icare Technology wins NW Fund cash

A NEW company which has developed a device to transform a TV set into a communication device, entertainment hub and remote care system for elderly and disabled users, has won backing from the North West Fund.

iCare Technology of Liverpool Innovation Park has secured a £50,000 investment from The North West Fund for Biomedical.

The company has received the Pathfinder investment from the fund, managed by SPARK Impact. The funds will be used to further develop its Mylinqs system, which aims to improve the quality of assisted independent living for people with reduced mobility, allowing them to live at home for longer.

Mylinqs works by connecting a wireless, big button touch keyboard to a TV set to provide new communication services, care monitoring and health and wellbeing services.

Medwyn Jones, chief executive of iCare, said: “Allowing older or disabled people to extend their time living at home is a crucial central government initiative which our technology aims to support.

“The investment from SPARK Impact will enable us to pursue a number of existing opportunities in the health and wellbeing sector while also strengthening our core proposition and extending our partner relationships.”

The company’s technology is already being rolled out by a number of housing associations including Halton Housing Trust and Places for People.

Dr Penny Attridge, senior investment director at SPARK Impact and manager of The North West Fund for Biomedical, said: “The iCare technology could be a real breakthrough for assisted independent living, transforming the quality of life for thousands of people. We are pleased to support their efforts and look forward to helping Mylinqs reach the market.”

iCare is The North West Fund for Biomedical’s 35th investment.