Natal Mind is on a mission to revolutionise parental mental care

Presenting Health Incubator Helsinki batch 5 companies:

Natal Mind aims to enhance mental health support for parents-to-be with AI-powered coaching. The project is among 10 promising teams selected for the fifth Health Incubator Helsinki program in the spring of 2024.

In 2022, Annika Järvelin spent several weeks observing practices in maternity and child health clinics across Helsinki as part of the Biodesign Finland program. During this time, she repeatedly noticed the same gap: the lack of mental health support for pregnant women and their partners.To address this unmet need, Järvelin teamed up with obstetrician-gynecologist Aura Pyykönen, psychologist and psychotherapist Riikka Lemmetyinen, doctoral researcher Henni Tenhunen, and business developer Wintom Zecarias to launch an Aalto University research-to-business project, Natal Mind.“We are developing a mobile app that offers psychological coaching during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period,” Järvelin, Commercial Lead of the Natal Mind project, summarises the idea.

Riikka Lemmetyinen, Annika Järvelin, Aura Pyykönen and Henni Tenhunen from Natal Mind.

Improved mental health, far-reaching results

The challenges that Natal Mind seeks to solve are not unique to Finland but are prevalent worldwide. Despite increasing awareness of mental health issues, including postpartum depression, the resources available to support parents are often limited.In Finland, for example, public education for childbirth preparation has undergone significant cuts over the years.“Many parents, especially those facing difficult circumstances such as infertility, pregnancy loss, or cultural barriers, struggle to find the support they need,” Järvelin notes.The lack of mental health support can have long-term effects, not just on the parents but also on their children. Studies have shown that parental stress and anxiety can impact parent-child interaction, child development, and the overall well-being of the family.Järvelin emphasises that preparation for childbirth and parenthood benefits the entire healthcare system.“Our main goal is to reduce fear and anxiety related to childbirth and becoming a parent. Proper mental preparation can reduce complications, shorten recovery time, increase the motivation of healthcare staff, and ultimately result in lower healthcare costs.”

Preparation for childbirth and parenthood benefits the entire healthcare system.

Going global with the support of Health Incubator Helsinki

Natal Mind’s mobile app is currently being tested clinically at HUS Helsinki University Hospital. The team aims to spin out from Aalto University by the end of 2024.Having joined Health Incubator Helsinki in spring 2024, Natal Mind is setting its sights on global markets and now seeking the assistance to reach this goal.“There’s a long list of potential opportunities, and each market has its own pros and cons. Receiving guidance in making these decisions was one of the main reasons we applied to the program,” Järvelin says.In addition to the international expertise offered by Health Incubator Helsinki, Järvelin highlights the value of the program’s wide networks.“Health Incubator Helsinki provides more than just access to investors. Through the network built by the program’s business advisors, we can connect with policymakers who are often difficult to reach on our own. It’s also invaluable to learn from the experiences of other teams attending the program.”If you’re interested in collaborating with the Natal Mind project, please contact the team!Contact details:Annika Järvelin, Commercial Lead
annika.e.jarvelin(at)aalto.fiCheck out all the companies in the Health Incubator Helsinki programText: Saana Lehtinen, Uoma Media OyPhotos: Natal Mind, Otto Olavinen

Fast Facts

Name: Natal MindProduct: AI-powered birth coach and perinatal mental health support for both parents, always available on their mobile phones.Project started: 2023Team size: 5Funding stage: Pre-seed
Health Capital Helsinki