Charissa Roossien secures JTF subsidy to develop Health Tracker

Dr. Charissa Roossien of the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (Faculty of Science and Engineering, RUG) has successfully secured a Just Transition Fund (JTF) subsidy of 1.8 million euros to develop a Health Tracker for reliable respiratory and metabolic analysis. In total, 4.5 million euros will be invested in the project, which aims to optimise people's health and productivity throughout their careers.

Roossien and her team will collaborate with industrial partners in the field of lifestyle, sports and prevention and with the UMCG and the Health Technology Research and Innovation Cluster (HTRIC). Industrial partners will contribute EUR 2.5 million euros to the project, the RUG and the UMCG EUR 240,000.

Optimal health at work

The project's primary focus is to empower individuals to maintain optimal health and productivity throughout their careers, mitigating premature dropouts from the workforce. Central to this endeavor is the development and valorization of a Health Tracker: a headset equipped with sensors for respiration, metabolism, ECG, and motion analysis. Notably, the Health Tracker distinguishes itself by its ability to measure physical load without imposing breathing resistance or restricting movement, ensuring enhanced usability and reliability of measurements.

Expected on the market in 2027

The health tracker is expected to be on the market in 2027. Roossien explains the process: 'The industrial companies will further develop our proof-of-concept, for which we in turn collect input, together with the UMCG and HTRIC. Think of data collected via pulmonologists and rehabilitation doctors.' In addition, Roossien and her team will valorise the system scientifically. The health tracker will first be tested in a controlled setting with healthy volunteers. If the system works accurately, it will then be tested on the target group. Roossien: 'If those outcomes are positive, we can start the certification process to put it on the market.'

The Just Transition Fund

The Just Transition Fund provides support, advancing the green and sustainable development of the Drenthe, Groningen, and Fryslân Provinces, the Municipality of Emmen, and the Northern Labour Market regions. The fund is co-financed by the European Union and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and is made available by the regional funding agency Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN), with support from the Province and Municipality of Groningen.

The industrial partners that will further develop the proof-of-concept Relitech Development, Umaco, aXtion and Lode. Relitech B.V., Lode and ProCare will put the Health Tracker on the market.