Jussi Kaasinen, CEO and Founder of Movesense: “There is a huge need for remote patient monitoring in the medical and health sector”

Even if you haven’t heard of Movesense, there is an excellent chance you will use its products in the future. You may even have done so already. This spinoff from Finnish fitness brand Suunto, famed for its high-quality sports watches, has created sensors that can help in hundreds of situations, whether fitness, medical or military. Here, we’re delighted to interview its CEO, Chairman and Founder, Jussi Kaasinen.

His is a fascinating career steeped in fitness, technology and mobility. Jussi’s interest in portable electronics dates back to his days at the Helsinki University of Technology: his PhD thesis on “Portable Special Electronics” is still “on hold”, he says. And we suspect it will be so indefinitely, because Jussi Kaasinen is not a man who looks backwards.

His first job was with Vaisala as an Electronics Design Engineer. Here, he managed wellness and sports research projects focused on app development and sensor information utilisation. In 2003 he joined Nokia, where he rose to become Principal Engineer. Most pertinently for Movesense, he managed the development of Nokia Sports Tracker, which won the “Best Mobile Internet Service” category at the GSMA Global Mobile Awards in 2009.

Jussi’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Sports Tracker, “the original fitness app”, where he served as CEO. After negotiating the sale of the company to Amer Sports Oyj, he joined its subsidiary Suunto in 2015. Appropriately, one of his roles there was as General Manager of Suunto’s Emerging Business unit, where he first saw the power of its sensors.

That sensor-based business became Movesense, with Jussi leading a management buyout in 2021. What exactly does Movesense do? How can it help end users and companies? Find out below, along with Jussi’s excellent advice for anyone considering launching a sports tech product.

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Tell us your elevator pitch

Movesense is the premier wearable medical device manufacturer, specialising in single-channel ECG, heart rate, heart rate variability and movement measurement. The products are ideal for companies aiming to enhance their health solutions with a reliable, off-the-shelf sensor or for those developing bespoke commercial devices and applications.

Our devices ensure seamless integration without any coding, but also ease of development if needed; the products come with an open API, developer tools and sample codes. All sensor models are available as white-labelled OEM products, offering extensive customization options.

Wireless and Bluetooth-equipped Movesense sensors are perfect for medical, health, sports and military applications as they provide accurate and validated data and are comfortable to wear. The sensors produce raw data for further analysis.

Movesense sensors are proudly manufactured in Finland to guarantee the highest quality and precision. We have been an independent company since 2021 as a result of a management buy-out from Suunto.

What is it about sports tech that excites you? What made you get into this sector?

We are a spinoff company from a Finnish sport tech manufacturer Suunto, which specialises in consumer products such as sport and diving watches and heart monitors. Movesense was born out of a development project when a group of developers realised that there are 8,000 different sports in the world – why not create a sensor that could measure as many different things and combinations as possible?

During the development process, it became clear that the potential end-use applications were vast. Therefore, it was decided to open the sensor’s interfaces and offer customisation and integration possibilities to other companies and research institutions.

We did the heavy lifting by designing and manufacturing the ECG, heart rate, HRV and movement measurement device. With our ready-made sensor, other companies can save a lot of time and money in getting to market.

We also realised that there is a huge need for remote patient monitoring in the medical and health sector, which is why we went through the medical certification process. Now, one of our sensors is a CE-marked Class IIa medical device in accordance with the EU’s Medical Device Regulation (MDR). This enables clinical-grade data for any professional sports teams and athletes for further analysis, performance optimisation, risk prevention, or even rehabilitation – depending on the purposes for which the end-user application is developed.

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What sports does your tech apply to? And have you been surprised by its use?

Movesense sensors are versatile and can be applied to a wide range of sports and activities. They have been used in running, cycling, swimming and team sports like soccer and basketball, but also in fitness training, rehabilitation and extreme sports where precise physiological and movement data are crucial.

