What if you could keep track of your dog's health just as people do with smartwatches? University of Helsinki chemistry student Max Ahonen has developed a smart collar that monitors dog health, tracking their activity, body temperature, sleep and heart rate.
Studying at university can open doors to entrepreneurship and projects with the potential to transform our everyday lives.
University of Helsinki chemistry student Max Ahonen is a case in point. While studying, he developed a smart collar for tracking dog health.
"Think of it as an Oura ring for dogs," he says.
The collar tracks a range of indicators, including sleep, heart rate, temperature, stress levels and activity. It is complemented by a mobile app that allows the data to be monitored and analysed, much like a smartwatch.
"The app gives an alert if something is wrong, such as if it detects a worrying rise in the dog's body temperature."
For owners and vets alike
The collar works via a microchip inserted in the dog's neck, in much the same way as standard puppy microchipping. This chip connects to a sensor in the collar, which continuously transmits data to the owner's phone.
The product is designed to provide both owners and vets with information on dog health, simplifying its tracking. The ultimate goal is to improve dogs' quality of life by preventing more serious conditions and ensuring dogs receive timely and appropriate care.
"Pet owners could also avoid unexpected veterinary bills running into thousands of euros."
Help from the university's business incubator
Ahonen had for some time been harbouring dreams of entrepreneurship, wanting to develop something entirely new. The University of Helsinki's business incubator helped him refine his business idea, ultimately leading him to found a startup called Dora Health. Ahonen feels the business incubator equipped him with valuable contacts and effective work routines.
The University's Incubator and Entrepreneurship Services offer easily accessible programmes, courses, and services to support the development, launch, and growth of business ideas. The services are open to all members of the university community who are interested in entrepreneurship.
The collar has swiftly captured consumer interest.
"We discovered there was demand for a product like this, and now over 10,000 people are already on the waiting list to buy it," say Ahonen, clearly delighted.
Currently, the collar works only for dogs, but development is continuing.
"Future versions could be suitable for other animals, including cats and horses."
