When Niclas Erenbrand treated a critically ill lung patient in an ambulance in 2020 and struggled with inadequate equipment, he knew: this has to be solvable. Today, five years later, his innovation for patients with asthma and COPD has progressed far in the process for patent protection in 23 countries, and investors are lining up.
The journey, however, began much earlier. Niclas, born in 1974, started studying nursing at Lund University in 1999 and became a registered nurse in 2002 – he was 28 years old at the time. Even during his studies, he worked as a nursing assistant in ambulances and emergency departments. After graduation, he continued his education and became a specialist nurse in anesthesia at Karolinska Institutet in 2004.
But the path there was far from straight. At his core, Niclas is a trained mason, and has also worked as a surf lifeguard and firefighter. These experiences from completely different fields have helped shape his practical problem-solving ability.
He has spent most of his career working in ambulances, but also in emergency departments and anesthesia. He has also worked internationally as a specialist nurse. Throughout all these years, Niclas has always had an eye for improvement potential – especially when it comes to patients with acute and chronic lung diseases, a growing global problem affecting hundreds of millions of people.
I’ve always had a great interest in learning how things work, and have never really seen problems as problems – but rather as something that needs to be solved to become better. It’s the journey there that inspires me.
An Ambulance Bag Became the Start
His innovative streak showed early. In 2006, when Niclas was working in ambulances in Stockholm, his employer asked him to develop a new bag. The result was seven different bags that were sold throughout Sweden and the world, and are still widely used today. It gave him a first taste of innovation work, but life moved on.
In 2016, the family moved to New Zealand to begin a new exciting chapter – a journey they had been working toward for five years. Niclas was offered a position as head nurse at an emergency department in Auckland but never started the position. Personal circumstances forced him to interrupt the conversion of his license and the family returned to Sweden. Life got in the way.
In 2017, Niclas began working in ambulances again. There he met Roger Rüdén for the first time, a senior physician who also ran his own innovation company.
And in 2020, the turning point came. A very frustrated Niclas contacted Roger and showed him the problem along with his idea for a solution. Roger saw the potential immediately – both in the problem and in the poor results that existing products delivered.
Test Until It Works
What followed was a journey through failure after failure. The first prototype didn’t work at all. The second worked even worse. Several trips back to the drawing board were required before a new prototype finally worked as it should.
Someone told me that what separates the innovator from the amateur is that the amateur gives up after one try. The innovator pounds their fist on the table, goes back to the drawing board, and keeps testing until it works. When my first prototype didn’t work, I fully understood what that meant.
Each prototype was very costly. Niclas took the money from his consulting work. ”I didn’t want to encumber the company. I’ve always kept track of every penny and worked extremely hard to bring in the money myself.”
”Intention to Grant”
Parallel to product development, a complex patent process was underway. Niclas was fortunate enough to get help from one of Europe’s most renowned patent engineers – and this patent application became the last one he wrote before retiring.
His support and commitment were invaluable. He could call late on a Saturday evening with ideas, he was so engaged. We still have a good relationship and I can turn to him anytime.
When the European Patent Office (EPO) reviewed the application, they found documents suggesting that the main claim was already known. But Niclas and his team read through the material carefully and were able to argue against it – and were proven right. This led to Melticare receiving an ”intention to grant” from the EPO in September. A receipt that all the hard work really paid off, and an opportunity for patents in 23 strategically selected countries where there is a large market and manufacturing opportunities.
Based on this, the company has moved forward with a PCT application (Patent Cooperation Treaty) and applied for patents in several countries outside Europe as well.
If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s the importance of strategic thinking. It’s enormously important.
A Growing Global Need
Melticare’s first innovation area focuses on supporting patients with acute and chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). These conditions affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide – and are increasing. There is an urgent need for smarter, more effective tools in respiratory care.
But for Niclas, it’s not just about the first product. ”The financial return from this initial focus will enable us to reinvest in our broader mission: to become a global player in medical technology by continuously developing high-quality, human-centered innovations – based on real insights from healthcare professionals.”
This is just the beginning of a long-term journey to reshape healthcare through practical, scalable solutions that meet real needs.
From Testing to Finished Product
Melticare’s philosophy is based on exactly what Niclas has always done – listening to the everyday challenges in healthcare. To ensure that the product meets the highest standards, Melticare has collaborated with expert partners such as Emmace Consulting, EDRMedeso, and Digital Mechanics for rigorous development, thorough testing, and full compliance with Medical Device Regulation (MDR) as well as a robust quality management system.
We believe that the best medical innovations begin with listening to healthcare professionals at all levels. Our vision is to create reliable, safe, and globally relevant medical technology that empowers both healthcare professionals and patients.
Patient Benefit as Priority
Despite all the challenges along the way, Niclas speaks warmly about the journey and all it has given him.
I’ve had the privilege, and am incredibly grateful, to have met people and subcontractors who have enormous competence and experience, and who are simultaneously humble – and who have listened to me. I’m ’just’ a nurse, but when I showed the problem and the patient benefit, people and suppliers have even offered to work for free to get the product to market.
He particularly highlights his collaboration with Roger. ”Roger and I have both worked very hard. It was my idea from the ground up, but we’ve done this together. His work and contribution have been invaluable, and our collaboration has led to a true friendship between us.”
