Henkel invests in medical technology start-up Smartz AG

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

Henkel Adhesive Technologies is a leading materials and adhesives supplier for hygiene products globally with a broad portfolio of products designed for every phase in the construction of diapers. In addition, the business unit offers a variety of material and service solutions for printed electronics. Based on its broad portfolio of functional ink formulations Henkel enables innovative printed electronics applications across industries including smart living, mobility and hygiene.

“As part of our corporate venturing activities we are focusing on novel and scalable technologies complementing our existing portfolio in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings with data-driven business models”, explains Paolo Bavaj, Head of Corporate Venturing, 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 in the existing manufacturing processes of adult diapers. The partnership helps us to further differentiate and strengthen our offerings in the diaper market and responds to the fast-growing demand of smart adult care. With the investment we want to demonstrate our commitment to Smartz and to further drive the development of future generations of smart care products and new applications relating to digital health.”

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

“Our partnership with Henkel is a world leading initiative. It delivers the strength, certainty and service quality demanded by our customers, together with a cloud based and App driven technology which embodies decades of real-world experience in adult care. Right now, we are working hard with Henkel and our customers to deliver improved health care outcomes for the elderly, together with improved conditions for those working in the industry,” says Michael Spooner, Executive Chairman, Smartz AG.

About Henkel Tech Ventures
Henkel Tech Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Henkel Adhesive Technologies, established in 2016. Headquartered in Düsseldorf, it functions as a connector between external innovators and Henkel. Through networking, consulting, partnerships and investments, the unit supports the growth of startups and at the same time enhances 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, wearable and disposable platform technologies for the health care market. Our key platform Smartz™ is a highly disruptive technology, focused on transforming a traditional “dumb” diaper into a smart device to materially improve health care outcomes and productivity. With the support of Henkel, our customers and employees, Smartz is absolutely committed to the business at hand; creating a commercially successful and growing corporation.