Greta Preatoni, CEO of MYNERVA, recently presented a totally innovative idea at the IFAC Workshop in the field of artificial pancreas research, medical artificial intelligence, and diabetes. Together with Canal Diabetes, Greta Preatoni gave details on how Leia, a neuroprosthesis using electrical stimulation and artificial intelligence, can address diabetic neuropathy. The initial approach encourages glucose control and further progress in diabetes management.
New project in the field of medicine and AI
As CEO of MYNERVA, Greta Preatoni leads one of the most promising projects in the field of artificial pancreas and artificial intelligence applied to diabetes. Her vision combines the best of the scientific and technological world with a strong commitment to improving the quality of life of people living with this condition.
MYNERVA is working on the development of intelligent glucose control systems that not only automate the process but also adapt to the behavior and needs of each user. In an environment where personalization and patient autonomy are key, Preatoni is committed to more humane, intuitive, and accessible technology.
At an event marked by innovation in artificial intelligence and technologies applied to diabetes, the presentation by Greta Preatoni, CEO of the Swiss startup MYNERVA, opened a window to a more ambitious future: a present in which technology not only helps manage the disease, but also begins to reverse its most debilitating consequences. In conversation with Canal Diabetes, Preatoni explained how her neuroprosthesis solution aims to radically change the way people live with diabetic neuropathy.
Leia, the “smart sock” that restores lost sensitivity
While most artificial pancreas systems focus on controlling blood sugar through automatic insulin delivery, MYNERVA has turned its attention to a less visible but equally devastating complication: diabetic neuropathy. Its solution, called Leia, is a smart neuroprosthetic sock that restores sensitivity in the feet and relieves chronic pain through non-invasive stimulation. “It is the first solution that simultaneously addresses both symptoms—loss of sensitivity and pain—with personalized neurological stimulation,” explains Preatoni. The goal: to help people with diabetic neuropathy regain their balance, mobility, and, above all, quality of life.
Artificial intelligence at the service of personalization
At the heart of Leia is a sophisticated artificial intelligence engine that customizes electrical stimulation based on each person’s foot anatomy and neurological response. “This allows us to ensure that sensory feedback feels natural and reaches the right regions of the brain,” explains the CEO.
In addition, the system is designed to learn over time from user data, allowing it to refine therapy, improve clinical outcomes, and assist healthcare professionals in decision-making. “Every patient is unique, and so is our system,” she emphasizes.
Overcoming the gap between research and clinical reality
As CEO, Preatoni recognizes the enormous challenges of bringing medical innovation from the laboratory to people’s lives: “There is a ‘valley of death’ between academic innovation and its clinical adoption. It is necessary to demonstrate clinical efficacy, comply with regulations, build a scalable product, and educate both doctors and funders.”
But perhaps the biggest challenge is gaining trust. “You have to convince patients, clinicians, and investors that the technology is not only effective, but also safe, accessible, and transformative,” he says. In this regard, he emphasizes the role of strong teams with a clear vision and great resilience.
The message: you build the future
Greta Preatoni ends with an inspiring message for the diabetes community: “Technology is moving from managing symptoms to restoring function and independence. With neuroprosthetics like Leia, people will be able to walk again with confidence, without chronic pain or fear of falling.”
But remember that innovation does not happen in a vacuum: “Your voice is key. Being informed, demanding better solutions, and actively participating is what shapes the future. Diabetes technology is not only built for you, it is built with you.”
A new paradigm underway
Greta Preatoni’s participation in the IFAC Workshop made it clear that the field of diabetes is undergoing a paradigm shift. Beyond glycemic control, the focus is expanding to technologies that restore what has been lost, with an emphasis on the patient, personalization, and real-world experience. At Canal Diabetes, we will continue to give voice to these advances that are already transforming not only how diabetes is treated, but also how people live with it.