Epilepsy Foundation Announces 2025 Startup Accelerator Winner
The Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA), in collaboration with the Danny Did Foundation, has revealed Lampsy Health as the victor of its inaugural Startup Accelerator Course for 2025. This six-week virtual program is tailored for startups that aim to improve the lives of individuals living with epilepsy. It serves to foster innovation within this critical field, and Lampsy Health's groundbreaking technology has put it at the forefront of advancements in seizure management.
Innovative Solutions from Lampsy Health
Lampsy Health has introduced an AI-driven smart lamp that offers unobtrusive, at-home monitoring for epilepsy. This innovative device utilizes artificial intelligence to detect seizures and provide alerts to caregivers, significantly helping in mitigating the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), particularly during the night or periods of reduced supervision. This remarkable approach represents a significant leap in technological assistance aimed at improving safety for individuals with epilepsy.
The support provided by the 2025 Accelerator cohort included prominent finalists such as Pneumowave, BRILL Neurotech, and mjn-neuro, each presenting unique methods to enhance epilepsy care. For instance:
- - PneumoWave developed a wearable biosensor platform to continuously monitor breathing patterns to identify dangerous changes, particularly crucial for those at increased risk of SUDEP.
- - BRILL Neurotech is producing a wearable brain-imaging headset that can visualize neuronal activity in real-time, a tool that could significantly improve the diagnosis and management of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
- - mjn-neuro has introduced MJN-SERAS, a discreet AI-based earpiece designed to monitor brain activity continuously and provide early alerts about impending seizures.
Enhancing Lives Through Innovation
Caitlin Grzeskowiak, PhD, the Chief Research and Innovation Officer at EFA, commended all participating companies for their initiatives. She noted that, "Each company entered with a powerful idea but departed with a clearer path to making a real-world difference." Lampsy Health excelled through its blend of sophisticated design and a methodical approach aimed at one of the most daunting aspects of epilepsy: nocturnal seizures. Their commitment to collaborating with those affected by epilepsy—alongside families and medical professionals throughout their development process—was instrumental in their recognition as the course's winner.
Teams engaged intensively with epilepsy subject matter experts and received mentorship on a broad range of essential topics including commercialization strategies, intellectual property rights, and pitching to investors. The mentors contributing to this year’s success included respected figures such as Sharon Tan, John Hixson, MD, and others.
The Urgent Need for Advanced Tools
Tom Stanton, President of the Danny Did Foundation, emphasized the pressing need for tools that enhance safety and peace of mind for families caring for individuals with epilepsy: "Families reach out to us every day asking for tools that can offer them more safety and the peace of mind to sleep without the constant fear of missing a seizure." The emergence of innovative companies like Lampsy Health and its fellows is a promising indication that cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to develop practical solutions that families desperately need.
About Epilepsy and Its Impact
Epilepsy remains the most prevalent chronic brain condition worldwide, impacting millions across various demographics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 3.4 million Americans are currently living with active epilepsy. The condition is characterized by recurrent seizures, anomalies in brain electrical activity leading to disturbances in behavior and body control. Additionally, the challenges associated with epilepsy, including fatigue, mood changes, and difficulties in concentration, can substantially disrupt daily life activities.
Supporting the Community
The Epilepsy Foundation of America has been at the forefront of advocating for those affected by the disorder for over fifty years, engaging in efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote critical research. They provide education, advocacy, and connections that improve the lives of individuals living with epilepsy. Through local offices and partnerships, they extend access to care and offer vital services to those in need.
To discover more about the latest innovations and the Annual Startup Accelerator Course, visit epilepsy.com.