Predicting and providing alerts for epileptic seizures
When Marie Øverby was studying cybernetics and robotics and preparing to write her master's thesis, a chance turn of events led her to explore the use of machine learning to detect epileptic seizures. A custom-built algorithm measures activity in the brain, and her master's research quickly produced results.
'I still remember a day in March when my supervisor came to us and said, ‘If you want to start your own company, you have a strong foundation for doing so,’' Øverby says.
The entrepreneur followed her supervisor's advice and founded Actential AS together with fellow student Simen Fløtaker. The company applied to us for a Startup grant 1, which they used in part to conduct an extensive needs assessment in partnership with the Norwegian Epilepsy Association.
'This was a good way to find out what customers and users want,' says Øverby.
Grants have opened doors
In spring 2024, we awarded the company NOK 1 million in STUD-ENT grants.
«Our support has been crucial in getting us to where we are today – not only financially, but also through the guidance we have received. It has opened doors, and our funding has given us access to Aleap and its research community. »
Actential AS also works closely with the National Centre for Epilepsy in Bærum, providing access to valuable data used to train the algorithm, as well as specialist expertise.
'We have a good dialogue with the head of a national epilepsy research network, among others, and that has been extremely useful,' says Øverby.
The company is now developing a hardware device that must be worn on the head so that it is close to the brain.
'Our first prototype will be a kind of cap. We will then explore how we can make the product smaller and more user-friendly. We are now finalising the prototype so we can test it on patients,' says Øverby.
A strong desire to help
At first, Marie Øverby was driven by her interest in technology and curiosity about how machine learning can solve different problems. As Øverby has met more people with epilepsy and gained insight into the challenges, both large and small, that they face in their daily lives, her motivation has changed.
«Tech is exciting, but what motivates us today is helping people who face a range of challenges due to epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is not just a physical condition; it also takes a significant mental toll, and some people experience anxiety and depression.»
The route to market is long for medical devices, and the product must receive CE approval before it can be commercialised. The founders hope to bring the product to market in 2029–2030.
- At the same time, we are exploring the possibility of offering an earlier solution to those most severely affected.
The company plans to produce both the hardware and software itself, and sell its products online and through NAV's assistive technology centres. It has international ambitions and hopes to improve everyday life for people with epilepsy around the world.
'There are few effective products that help people with epilepsy predict seizures. If Actential succeeds with its product, it could make a real difference to patients. The solution could prevent falls and injuries and improve quality of life for both patients and their families,' says Ann-Dyveke Huseth, Senior Adviser at our Growth and Entrepreneurship Centre.