But it hasn’t been easy. ”I discussed with my wife Linda six years ago and said that it would take time and cost money. I was probably a bit naive about how complex medical technology is with all the regulations and processes, and could never imagine the work it would actually entail.”
The balance between work, company, and family has been – and is – challenging. ”If there’s anything that has been pushed aside, it’s the relationship with my wife. But Linda is incredible, and always stands by my side no matter what. All credit to her.”
Niclas Erenbrandt with his wife Linda and the kids Tindra and Melvin.
The Importance of Structured Support and Backing
In 2022, Niclas joined Science Park Gotland’s incubator program. After six years of intensive work, where money was brought in through his own consulting work and where each new prototype and test involved significant costs, SPG became a crucial catalyst.
It was like a breath of fresh air. I came in at a time that was completely right for me. I felt it provided incredible support – they believed in the idea, believed in me, and believed in the company. Science Park Gotland didn’t just give me business advice, they gave me legitimacy. Suddenly I was no longer just a nurse with an idea – I was a serious entrepreneur with backing.
From Medicine to Company Building
For someone who can treat heart attacks and severely injured patients, the business world was a completely different world to navigate.
When it comes to companies, business strategies, and values, there are lots of strange expressions and abbreviations – they were completely incomprehensible to me without experience in running a company. With SPG’s help, I’ve been able to figure it out and be supported along the way. It has been and continues to be very educational.
The incubator program provided more than just knowledge. Through SPG, Niclas gained access to a network that proved invaluable. Some of the contacts he made through the incubator are now partners in the company. He also highlights the opportunity he got to participate in Business Day on Gotland earlier this fall – an occasion that would prove to provide both energy and success. In addition to taking part in the program content, networking, and being inspired, Niclas was one of four who stepped onto the stage during the morning’s pitch event. The hall was packed, and in addition to a large audience, several exciting investors were sitting in the front row.
I never thought that day would give me as much energy as it did. Incredibly fun to pitch, really fun to win. Extra fun to get responses from strangers who came up and talked afterwards.
After the pitch, several companies have reached out wanting to invest, both from Sweden and internationally. When Niclas received the award for best pitch on the big stage, the goal was clear: ”In two years, we’ll be standing here again – but as Company of the Year.”
Investment Ready and Ready for the Next Step
Today, Melticare is investment ready. ”We need to raise capital now. I can no longer work double to bring money into the company the way I’ve been doing,” Niclas admits.
Now it’s about getting the right people into the company – both on the board and as investors.
The dynamics can be very good with the right people. It’s important for me to bring in people who see the potential in the company, the humanity, and the patient benefit. Together we can help several hundred million people.
The plan is not to manufacture themselves but to sell the patent. The exit plan extends over two years, depending on how commercialization and investments fall into place.
The Driving Force
Behind the humble facade lies a strong driving force. Niclas grew up with alcohol in the family and has never had financial support from his parents.
Nothing is served on a silver platter – if you want something, you have to work for it. But I want financial peace of mind, to be able to go on vacation and give something back. Above all, I want to secure my children’s future.
But it’s also about something bigger. ”I want to create a better product that actually helps patients.” It is this human-centered focus – creating scalable solutions that improve healthcare and create real value for patients, healthcare professionals, and investors – that drives Melticare forward.
The Dream of the Future
In five years? ”I hope Melticare flies as a strong innovative company on Gotland. But I also want to have been on a round-the-world trip with my wife and children where they get to experience all the destinations they’ve dreamed of. I’ve also promised the kids they can go to Disney World,” says Niclas with a smile.
His children often tell their dad that he works all the time. It’s tough to hear, but it’s been what’s required. Niclas tells of an occasion this spring when he saw the first draft of the branding work done for Melticare. He found himself with tears in his eyes and realized then how exhausted he was.
I sat there crying. When I saw everything in front of me – have I really done all that? It became so tangible.
The journey from the ambulance in 2020 to an investment-ready company with applied patent protection in 23 countries has entailed several intensive years. For Niclas, it proves the power of not giving up – and the importance of daring to ask for help when you need it.
I’m incredibly grateful to my wife and children who have stood behind me the whole time. And to all the humble, competent people who have helped me along the way – not least the team at Science Park Gotland.
ABOUT MELTICARE
Melticare develops medical innovations rooted in real healthcare needs. The company’s first innovation area focuses on supporting patients with acute and chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – conditions affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Starting here, Melticare strives to deliver human-centered, research-based solutions that truly improve lives and clinical outcomes globally. The financial return from this initial focus will enable reinvestment in the company’s broader mission: to become a global player in medical technology by continuously developing high-quality innovations – based on real insights from healthcare professionals.
In close collaboration with expert partners such as Emmace Consulting, EDR Medeso, and Digital Mechanics, Melticare ensures that every product is backed by rigorous development, thorough testing, and full compliance with Medical Device Regulation (MDR) as well as a robust quality management system (QMS).
Key Data:
Founder: Niclas Erenbrand
Parent Company: Meltify
Subsidiary: Melticare
Focus Area: Lung diseases (asthma, COPD)
Market: Hundreds of millions of patients globally
Incubator Program: Science Park Gotland, since 2022
Partners: Emmace Consulting, EDR Medeso, Digital Mechanics, AWA Patent Agency, Backer Calesco
Patents: Intention to grant from EPO, PCT application in 23 countries
Certifications: MDR compliance, QMS
Status: Investment ready