Dynova
Leveraging Mechanotherapy for Dermal Wound Healing
After three weeks of reading and research, we discussed our ideas and options with clinicians and advisors from USZ, ETH and Empa. With their valuable input, Dynova is now ready to work towards its first prototypes.
Dynova consists of ten ETH Zurich engineering and health science bachelor students. What unites them is a passion for exploration and a deep interest in medical technology. Notably, Dynova is one of the very few Focus Projects initiated entirely by students rather than by the supervising laboratory itself.
At ETH Zurich, third-year Bachelor's students from D-MAVT, D-ITET, and D-HEST can apply for a Focus Project. This unique framework allows them to apply their theoretical knowledge to a real-world problem by developing a fully functional, innovative prototype. Over the course of one academic year.
Chronic wounds
people worldwide live with a wound that needs medical treatment. For many, it does not close.
The problem
A dressing protects, absorbs – and waits. What happens underneath stays invisible until the next dressing change, often days later.
Our vision
We imagine an active wound dressing that continuously reads the state of the wound and responds with targeted electrical and mechanical stimulation.
We are in the concept phase. The details will be shaped by testing and expert input.
Support us
Dynova receives no funding from ETH Zurich. Every sensor, actuator, circuit board and test rig is financed by industry partners and foundations.
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Already on board
The Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich has approved Dynova as a Focus Project course for the 2026/27 academic year.
Ten students, one year, one prototype: the team officially started working on the mechanically active wound dressing together with the Experimental Continuum Mechanics Lab.
After three weeks of reading and research, we discussed our ideas and options with clinicians and advisors from USZ, ETH and Empa. With their valuable input, Dynova is now ready to work towards its first prototypes.