Siblings' unique protection gives children safer play

This month's innovators are sisters Sofie and Sarah Hellström, who are the founders of OICAN and have developed the children's cap with head protection sold at SmartaSaker. What started as a personal challenge evolved into a journey towards creating discreet and effective protection for children's heads. By using multidisciplinary expertise and an innovative approach, systrana created a unique protection concept that contributes to safer play and movement.

In the summer of 2020, Sophie's one-year-old son was diagnosed with a chronic disease that increased his risk of falling. After receiving an uncomfortable safety cushion from the hospital, Sofie started thinking about better solutions. She quickly realised that there was a plethora of body protection in the sports industry, but protection for everyday use was hard to find. Discreet, comfortable protection that wouldn't just be for children with special needs, but for all children who like to play. Here Sofie saw a clear gap in the market. Sofie, a trained political scientist with a focus on sustainability, and her sister Sarah, a health and behavioural scientist, decided to create a solution. Although they had no experience in the protective materials and clothing industry, they have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and were driven to solve problems. Together, they set out in search of protection that would be effective, discreet and environmentally friendly.

They also attended a course at the Swedish Chemicals Agency to avoid harmful substances, which proved to be a smart move. Despite several tests at RISE, they found no materials that met their requirements. When an expert dismissed their idea, the sisters decided to challenge science. With support from Science Parks and Vinnova, they collaborated with some of the country's leading materials engineers, resulting in a unique, non-toxic protective material that provides good cushioning and is only a few millimetres thick.

Hi Sofie! Can you describe what makes the cap unique?

- What makes the cap unique is that it contains a newly developed protective system that is reusable, non-toxic and has good cushioning, despite being only 5 mm thin. Of the few alternatives I could find for my son, either the protectors were thick and bulky or thinner but contained a range of chemicals that children should not be exposed to. Personally, I think the best part is seeing how the cap benefits our customers. We get a lot of feedback from parents who have been looking for a product like this for a long time, and it's great to see the added value it brings to their everyday lives,’ says Sofie.

What an exciting journey you have been on, tell us what has been the most challenging part of the process?

- One challenge has been that there is no standardized method to measure this type of product. Now the product is certified and we are working at the same time to develop a new standardized test method that is more representative of our product. Another challenge has been to increase public awareness of the product. “The strength lies in the invisibility of the protection, but that's also our Achilles heel - people don't understand the value until they squeeze and feel the product,” says Sofie.

OICAN broadens its target audience - from children to athletes and the elderly

The innovation is aimed at several different target groups as fall injuries are common. Parents of younger children, as well as children who have difficulty sitting still, are among those who buy the product. Adults also need protection, and the large cap is suitable for them. OICAN plans to broaden its target group and also target older people.

The company has received positive feedback from football players who have tried the protection. Players find the pads effective, especially when nodding, which can otherwise be painful, and with the pads on they felt no pain. The next step is to develop one of their other models, a headband, with a more sport-friendly fabric. Another sport group that could benefit from the protector is figure skaters, some of whom do not wear helmets despite recommendations. The protection could offer additional cushioning, but it is important to emphasize that the cap or headband is not a substitute for a helmet, but a complementary cushioning device.

What has been the reaction from the community?

- The response has been positive. We have been in close contact with many customers through our pilot studies where they have been able to test and develop the product, with the aim of making it even better. This has helped us to build a good customer relationship from an early stage. In addition, we get a lot of positive feedback through the reviews on our website,’ replies Sofie

What are your plans for the future?

- We have many plans, including offering our protection system separately. We mainly specialize in the protection system, not in hats. At the same time, we are working with another segment where we see a clear need for protective equipment. Many people think we only focus on children and hats, but there's a lot more going on behind the scenes,’ replies Sofie.

How did you get in touch with SmartaSaker?

- One of our customers told your buyer about our products! I remember a customer writing to us: ‘This is so smart! It should be sold at SmartaSaker’, Sofie replies.

Systrarnas tre tips till andra innovatörer:

  Persistence is everything, it is so easy to give up. You have to be both stubborn and persistent to successfully take a product to market.
  Believe in yourself! Through learning by doing and working with the right skills, we are constantly evolving.
  Don't let fears drive important decisions. Go with your gut, it will usually lead you in the right direction.