Projecting peace: Dutch innovation transforms dementia care across Europe

In the world of dementia care, small innovations can make an enormous difference in patients’ daily lives. Three design and technology enthusiasts understood this when they founded Qwiek in 2013, a Dutch company that addresses complex behavioural issues in healthcare with innovative solutions. Their flagship product, Qwiek.up, is a mobile projector system that brings calming audiovisual experiences to residents in nursing and elderly homes. 

At moments when patients cannot express themselves or suffer stress or anxiety, the solution can be 82.4 % effective in reducing these behavioural problems, according to Qwiek’s customer evaluations. With challenges such as staff shortages, lack of time or insufficient knowledge to provide appropriate care, the tool is also designed to support caregivers in their daily work. 

The company’s product proved effective, but they needed the right partner to help bring their innovation to new markets. Thanks to the Enterprise Europe Network, this connection became a reality.

Cross-border collaboration brings innovation to Germany

Through an online profile about Qwiek in the European partnership opportunities database, a collaboration began between the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and Bayern Innovativ, Enterprise Europe Network partners from the Netherlands and Germany respectively. Bayern Innovativ was able to connect Qwiek with a relevant partner, PPZ-Nürnberg: a hub of nursing practice, research and innovation focused on implementing new solutions. The centre tests technologies and services in hospitals and nursing facilities, evaluating their practical suitability, acceptance and benefits.

The partnership moved quickly to implementation, with Qwiek.up devices soon tested across four senior living and nursing facilities in the city.

"We know from practical experience and literature how often digital implementation projects in the care sector fail for a variety of reasons," said Marlene Klemm, head of PPZ-Nürnberg. "Therefore, we have a special sense of achievement when we put a product through testing and, after completion, the employees are enthusiastic and want to purchase it. This was exactly the case with Qwiek.up!"

Following positive feedback, PPZ moved into a second test phase with additional devices, and the projectors later became permanent equipment in the care homes. 

For Qwiek’s Chief Commercial Officer Chris Rameckers, the partnership’s value extends beyond immediate sales. "PPZ is an institution with stature. If they test a product, then you immediately gain prestige in the region. This gives you extra exposure, which makes it easier to get into other healthcare institutions."

This validation has proven invaluable for market expansion. From the initial partnership with PPZ-Nürnberg, Qwiek developed over 800 active customers in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with over 700 of them in the German market alone. It was the first country where the company’s international expansion started and now represents around 30 % of its revenue. In addition, Qwiek has clients in Belgium and Luxembourg, and operates through a distributor model in Denmark, France and Sweden. First trials of its products are underway in the United Kingdom, specifically in paediatric hospitals, and Italy and Spain are the next target countries.

A lasting partnership

Rameckers recalls the early days. "In hindsight, the Network proved itself a valuable tool to enter a new market more easily, connect with the right partners and is still very much involved. It’s not a one-time-thing, it’s a long-term collaboration and partnership."

Lanny Roest from the Network partner LIOF now manages the relationship, sharing events, news and opportunities relevant to Qwiek. "This is a great case showing how the Enterprise Europe Network processes – creating a profile and disseminating it via the Network – perform well. The impact of this partnership will increase over time."