GS1 Germany's investment company butterfly & elephant is investing in the health tech company microsynetics and the Gardia emergency bracelet. The company develops solutions designed to make everyday life safer for older people. These solutions are based on the use of GS1 standards, which the start-up already uses in production and process design and plans to expand further in the future.
Technology at the service of people
Gardia was developed based on personal experience. When the grandmother and great-aunt of the two founders were found late after falling, Marlon Besuch and Michael Hummels decided to make a change. Driven by this motivation, they developed the intelligent Gardia emergency call bracelet with the aim of enhancing the safety and independence of older people in their everyday lives. ‘The thought that my grandmother was alone for so long after her fall moved me deeply. I realised that we needed a solution that would truly protect older people – without them having to constantly think about using it,’ explains Marlon Besuch. In 2019, they founded the company, which now employs around 30 people. ‘As founders, our vision is to use intelligent safety solutions to contribute to a future in which technology supports people and promotes self-determination,’ explains Michael Hummels.
The aim is to use technology in a way that supports people in their everyday lives. The emergency call bracelet offers a digital solution for quickly organising help in emergency situations. It features FallGuard fall detection technology, which was developed specifically for the movement patterns of older people. In addition to automatic activation when a fall is detected, users can also trigger an emergency call manually. The connection to the 24/7 Bosch emergency call centre and the collaboration with health product manufacturer Beurer combine technical functionality with personal care.
A key feature is the ability to individually specify who is notified in an emergency – relatives, friends or the emergency call centre. In addition, the founders placed great importance on a design that deliberately sets itself apart from classic emergency buttons, thereby counteracting a stigmatising appearance. Gardia thus combines safety features with self-determination.
Use of GS1 standards for traceability and security
Gardia uses the GS1 standards GTIN (formerly EAN) and EPCIS for clear product identification and traceability. In future, further standards, including GS1 Digital Link, are to be integrated. In doing so, the company is pursuing its goal of further increasing transparency, security and efficiency in its processes. Marlon Besuch says: ‘As part of the butterfly & elephant investment, we are focusing specifically on the advantages of GS1 standards. They help us to make our processes reliable and future-proof and to consistently implement our mission.’
Common perspective
With this investment, butterfly & elephant is strengthening a company that combines technological innovation with social relevance. Benjamin Birker, Managing Director at butterfly & elephant, explains: ‘Gardia combines technological precision with genuine responsibility. With our investment, we are promoting a solution that brings security to the everyday lives of older people – reliably, respectfully and with the awareness that technology must serve people.’
Bildmaterial:
1. microsynetics-Founders Marlon Besuch (r.) und Michael Hummels (l.) – Image rights: microsynetics
2. emergency bracelet Gardia - Image rights: microsynetics
3. emergency bracelet in use - Image rights: microsynetics
4. Benjamin Birker, Managing Director butterfly & elephant - Image rights: butterfly & elephant
Press contact:
GS1 Germany GmbH
Tassja Wagner
Manager Corporate Communications
Stolberger Straße 108 a, 50933 Köln
Phone: +49 170 7009027
E-Mail: tassja.wagner@gs1.de
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