Maro Manoli: E-mbracelet empowers ASD caregivers to respond swiftly and compassionately

E-mbracelet is an innovative mobile application designed to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly those who experience noise sensitivity. Slated to be released in the first half of 2025, the app’s aim is to help both ASD individuals and their caregivers by identifying sensory triggers and offering tailor-made advice on how to manage them.

Here, Maro Manoli, CEO & Co-Founder of E-mbracelet, explains how it works, and discusses future plans to develop the app to address people with epilepsy. She also reveals what she will be talking about as a guest speaker at the INSPIRE 2024 Entrepreneurial Festival, taking place in Nicosia on 3-4 October.

Can you explain what E-mbracelet is and why it is important for people with ASD?

E-mbracelet is an innovative mobile application designed to support individuals with ASD, particularly those who experience noise sensitivity. By connecting seamlessly to a smartwatch worn by the individual, the app monitors heart rate and analyses environmental sounds. When a potential crisis is detected, E-mbracelet sends real-time alerts to caregivers, empowering them to respond swiftly and compassionately.

The importance of E-mbracelet lies in its ability to enhance the quality of life for both individuals with ASD and their families. We know first-hand the challenges faced by families navigating the complexities of autism, and our goal is to provide essential insights into sensory triggers. By helping caregivers understand and manage their loved ones' unique needs, we aim to create a more supportive and nurturing environment. In a world where individuals with ASD often feel isolated, E-mbracelet strives to be a beacon of hope, fostering connection and understanding within families.

What do you believe makes E-mbracelet stand out from other similar apps?

E-mbracelet distinguishes itself as the only application that offers personalised insights tailored specifically to parents regarding their children's noise sensitivity. Unlike other apps that provide generalised support for autism, E-mbracelet focuses on analysing the unique auditory triggers that lead to sensory overload. This level of customisation ensures that caregivers receive actionable data that directly addresses their loved ones' needs.

Furthermore, the app's user-friendly interface allows caregivers to track patterns in behaviour and monitor emotional responses, which are vital for effective intervention. By equipping families with this level of detailed understanding, E-mbracelet empowers them to anticipate potential crises and take proactive steps in managing their loved ones' care.

In addition to its innovative features, E-mbracelet is designed to be affordable, recognising the financial challenges that families often face. Many similar products can be costly, limiting accessibility. By providing a competitive price point, E-mbracelet aims to ensure that all families can benefit from our ground-breaking technology, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by ASD.

What stage is it at currently? Is the app operational? If not, is there a release date?

E-mbracelet is currently in the development phase, where we are fine-tuning the app's features to best serve the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their caregivers. We aim to begin testing the application in December, allowing us to gather crucial feedback and make any necessary improvements.

We haven’t set a release date yet, as we’re focused on ensuring the app is fully functional before launch. Based on our progress, we expect to release E-mbracelet in the first half of 2025, delivering a product that truly meets users' needs.

How easy was it to set up the app? How does the technology behind it work, and did you outsource the technology or did you build it internally?

Setting up the app has involved a mix of straightforward tasks and challenges. Our in-house team is leading the core development while also relying on external help for specialised aspects, allowing us to blend our internal strengths with expert support. This collaboration has resulted in technology that prioritises user-friendliness, utilising smartwatch sensors and machine learning models to enhance functionality.

Are you planning to branch out into other healthcare domains? Any new ventures in the works?

Currently, our primary focus is on supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through E-mbracelet. We are committed to refining our application to ensure it effectively addresses the unique challenges faced by this community. However, we do have plans to expand into other healthcare domains in the future.

One area we are particularly interested in is epilepsy. Our application has the potential to integrate features that provide early and real-time alerts before a crisis occurs, helping caregivers respond proactively. By expanding our focus to include individuals with epilepsy and other related conditions, we aim to enhance the functionality of E-mbracelet and further our mission of improving the quality of life for individuals facing various health challenges.

You will be a guest speaker at the INSPIRE 2024 Entrepreneurial Festival. What will you be talking about? And how important do you believe festivals like these are?

At INSPIRE 2024, I am excited and honoured to join the "New Gen Leaders’ Stage", where I will discuss the vital role of resilience in achieving sustainable business success. In the panel titled "The New Gen Disruptors", I will share insights alongside fellow young leaders as we explore our visions and strategies for future growth, focusing on the challenges we face in maintaining agility, responsibility, and relevance in today’s rapidly changing landscape.

Events like INSPIRE 2024 are instrumental in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cyprus. They provide a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with established leaders, gain valuable insights into the local business environment, and foster relationships that can lead to collaboration and innovation. By bringing together young talent and seasoned professionals, such festivals ignite inspiration and drive, empowering the next generation to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to a dynamic economy.

I am truly looking forward to this inspiring event, where I hope to connect, learn, and be inspired!