be integrated into existing product designs and produced at scale without capital expenditure or impacting manufacturing efficiency.

“Our partnership with Henkel is a leading initiative in the world. It delivers the strength, certainty and quality of service our customers demand, along with cloud-based, application-based technology that embodies decades of real-world experience in adult care. Right now, we are working hard with Henkel and our customers to improve healthcare outcomes for the elderly, as well as better conditions for those working in the industry, ”said Michael Spooner, executive chairman of Smartz AG.

About Henkel Tech Ventures
Henkel Tech Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Henkel Adhesive Technologies, founded in 2016. Based in Düsseldorf, it serves as a link between external innovators and Henkel. Through networking, consulting, partnerships and investments, the unit supports the growth of startups and at the same time improves Henkel’s new business development efforts. For more information, please visit www.henkel-tech.ventures.

About Smartz AG
Smartz AG is a MedTech company focused on the development of smart, portable and disposable platform technologies for the healthcare market. Our key Smartz ™ platform is highly disruptive technology focused on transforming a traditional “dumb” layer into a smart device to dramatically improve healthcare outcomes and productivity. With the support of Henkel, our customers and our employees, Smartz is fully committed to the business in question; to create a commercially successful and growing company.