Pelvic organ prolapse affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated and, all too often, undiscussed. Existing treatments such as surgery or outdated pessaries fail to meet women’s real-life needs. Saturn Pelvic Health is ready to turn the tide. With Flexsupp, the company introduces a game-changing, self-managed solution that offers personalised comfort, freedom, and dignity.

The story of Saturn Pelvic Health begins with Dr Kim Notten and Dr Mirjam Weemhoff, both seasoned urogynecologists, who had spent years treating women with prolapse complaints. Despite their dedication, the available tools simply weren’t good enough.

Traditional treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse are far from ideal. Surgery, while effective for some, carries significant risks and a high recurrence rate; up to 30% in some cases. Meanwhile, conventional pessaries are based on outdated designs, often uncomfortable, difficult to fit, and nearly impossible to manage without clinical assistance. Many women stop using them within a year due to pain, inconvenience, or loss of autonomy.

Over coffee, Kim pitched the idea of doing something radically different to Bart van Diepenbeek, an experienced CEO with a background in corporates and scale-ups. Bart was instantly convinced. “Kim explained the problem, and I immediately thought: this could really help women. This isn’t some random product; this can change lives.” With biomedical engineer Lars Boogaard by their side, the four co-founders combined clinical expertise, technical ingenuity, and entrepreneurial drive.

Designed for real life

Flexsupp isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a rethink. After more than a decade of research, the team developed a pessary that adapts to each woman’s unique anatomy. It’s fully adjustable in length and width, easy to insert and remove, and designed for home use.

The device is about the size of a large tampon and includes an inflatable balloon that offers customisable support. Insertion is straightforward, and removal is as simple as deflating the device. It’s intuitive, discreet, and restores women’s control over their daily lives.

Clinically backed, personally driven

Flexsupp is generating serious interest from both clinicians and patients. Early tests have shown a 100% success rate in comfort, usability, and overall satisfaction. The team is now preparing for clinical validation and CE certification, with the backing of major hospitals including Radboudumc and Zuyderland Medical Group.

“There’s already a waiting list of women eager to try Flexsupp,” Bart says. “We talk to these patients every day. We understand what they need because we’ve listened.”

The ripple effect goes beyond individual users. Flexsupp could significantly reduce the strain on healthcare systems—fewer fittings, up to 43% fewer referrals, and potentially up to 22% fewer surgeries. GPs could manage the process with just one device in stock, reducing specialist visits and improving access to care.

They also hope to reach more women with similar issues, convincing them to improve their quality of life. Bart explains. “Now, only 3% of women with prolapse seek help. The rest stay silent, thinking it’s just part of life after childbirth. But it doesn’t have to be.”

How Briskr helped open doors

Saturn Pelvic Health crossed paths with Briskr at just the right time. Bart describes the collaboration as hands-on and refreshingly practical. “The workshops were low-threshold but packed with insights. The pitch training helped us refine our story.”

Thanks to Briskr’s network, Saturn connected with the Business Angel Network Nijmegen and entered promising conversations with multiple investors. “Briskr doesn’t just give you a stage, they help you own it”, Bart says. “Those connections made a real difference.”

A bold plan for growth

Saturn has reached this stage through smart grant funding and years of academic collaboration. Now, the company is closing its first round of investment to fund the clinical and regulatory process. Investor interest has been strong, with a wide mix of angels and VCs recognising the product’s impact and scalability.

Bart says. “We’re focused on real impact. This is something women have been waiting for.” The team plans to launch Flexsupp in Europe by 2027, with CE certification as the first step, followed by FDA approval in the US. Because pelvic organ prolapse is a global issue, the long-term potential impact of their innovation is enormous.

Want to know more about Flexsupp and Saturn Pelvic Health? Visit their website.

Tinnitus affects more people than you might expect – and for some, it can take over their lives. Dutch health startup Tinzo is developing a digital self-help app that provides accessible, evidence-informed support for individuals living with tinnitus and hyperacusis. For founder Koen Broos it’s a deeply personal project, and he’s determined to change the way we approach this often-overlooked condition.

Like many people with tinnitus, Koen encountered confusion and long wait times when he first sought help. “My GP told me just to learn to live with it – but I was 21 and panicking”, he says. After years of struggling with sleep, focus and stress, he eventually found a mix of therapy, information, and practical tools that helped him get back on track. “I wanted to turn that personal journey into something that could help others.”

That’s where Tinzo comes in: a digital platform designed to support people from day one of their tinnitus experience.

Three pillars: education, therapy, and community

What sets Tinzo apart is its holistic, user-centred approach. The app starts with a personal intake that maps out each user’s symptoms, challenges, and goals. Based on this profile, the app recommends exercises and neuropsychological educational content that match their specific needs.

These exercises, grounded in proven methods such as mindfulness, exposure therapy, and cognitive strategies, are curated by Rizwaan Jaggoe, a tinnitus therapist with decades of experience. A built-in community function enables users to connect, share tips and find reassurance in a shared experience. “There are already thousands of people in tinnitus-related Facebook groups”, says Broos. “So, we know the need exists.”

In contrast with to many other apps, Tinzo combines structure, expert input, and empathy. Internationally, some apps offer therapy or education, but rarely both. And there is hardly any app with a strong community aspect. Tinzo aims to offer everything in one place.

A small but complete team

Although Tinzo officially launched in April 2025, the team behind it is already well-rounded. A developer, digital designer & animator, business strategist, clinical neuropsychologist, and a practising tinnitus therapist have joined Koen in his mission. “We cover all angles – technical, commercial and clinical”, explains Broos. What began as a personal initiative quickly attracted others who believed in its potential.

The current focus is on finalising and testing the first version of the app, the MVP, with a targeted user group. The first large-scale test is set for mid-July. Based on user feedback and data, the team will refine the platform ahead of a full launch later this year.

Support from the startup ecosystem

As a young startup – “we were only ten weeks old when we pitched” – Tinzo joined the Business Angel Network Nijmegen (BANN) to seek early-stage funding. The process proved to be a valuable learning experience. “We realised we were still pre-seed: no product, no data, just a prototype and a clear vision. But thanks to the feedback, we now understand what investors need to see.”

Having clinical expert Olav Wagenaar by his side during the pitch made a considerable impact. Together, they were able to articulate both the medical rationale and the business case for the initiative. “We received a lot of praise for our duo approach – science and story, presented together.”

Oost NL also supported Tinzo in sharpening the business plan, validating the market, and substantiating the funding request – crucial steps in moving from vision to viable proposition.

Briskr also played a key role in supporting Tinzo’s development. The team appreciated the trust placed in a digital health concept that focuses on a relatively niche group. Through Briskr, Tinzo connected with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and relevant partners.

Looking ahead: more access, better care

Tinzo’s ambitions extend well beyond simply launching an app. The aim is to offer an affordable, widely accessible alternative to current options – some of which cost hundreds to thousands of euros.  By using a low-threshold subscription model, Tinzo aims to empower more people to manage their condition effectively.

In the long term, the team is preparing for B2B integration, which would enable healthcare providers to monitor patients’ progress via the app and tailor their consultations accordingly. The ultimate goal? Integration into the national healthcare system, making tinnitus support a standard part of care.

Until then, Broos and his team are working diligently towards their Q4 launch. With growing anticipation among users, they are committed to delivering a platform that offers clarity, guidance, and a sense of community. “You shouldn’t have to go through this alone – and with Tinzo, you don’t have to.”