COBY is developing an interactive, AI-supported cuddly toy that provides emotional support for children with chronic illnesses and relieves their families in everyday life. The vision: no child should ever have to feel alone when dealing with a life-changing situation. With a combination of technology, empathy and user-centricity, COBY is creating a new category in the field of digital health solutions for children - accompanied by medical professionals and co-creation with families. Their goal: A product that is fun and really helps.
The team consists of:
- David Cañadas Link (CEO): Visionary mind with his own history of illness who leads COBY with passion.
- Philipp Steudle (CFO): Financial backbone and strategic thinker.
- Negin Soleymani: AI expert with a focus on data protection, embedded systems and deep learning.
- Boris Petreski: Software developer with a focus on architecture.
- Carly Taylor: UX designer with a background in psychology for child-friendly interaction.
- Reza Roustaei: Senior Developer & Consultant with expertise in children's technologies and tech leadership.
- Sophia Friker: Intern in the Communication & Community department.
The team is supported by Prof. Dr. Sebastian Dünnebeil, EXIST mentor and professor at Munich University of Applied Sciences, who provides technical and entrepreneurial expertise.
Prototype development is currently running at full speed - with intensive testing, co-creation and in close cooperation with affected families and the Hauner Children's Hospital at the LMU Klinikum München, which is providing medical and ethical support for the project.
"With COBY, we want to encourage affected children, relieve parents and create a new form of digital support. Let's make children strong together - with empathy, tech and a smile on our faces!" says David Cañadas Link, CEO of COBY.
The EXIST start-up grant supports students, graduates and scientists in turning their business ideas into reality. In addition to financial support, teams benefit from coaching from their university - in this case HM Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences - and from the entrepreneurial network of the Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship (SCE).
Do you also have an idea?
Then apply now for funding at the SCE with the SCE Incubation or take part in the Strascheg Award 2025, the SCE's ideas competition at Munich University of Applied Sciences. We accompany you from the idea to its implementation.
We will be happy to support you with your start-up project and submit an EXIST-application together. The start-up support team is at your side. Contact us via e-mail at exist@sce.de.