Mental disorders such as depression compose one of the most common modern day illnesses, as it currently affects more than 300 million people worldwide (an increase of over 18% between 2005 and 2015). In Europe, each year, approx. 7% of the population suffer from a major depression issue, and the number rises to 25% when considering anxiety and lighter forms of depression. Despite the grave impact this has on society, there are not any efficient nor customized treatment options, these often falling within conventional solutions (e.g. cognitive therapy), medication or neurostimulation techniques that do not acknowledge an individual rehabilitation for the patient. Moreover, 50% of major depressions are untreated in Europe, costing society and estimated €170Bn per year. PlatoScience has started an ambitious project to provide a technical solution to this societal problem, which can offer relief for individuals suffering from depression - and thus for society as a whole.
The current feasibility study has been used to assess the overall business feasibility, and the key objectives, as described in the work packages in the SME phase 1 application, are:
1) To set up the regulatory and certification strategy, as well as defining the IP approach;
2) Evaluation and assortment of market potential partnerships for the viability of the business model, and road to market;
3) To set up partnerships with potential customers for trial-tests and demonstration activities among others;
4) To plan SME instrument phase 2 by assessing the most efficient and credible value chain.
