PRESS RELEASE
Starfish of Sweden Launches New Company Together with Mobility Entrepreneur Mats Wihlbacka
Starfish of Sweden is taking the next step in its commercialization journey by forming a new subsidiary together with entrepreneur Mats Wihlbacka, founder of Wihlbacka Mobility. The new company will develop, produce, and commercialize Starfish’s pressure-relieving technology for the wheelchair and mobility market.
The collaboration also marks the beginning of a broader strategic partnership with Wihlbacka Mobility covering development, production, and international sales.
Wheelchair users are among the groups at highest risk of developing pressure injuries, making pressure redistribution and microclimate critical factors in product development.
“The mobility sector is one of the areas where Starfish technology can make the greatest impact. Through our collaboration with Mats Wihlbacka, we gain access to unique expertise in both product development and global distribution within the assistive technology industry,” says Michael Hermansson, CEO of Starfish of Sweden.
25 Years of Industry Experience
Mats Wihlbacka is a well-known figure in the Swedish mobility and assistive technology sector. Through Wihlbacka Mobility, he has spent more than 25 years developing, producing, and launching advanced wheelchair and mobility solutions internationally.
He has successfully taken multiple products from concept to global markets and built an extensive international network within the industry.
“Pressure injuries are a major challenge for wheelchair users worldwide. Starfish technology has the potential to fundamentally change how we work with microclimate and pressure redistribution. This makes it a very exciting project,” says Mats Wihlbacka.
A Growing Global Market
The global market for mobility and assistive products is growing rapidly, driven by an aging population and increasing demands for quality of life and independence.
At the same time, pressure injuries remain one of the most common complications for people with limited mobility.
Through the new company, Starfish and Wihlbacka aim to develop products that:
- reduce the risk of pressure injuries
- improve comfort and microclimate
- enhance quality of life for users
Next Steps for Starfish
The collaboration is part of Starfish’s strategy to establish its patented technology across multiple sectors where prolonged sitting or lying increases the risk of pressure injuries.
In addition to mobility, the company is developing solutions for:
- hospital mattresses
- operating tables
- intensive care and transport care
- rehabilitation and elderly care
- office furniture
- vehicle seating
Starfish has also recently completed a scientific study together with Lund University, showing that skin temperature was on average 7% lower using its solution compared to reference products.
“We are now seeing several parts of our strategy come together. The combination of scientific validation, industrial partnerships, and new ventures within the Starfish group brings us closer to market,” says Michael Hermansson.
About Starfish of Sweden
Starfish of Sweden is a Swedish medtech company developing patented technology to improve microclimate and pressure redistribution during prolonged sitting or lying. The company’s solutions aim to help prevent pressure injuries and improve comfort in medical and mobility-related products.
For further information, please contact:
Michael Hermansson
CEO, Starfish of Sweden
+46 707 29 41 00
michael.hermansson@starfishofsweden.com
Jim Roslund
Head of Communications, Starfish of Sweden
+46 70 149 93 10
jim.roslund@gingermanagement.se