Our sensors serve many purposes: preventing risks and rehabilitating injuries, optimising technique, training, recovery and performance, measuring balance, monitoring athletes’ physiological data and key health metrics, preventing cardiac arrhythmias, tracking individual performance at home or in private environments, competing on leaderboards in group exercise classes, calculating lactate thresholds, measuring mobility and even engaging fans – just to name a few innovations from our customers.

Additionally, Movesense sensors have been utilised in medical research to monitor cardiac patients, in workplace ergonomics to study movement patterns, and in military training to track soldiers’ physical metrics under various conditions. For example, in esports, the sensors could track physiological responses during gameplay, providing insights into stress and performance levels. This versatility showcases the broad potential of Movesense technology beyond conventional sports.

There are plenty of different use cases for various user groups, including individuals, athletes, coaches, team doctors, physiotherapists, orthopedists, cardiologists and other health professionals. We are always eager to hear new use cases and innovations our customers have developed with our sensors. We are equally humble in receiving contact requests from small, innovative startups to big global brands across the world.

How do you stay up to date on the latest technology developments in sports?

It’s not always easy, but staying current with the latest technology developments in sports involves actively engaging with diverse sources of information. I prioritise discussions with our versatile customers, gaining insights into their evolving needs and challenges.

Attending conferences and exhibitions is crucial, where I connect with industry experts, discover emerging trends, and explore innovative solutions. Reading articles from reputable publications and research papers keeps me informed about cutting-edge technologies and their applications in sports.

Additionally, participating in webinars and other online events is a good way to stay updated on industry discussions.

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What do you believe is the biggest opportunity in sports tech right now?

I would say that the biggest opportunity in sports tech lies in the integration of AI, advanced data analytics and real-life physiological data to revolutionise performance tracking and optimisation. AI can process vast amounts of data to identify patterns and provide actionable insights, enabling personalised training regimens that enhance an athlete’s strengths and address weaknesses. Advanced data analytics allows coaches and athletes to make data-driven decisions, optimising training, recovery and performance strategies.

I must say, that Movesense’s wearable and wireless sensors, including 1-lead ECG, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and movement measurement capabilities, are at the forefront of this innovation. Our sensors provide precise, real-time data on an athlete’s physiological metrics, which can be used to monitor performance, prevent injuries and tailor training programs. The seamless integration of these sensors with AI-driven analytics platforms enables a comprehensive understanding of an athlete’s condition, facilitating immediate adjustments and long-term performance improvements.

Moreover, the raw data generated by Movesense sensors is invaluable for research and development in sports science. It allows for the exploration of new training techniques and recovery methods, ensuring that athletes can reach their full potential while minimising the risk of injury. As the demand for data-driven sports technology grows, Movesense’s advanced measurement capabilities position it as a key player in the future of sports performance enhancement.

What advice do you have for those wanting to launch a startup in sports tech?

To embark on this journey, you’ll need a deep passion for the subject and a resilient, adventurous spirit, prepared to face setbacks and persevere. Your concept must deliver tangible value to clients by effectively addressing a specific problem in the market. However, merely having a great idea isn’t sufficient; it must also be marketable and compelling to potential customers. Entrepreneurship is sales – prepare your pitch to convince investors, hire the best talent and win customers.

Immerse yourself deeply in both sports and technology. Understand the existing landscape, emerging trends, and technological advancements relevant to sports. Networking within both industries can provide invaluable insights and potential partnerships.

People are everything. Build a multidisciplinary team with expertise in relevant fields, focusing not only on recruiting technical know-how but also on selecting personalities that align with your team’s dynamics and goals. Diverse skills and perspectives are essential for comprehensive problem-solving and fostering innovation.

And finally, stay agile and adaptable. The sports tech industry evolves rapidly, so be prepared to pivot your ideas or strategies based on market feedback and technological advancements. Continuous learning and adaptation will be key to staying competitive and relevant in this dynamic field.