Medtech startup CHD (Connected Health Development) has received approximately €160,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to develop its digital solutions for remote maternal and fetal monitoring. The company's technology is designed to help healthcare professionals monitor high-risk pregnancies outside hospital settings.

More than 140 million babies are born worldwide each year, with approximately 15 per cent of pregnancies classified as high-risk and requiring regular medical monitoring. Frequent hospital visits can place a burden on expectant mothers and healthcare providers, while staff shortages and limited hospital capacity create additional challenges for healthcare systems.

CHD is developing connected health solutions that combine medical sensors, digital platforms and data analysis to support remote patient monitoring and clinical decision-making. Its technology aims to improve access to maternal healthcare, enable earlier detection of potential complications and reduce the need for hospital visits.

The company's MONI2 solution uses a washable smart textile belt to collect maternal and fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) data, uterine contractions, fetal movements and fetal position. Pregnant women can access basic health indicators through a smartphone application, while healthcare professionals receive raw data and predictive indicators through a secure web portal to support diagnosis and monitoring.

CHD plans to introduce consumer and medical versions of MONI2 using the same hardware, targeting sales of more than 30,000 kits and subscriptions within four years.

Commenting on the investment, Laurent Vandebrouck, CEO of CHD, said Venture Kick's support forms part of the company's initial seed fundraising effort. He added that other private investors and a foundation have already committed or are considering funding, with CHD aiming to complete the round by October.

The funding will support the development, testing and validation of MONI2's technology as CHD works towards the commercial launch of its remote maternal and fetal monitoring solutions.