Public Funding for Ion Aria Limited

"Ion Aria has recently developed the ION-SEAT prototype: an innovative smart seating system for wheelchairs for the prevention of decubitus ulcers using ionized air. High risk of decubitus ulcers often occurs to people who spend long periods of time sitting in a wheelchair; a case of decubitus ulcers can result in months of hospitalisation and bed rest, and even after the ulcer has healed, the skin never fully recovers. The ION-SEAT device integrates with a mobile application that allows the patient to interact with the device as well as the remote monitoring of health parameters by health professionals to allow intervention in the case of an emergency. The ION-SEAT platform brings strong benefits to wheelchair users with regard to the prevention of decubitus ulcers. In particular the platform exploits the positive effects of negative ions and provides positive effects on health to stimulate defence cells in the body and to act on the capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen, thereby preventing infection from the ulcers. The mains benefits of the ION-SEAT are: * **Improvement of quality of life** due to a greater comfort and a lower occurrence of decubitus ulcers that always require long and expensive medical treatment. * **Skin condition improvements** due to an efficient ionized air system that allows better blood flow circulation and keep's the patient's skin fresh and dry. * **Condition monitoring** thanks to a set of advanced pressure, temperature and humidity sensors and a direct link to a technical monitoring centre made possible by the app * **Simple and efficient platform management** due to the use of mobile app and vocal activation system to manage (activate/deactivate) the system itself. * **Flexibility/adaptability** due to the standardized measures of the seating system and to the fact it can be adapted to every type of wheelchair and wheelchair cushion on the market. * The ION-SEAT will allow a **reduction in healthcare costs** due to better management of decubitus ulcer prevention, allowing more resources to be invested in other high-impact health pathologies."