Three 'golden tickets' to Draper University’s Hero Program
Twente Medical Optics, Proconceptious, and WearM.AI emerged as the winning trio during Enschede Slush'd
Published on August 30, 2025
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At the recent pitch finale hosted by LUMO Labs at Enschede Slush’D, three standout startups claimed "golden tickets" to Silicon Valley and the prestigious Hero Program at Draper University. The five finalists faced a discerning jury, including Subah Zaeem, Erica van Eeghen, Warner Philips, Patrick Claessen, and Meron Mekonnen. Ultimately, Twente Medical Optics, Proconceptious, and WearM.AI emerged as the winning trio.
Why these winners stand out
- Twente Medical Optics tackles critical surgical diagnostics with a portable laser imaging breakthrough.
- Proconceptious addresses a deeply personal and underserved healthcare segment with a comprehensive digital approach.
- WearM.AI merges advanced sports science with real-world usability, pushing wearable tech beyond mere activity tracking.
Each embodies innovation rooted in research institutions in the Netherlands, poised to have a global impact. Their selection for Draper University’s Hero Program is considered a springboard to scale and make an impact.
1. Twente Medical Optics
Location: Enschede, Netherlands (University of Twente spin-off)
Mission: To revolutionize clinical diagnostics by enabling accurate, flexible, and non-invasive blood perfusion imaging, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
What They Do: Twente Medical Optics has developed the HAPI (Handheld Laser Perfusion Imager), a portable, contactless imaging device that measures blood flow in real time using laser-based technology (LDI and LSCI). Unlike traditional bulky systems or invasive dye methods, HAPI is handheld, quantitative, and avoids consumables, making it ideal for burn diagnosis and reconstructive surgeries such as breast flap procedures.
Achievements & Progress:
- Developed through years of technological innovation, solving motion-sensitivity issues in handheld laser imaging.
- Secured support and funding via Novel‑T, TTT MedTech, TOP loan, and other grants.
- Undergoing clinical pilot studies at Radboudumc and ZGT hospitals.
- Patented hardware and software innovations, with multiple prototype generations developed.
- Vision includes expansion into treating burns, diabetic foot, and broader geographies, aiming first for CE marking and then FDA clearance to penetrate the U.S. and beyond.
2. Proconceptious
Location: Groningen, Netherlands
Mission: To build a healthier future by empowering individuals with proactive, AI- and data-driven contraception and preconception care, making every newborn a conscious and informed choice.
What They Do: Proconceptious is a HealthTech startup creating an AI-powered, evidence-based platform focused on contraception and preconception care (C&P care). Their offerings include consults, workshops, screenings, digital content, and wellness products like condoms and folic acid supplements. They aim to connect users with C&P specialists and coaches, blending education with practical tools.
Achievements & Progress:
- Positioned at the Startup Pitch of EBF Groningen’s “College Day” entrepreneurship event.
- Commended for advancing proactive care, crafting digital solutions for previously fragmented and passive C&P care landscapes.
- Benefited from advisory input on online platform strategy and branding from De Digitale Werkplaats Fryslân (June 2024).
3. WearM.AI
Location: Enschede, Netherlands (University of Twente spin-off)
Mission: To make outdoor sports safer and more effective using wearable technology that monitors muscle and joint biomechanics, reducing injury risk and improving performance.
What They Do: WearM.AI has developed ultra-compact sensors that attach to running shoes and capture in-depth biomechanical data, specifically muscle usage and joint load, which is not available via typical wearables like smartwatches. These sensors transmit data to AI-driven coaches, which provide real-time feedback and injury prevention advice. Their flagship device, the Beyond 01 shoe pod, epitomizes this vision.
Achievements & Progress:
- Recognized as a CES 2025 Innovation Awards Honoree in the Fitness category.
- Led by Huawei Wang, backed by ten years of human movement research.
- Starting with the research market to collect real-world biomechanical data, then expanding to physiotherapists and eventually the consumer segment.
- Based in Enschede; founded in 2023 and currently unfunded (as of July 2025).
