For Kristine Kuni Buccoliero, founder and CEO of NeoCare Nordic, the journey began on a neonatal ward, where she witnessed a troubling reality: Preterm babies weren’t always able to spend time in their parents’ arms, because transferring them from the incubator was often too complex or risky. Her solution? CareFold—a specially designed mattress that makes it safer and easier to move intubated infants, helping families build crucial early bonds.
Timing is everything
While Kristine has never shied away from risk, she knew timing would be everything. When the WHO released new guidelines in 2022, recommending 8–24 hours of daily skin-to-skin contact for preterm infants, Kristine recognized the moment had arrived.
“You can have the best idea in the world, but if the timing isn’t right, it’s like punching a pillow,” she says. “The WHO’s recommendations lit a fire under hospitals to find better solutions—and we were ready with the answer.”
That alignment of purpose and perfect timing also convinced her co-founder Jacob Ohm Eriksen to join the mission, giving NeoCare Nordic even more momentum.
From industrial designer to CEO – with the right support
Transitioning from industrial designer to medtech CEO wasn’t without its challenges. “I had the concept and the passion. But how do you take the next step? I couldn’t have done it alone,” Kristine shares.
Through the MedTech Growth program, NeoCare Nordic gained access to advisors, investors, and experts across regulatory strategy, funding, leadership, and product development.
The team at MedTech Growth connected us with the right people at just the right time. We got exactly the guidance we needed—from regulatory pathways to go-to-market strategy. It made a huge difference.
Kristine Kuni Buccoliero
CEO & Co-founder NeoCare Nordic
A startup with momentum: Patent, investment, and market readiness
“We struggled to secure funding, but we achieved it by gaining exposure to investors through DTU Science Park’s growth programs.” Kristine explains, but NeoCare Nordic’s last year has been nothing short of transformative:
- Patent secured – CareFold’s technology is now protected, giving —
- NeoCare a strong edge in the market.
- Funding raised – DKK 4.5 million from private investors and EIFO is powering the company’s next phase.
- CE mark expected by April – Opening the door for hospitals to begin using the product.
Strong market interest – Several hospitals have already expressed intent to purchase as soon as the product is approved.
“It’s surreal to see how something that started as an observation in a neonatal ward is now about to make a real difference,” Kristine reflects.
The road has had its fair share of bumps—from securing capital to navigating medical regulations—but the right guidance made all the difference.
Being a startup can feel lonely. But with the MedTech Growth program, we’ve had experts by our side all the way. Whether it was leadership coaching, regulatory advice, or investor matchmaking—they were there when it mattered.
Kristine Kuni Buccoliero
CEO & Co-founder NeoCare Nordic
NeoCare Nordic is a success story — but also a clear reminder that it is very hard work for startups to make it on their own. Every year, DTU Science Park helps promising startups leap from idea to market.
MedTech Growth is an accelerator program at DTU Science Park tailored for startups developing solutions that require medical device approval.
Whether the innovation is software, hardware, or a hybrid, the program helps early-stage companies navigate regulatory hurdles and build viable go-to-market strategies.
Applications for MedTech Growth 2025 are now open.
Early bird deadline: April 11
Final deadline: May 16
More information available here
MedTech Growth is run by DTU Science Park and supported by Industriens Fond.
