XinKaishi is the first acoustic fetal listening device optimized for safety, performance and the emotional empowerment of expecting mothers. Unlike traditional fetal monitoring devices, Xinkaishi uses passive technology and requires no transmission gel, wires, or medical expertise to operate.

Xinkaishi connects via Bluetooth to an accompanying mobile app that detects and visualizes the frequency of the baby's heart beat. Supporting mothers throughout their pregnancy are presented with personalized and contextually relevant health information validated by medical experts. Mothers can record, save and share heartbeats as well as view a chart mapping how the heartbeat evolves over the gestation period.

The physical device is the size of a large egg and is ergonomically designed to fit in the palm of a mother's hand. The body is made of ABS/Polycarbonate with a santoprene overmold for a soft and stable grip. It also includes a hypoallergenic santoprene membrane that makes direct contact to exposed skin and is optimized for transmission of the acoustic signal. Xinkaishi is the trusted companion for expectant mothers. It is easy to use, portable and provides on-demand access to unforgettable moments of pregnancy.

XinKaishi is the first acoustic fetal listening device and app optimized for safety, cost, performance and emotional empowerment of expecting mothers. Using passive technology, Xinkaishi emits no radiation and is safe for continuous. Xinkaishi provides expecting families with the safest in-home solution for hearing your baby's first beats.

We came across this opportunity because our client, a major global insurance provider wanted to expand their presence in China, the fastest growing insurance market where they hold less than 1% market share. We uncovered market friction and latent unmet needs expecting women that informed the creation of this entirely new product and business in China.

We followed a user centered innovation approach to identify unmet consumer needs and learned that raising an unborn child is the biggest priority for Chinese families.In this process, we uncovered that pregnant women in China share a number of challenges that are not sufficiently met by healthcare providers:

1) Concerns for their baby's health and development

2) Desires to stay connected and not feel alone

3) Inconvenience associate with getting medical attention

4) Finding reliable and trustworthy information

XinKaishi addresses anxieties expectant Chinese parents face as they bridge between traditional and modern child rearing practices. Whilst the one child policy has eased, access to information during pregnancy hasn't improved. Over 18million childbirths are expected in 2016.

As a result of our findings, we created the Xinkaishi platform and device that creates a stronger bond by enabling mothers to listen to their baby's heartbeat. It reduces anxiety which imposes stress on the unborn fetus, builds confidence for new moms, replaces active in-home ultrasound Doppler devices and offers a smarter, safer, more holistic way to enjoy pregnancy.

We evolved the design over 100 times through rapid usability testing – optimizing the form factor, color, and enclosure for ergonomic, aesthetic, and scientific benefit.Xinkaishi offers a number of benefits to our core user:

· Quick detection of fetal heartbeat from gestation weeks 20-42

· Fetal heart rate variability computed and displayed on mobile phone

· Real-time audio playback optimized for mobile devices

· Record, track, chart and share heartbeat recordings with family and friends

• Emits zero radiation meaning it is safe for continuous use

• Requires no gel, wires, or guidance from a medical expert

• Ergonomically designed for user comfort

• Portable and easy to use

· Meets CE and safety certifications under IEC60950

Patient trials have been conducted across 100+ women with gestation ages 15-42 weeks. Fetal heartbeat signals have been detected as early as week 15 with consistent detection happening following week 20. The Xinkaishi device has achieved a Receiver Operating Characteristics curve above the industry standard for biomedical devices. (Patents pending and unable to disclose)

Xinkaishi is specifically designed to meet the needs of expecting Chinese pregnant women (23-40 yrs old) with gestation aged 20-42 weeks. The initial pilot launch is currently taking place in Shanghai, China with global distribution expected in the second half of 2016.

Loosening of the one-child policy in China, global concerns regarding doppler safety, and limited access to health specialists created the opportunity for technology to be used to help women safely enjoy and celebrate pregnancy. Xinkaishi solves these challenges, harnessing innovation to deepen emotional bonds between parents and child.