Innovative TU/e Master’s Student Creates SUWEVE to Enhance Wheelchair Mobility

Wouter Witteman demonstrates the Suweve with his grandmother Mia. Photo: Bart van Overbeeke

(IN BRIEF) Wouter Witteman, a master’s student in Embedded Systems at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), is known for his innovative solutions. His latest venture, SUWEVE, aims to improve wheelchair mobility by allowing users to face backward while being pushed. Inspired by a collaboration with a home care provider, Witteman developed a prototype that enables better communication and interaction during outings. Supported by TU/e’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Witteman and his team are testing prototypes and envision a future where SUWEVE positively impacts the lives of wheelchair users.

(PRESS RELEASE) EINDHOVEN, 21-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Wouter Witteman, a dedicated master’s student in Embedded Systems at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), a research university specialized in engineering science & technology, exemplifies the spirit of innovation with his groundbreaking work. From an early age, Witteman demonstrated a passion for problem-solving and invention, a trait that has fueled his latest venture, SUWEVE. This startup, founded by Witteman, focuses on enhancing wheelchair mobility by allowing users to face backward while being pushed, facilitating better communication and interaction during outings.

Witteman’s journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by his natural curiosity and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Drawing inspiration from his father’s work in Mechanical Engineering and his own experiences in DIY projects, Witteman’s innovative mindset led him to develop solutions ranging from a flashing light for racing bikes to the revolutionary SUWEVE accessory for wheelchairs.

The idea for SUWEVE emerged from a collaboration with Suzanne Laurey, a home care provider, who highlighted the challenges faced by wheelchair users, particularly those with dementia, in maintaining communication during outings. Recognizing the need for a solution, Witteman and his team swiftly developed a prototype that allows wheelchair users to face backward, enabling them to engage more comfortably with their caregivers and surroundings.

“Her client could no longer talk, but non-verbally she could communicate well,” Wouter says. When Suzanne went for a walk with her in the wheelchair, that communication was impossible because she was standing behind when pushing her. “Sometimes the woman was crying, but Suzanne couldn’t tell until she came out from behind the wheelchair.”

“So she asked me if I could make a prototype that would allow you to face backwards when being pushed in a wheelchair. It turned out there wasn’t one yet. And yet it’s not such a strange idea: after all, babies also lie facing you in the stroller, why don’t we do that with wheelchairs? Especially for people with dementia, that could be a great solution.”

They applied for a patent on their prototype, searched for money through grants and entered competitions, such as the TU/e Contest. With the support of TU/e’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including guidance from The Gate startup hub, Witteman and his team have advanced SUWEVE from concept to production. Currently, they are conducting tests with a run of 20 prototypes to evaluate usability and garner feedback from clients and caregivers. Looking ahead, Witteman envisions a future where SUWEVE makes a meaningful impact on the lives of wheelchair users, emphasizing that his motivation lies not in financial gain but in creating solutions that improve quality of life.

Wouter’s weeks are brim full. Sometimes he is very busy with Suweve, sometimes there is room for study. “The nice thing about designing a product for healthcare is that it is not the fast market that tech products are. You often have to wait for other parties, as is the case now with producing the first twenty copies. That allows room for other things.”

“I enjoy the theoretical aspects of studying, but I also get great satisfaction from being hands-on with Suweve and applying my knowledge and skills. Because we are such a small team, I am involved with all facets and have a say in everything.”

“I can therefore recommend beginning a startup to every student. It’s a fun and educational ride that I wish for every student. So if you have an idea, go to The Gate. They will help you find out whether your idea has potential, and in what way you can get to grips with it.”

As Witteman prepares to graduate and embark on new endeavors, his story serves as a testament to the power of innovation and the transformative potential of technology to address societal challenges. With a steadfast commitment to making a difference, Witteman’s journey is far from over, and his future endeavors are sure to continue shaping the landscape of innovation in years to come.

FROM OUR STRATEGY: ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP