35 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 during use of the device, with participants reporting smoother and quicker movements,” elaborates Lucy Jung, Charco CEO. “Through these innovations, we hope to improve the quality of life for all with Parkinson’s.” The CUE1 is a unique and novel product. It combines two clinically validated therapies, focussed vibrotactile stimulation and cueing, for the first time into a single, non-invasive, wearable device. The CUE1 offers an unparalleled level of discretion and efficacy for its user, maximising the potential benefits of the device whilst minimising any impact on the users daily life. The method used to attach the CUE1 to the user is similarly innovative. Utilising a novel technology, the CUE1 is attached to the body using medicalCharco Neurotech (Charco), established in 2019 by Lucy Jung and Floyd Pierres, was founded with one ambition: to bring back smiles for people with Parkinson’s. We find out more from Lucy in the wake of the company being acknowledged in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting 10 million people worldwide. Despite the best available medical interventions, people with Parkinson’s often remain significantly limited in their activities. This led to Charco Neurotech designing the CUE1, a non-invasive, wearable device. The CUE1 alleviates certain Parkinson’s symptoms, including stiffness and slowness of movement. It achieves this by utilising two vibration-based therapies: focused stimulation and cueing, both of which are research-validated. It also incorporates discreet medication reminders and an accompanying app, which enable the user to track their symptoms. “During our pilot testing of the CUE1, we have consistently recorded average improvements MedTech Start-Up of the Year 2022 May22156 grade adhesives in a ‘hook and loop’ system, allowing the user to place the CUE1 wherever they feel most comfortable. Charco also offers an app to its users, with a novel symptom tracking tool in development that will take the form of fun, engaging games, helping the user to track their own symptoms and communicate them to others. Despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the MedTech industry has continued to grow. Now, as the world cautiously leaves the pandemic, more and more in-person conferences and events are beginning to take place again. “The UK especially is a great environment for a growing business,” Lucy enthuses. “We are based in Cambridge and London, which has a thriving ecosystem full of start-ups and technology companies. This has meant that we have been able to constantly make new connections and learn from others.” Recently, Charco was recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022 and bestowed with the prestigious accolade of MedTech Start-Up of the Year 2022. Lucy believes that it is the firm’s dynamism that is central. making it able to efficiently adapt to the challenges of the industry and provide a great impact to their community. Charco has also recently established a subsidiary in South Korea and has plans to roll out its unique patented device to meet the needs and requirements of those with Parkinson’s worldwide. Lucy tells us, “We made our initial limited launch of the CUE1 in December 2021. We have now delivered the CUE1 to around 75 people, and are working to scale-up our production in order to bring a CUE1 to everyone who needs it, improving their quality of life and bringing back a smile to their face.” Contact: Lucy Jung Company: Charco Neurotech Web Address: https://charconeurotech.com/
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