The #DutchTechHeroes Fighting COVID-19: Sander den Hoedt, CEO Delmic

“I am Sander den Hoedt, the CEO of Delmic. Delmic is originally a microscopy company and a spin-off from Delft University of Technology and the materials research AMOLF in Amsterdam. We specialise in making add-ons for electron microscopy. Our products are used for a wide variety of research; from micro LEDs to diabetes. During the current crisis, we have also started working on a new solution. I am married to a General Practitioner. She mentioned the challenges she faces with seeing patients due to COVID-19 and the downsides of using protective gear. Together we came up with a new solution for seeing patients.”

“Our solution, called D.A.A.D (Diagnose At A Distance), is a separation wall that makes it possible for General Practitioners to see patients without the need for masks, glasses, or skirts. With the help of feedthroughs for gloves and a stethoscope, the doctor can still fully screen the patient for the necessary vitals. This solution has numerous benefits; doctors and patients run a lower risk of becoming contaminated and patients can be seen faster. Furthermore, masks and other protective materials can be used there where they are needed most. We are currently looking at also extending the use of the concept to other use cases, such as hospitals or even commercial applications.”

“We would like to scale this solution to all General Practitioner locations in the Netherlands, to make at least one room available with this system. That way patients that have, or are suspected to have, COVID-19 can be seen easier and faster while keeping the rest of the practice safe. For this, we would like to be connected to people who understand the medical landscape and help us navigate it successfully to making this a standard product.

We also have a lot of ideas about making the current simple version more advanced and future proof, so we are also interested in talking to potential investors to see if we can scale the concept.”