Mattia Bertschi (Aktiia): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Mattia Bertschi is a prominent entrepreneur and the CEO of Aktiia, a Swiss HealthTech company renowned for its innovative advancements in hypertension management. Founded in 2018, Aktiia, now rebranded as Hilo, serves as a beacon in the field of health monitoring with its revolutionary wrist-worn blood pressure monitoring device. The company's focus on leveraging optical sensing and machine learning technologies has made significant impacts on hypertension management globally. The following sections delve into key aspects of Bertschi's career and Aktiia's journey, offering insights into their successes and innovations.

1. Early Career and Co-founding Aktiia

Mattia Bertschi's journey in the medtech industry spans over two decades. Before co-founding Aktiia, he worked at the Swiss research institute CSEM, where he and his co-founder, Dr. Josep Solà, developed ground-breaking technologies for non-invasive blood pressure monitoring. Their work laid the foundation for Aktiia, which was officially established in 2018 with a mission to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of hypertension.

2. Aktiia's Revolutionary Technology

Aktiia's core innovation lies in its use of photoplethysmography (PPG) optical sensors coupled with proprietary algorithms to measure blood pressure continuously and non-invasively at the wrist. This technology represents a significant departure from traditional cuff-based methods, offering users a more convenient and comprehensive way to manage their cardiovascular health.

3. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Under Bertschi's leadership, Aktiia has successfully engaged in key partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach. Notably, the collaboration with McMaster University and the Private University of Liechtenstein on the GAPP Study aims to advance understanding of blood pressure and cardiovascular risks.

4. Aktiia's Funding Milestones

Since its inception, Aktiia has secured significant funding to support its growth and technological development. In February 2024, the company raised CHF 27 million (USD 30 million) in a funding round led by Redalpine, with participation from major investors like Khosla Ventures and Translink Capital. This funding bolsters Aktiia's mission to innovate in hypertension management and expand its global footprint.

5. Market Expansion and Product Reach

Aktiia's commitment to pioneering heart health solutions is reflected in its expansion across various markets. The company's CE-marked device is available in seven European markets and approved as a medical device in 44 countries worldwide. This wide availability underscores the device's reliability and the global demand for user-friendly health monitoring solutions.

6. Rebranding to Hilo

In a strategic move to align with its evolving vision, Aktiia rebranded to Hilo in 2025. This rebranding highlights the company's ambition to expand its suite of integrated health monitoring solutions and reinforce its presence in the digital health space, maintaining its focus on making cuffless blood pressure monitoring globally accessible.

7. Clinical Validation and Impact

The clinical efficacy of Aktiia's technology is validated through rigorous trials and research. The device's integration into continuous monitoring systems offers unprecedented data insights, proving instrumental in enhancing personal and public health strategies against hypertension.

8. Leadership and Vision

Bertschi's leadership is characterized by his commitment to innovation and collaboration. His ability to steer Aktiia through regulatory and market challenges while maintaining its mission-focused approach has positioned the company as a leader in the medtech field.

9. Challenges and Technological Advancements

Aktiia has faced the challenge of proving the clinical robustness of its non-invasive technology amidst a highly competitive landscape. However, ongoing advancements in machine learning and AI-driven insights continue to strengthen its market position.

10. Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Aktiia is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation under Bertschi's guidance. The focus remains on expanding the applications of its technology, including broader health monitoring capabilities and deeper integration with healthcare systems for more personalized patient care.

Conclusion

Mattia Bertschi's visionary leadership at Aktiia showcases the potential of innovative health technologies to transform chronic disease management. As the company, now known as Hilo, continues to develop its comprehensive suite of medical-grade solutions, it stands at the forefront of redefining how hypertension and related health challenges are addressed. With ongoing advancements and strategic partnerships, Bertschi's work continues to inspire new standards in health monitoring and proactive care.