Coolmen
An innovative device supporting the treatment of male infertility.
Project title
Coolmen – an innovative device supporting the treatment of male infertility
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
Cooltec Sp. z o. o.
Name of programme
SMART GROWTH OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME
Competition
Fast Track
Project value
PLN 4,745,449.80
Funding value
PLN 3,612,157.85
Project delivery period
from 02-07-2017 to 31-12-2019
See the result of our work
What problem does our project solve?
Infertility is a problem which affects approximately 15% of couples and the male component plays a significant role in at least half of the cases.
Reduced male fertility potential poses a challenge for the current medicine. One of the main causes of male infertility is poor semen quality cause by impaired spermatogenesis (sperm production) in result of increased temperature of the testicles.
Cultural factors: sedentary lifestyle, tight clothing, other habits and the presence of the spermatic cord negatively affect semen quality. Normal spermatogenesis occurs at a temperature of approximately 33-35°C. This temperature range is an indispensable element of the cell niche of spermatogenesis, as it permits the production of morphologically normal gametes, protecting the genetic material against degeneration.
Coolmen is an innovative device in the form of an interactive cooling pad which dissipates heat energy from the scrotum and thus effectively lower the temperature. It is the only device currently available to permanently normalise the temperature of the testicles in a controlled manner without the risk of overcooling. The sensors together with a precise control system allow for the constant temperature control. The device was developed and is being implemented with the participation of andrologists – clinicians and scientists – from renowned research centres: The Centre for Preclinical Research of the Medical University of Warsaw and the Military Medical Institute. The device has been optimised for user comfort and clinical efficiency. Data transmission to a mobile app allows the patient and a medical professional to comfortably supervise the therapy and permits scientific analysis.
The introduction of an interactive cooling pad which controls the temperature of the scrotum is a real breakthrough in the treatment of male infertility. It is anticipated that testicular temperature normalisation is going to allow a significant number of couples to achieve improved fertility and procreative success, allowing to easily avoid complex and costly reproductive medicine.
Who is going to benefit from the project results?
The device is dedicated to men at reproductive age who are struggling with infertility or reduced semen quality.
Over the past decade or so, the number of couples requiring treatment for infertility has significantly increased in developed countries.
WHO classified the issue as a social disease. The changes in civilisation have caused persons to become parents at an increasingly older age. In addition, lifestyle has changed: sedentary work, tight underwear, hours spent in cars, insufficient sports activity and environmental pollution all have a negative impact on semen quality. According to the Polish Gynaecological Society, the problem of infertility affects approximately 1.3 million couples at reproductive age in Poland.
Patients who face the aforementioned issue are advised by doctors to change their habits: increase sports activities, avoid tight clothing and take frequent cold baths.
Coolmen is a solution which addresses the problem in a shorter and a more effective manner, effectively lowering the temperature of the scrotum.
Which aspect of the project implementation have we found to be the most challenging?
Due to its innovative nature, the project carried numerous challenges, primarily structural. The design of the device as well as the requirements for ergonomic use and to ensure easy cleaning brought along the need for a sealed soft medical plastic housing with the electronics inside.
Another challenge was to maintain the efficiency of the cooling cells in case the heat could not be dissipated into the environment (e.g. under the sheet).
The experience, knowledge and determination of the research and development team permitted us to address these challenges and develop a breakthrough device which we hope is going to allow many couples around the world to overcome infertility.
Our advice to other Applicants
We advise all originators who hesitate to finance their innovative idea with funding to use this opportunity.
However, three questions have to be answered before starting the process of applying for funds:
- Is my idea going to meet the needs and expectations of customers?
- Do I know what I need to do and what I need to make my idea come true?
- Do I already have, or is the financing going to allow me to establish a competent, engaged team which is going to help me to carry out my plans?
If the answers are positive, we strongly encourage you to apply and join the group of entrepreneurs who are building an amazing ecosystem of Polish innovation.