What does it take to succeed at what everyone says is impossible?

Determination, a drive to create change, and a desire to make a positive impact in someone’s life. That is what sisters Sofie and Sarah had when they founded OICAN in the spring of 2021.

OICAN is the creative outcome of two entrepreneurs’ personal connection to a clear problem and their burning drive to find a solution.

The short story

Sofie and Sarah, together with top experts, developed a new protective material that not only provides excellent protection but can also be integrated into clothing without being visible (or even noticeable). A close, interdisciplinary collaboration with some of the country’s leading researchers, material experts, and biomechanical engineers made the impossible possible!

The company was founded in 2021, but the idea began in 2020 when one of the founders’ sons was diagnosed with a chronic illness that increased his risk of injury from falls.

The slightly longer story

It all started in the summer of 2020 when Sofie’s youngest son was one year old. That was when the family learned that he had a chronic illness that, among other things, increased his risk of injury if he fell. At that age, he was not yet steady on his feet, so an occupational therapist at the hospital gave him a cut-out cushion to wear under his clothes as protection. However, the cushion caused chafing, was highly visible, and many children at the playground asked what was sticking out. This got Sofie thinking.

Every impact affects

Sofie started researching. The most common body part injured in falls and impacts is the head, and researchers today point out that repeated blows to the head can affect the brain in the long run. Whether a child is sensitive to injuries, struggles with balance, or simply loves to play energetically, protection during playtime can provide a great sense of security. Sofie found many types of protective gear for sports and athletic activities, but almost none that could be discreetly used in everyday life. This was a gap that needed to be filled, and the idea of a protective hat started taking shape.

Find a solution

Sofie has a background in political science with a focus on sustainability. She had no prior experience in the protective gear or clothing industry. Neither did her sister Sarah, who has a background in health and behavioral science. However, both had always been entrepreneurial and encouraged never to give up. From a young age, they learned: "If you want something, you have to work for it. If a problem arises, you must find a solution."

No compromises

Together, they began searching for a solution that could protect a child’s head from impacts while being discreet, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. No compromises.

To learn everything about protective materials and textiles, they started by taking a course at the Swedish Chemicals Agency called "Phase Out Hazardous Substances from Your Products." It was intended for established companies, but even though Sofie and Sarah had not yet started their business, they thought it would be better to know in advance what to avoid. Many were surprised by their initiative, but it turned out to be a smart move.

Tests at RISE

Most protective materials on the market are made of PU or PVC plastic, which can be harmful both to the user and the manufacturer. Sofie and Sarah did not want to reduce one risk by introducing another, so they continued their search by testing around twenty world-leading materials at RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) but still did not find what they were looking for.

"Science must be challenged"

One day, they received the discouraging message, "You won’t find what you’re looking for," from a materials expert in the industry. There was simply nothing on the market that met all of OICAN’s requirements. This could have been the end of the story. But instead, it became the motivation to think differently—more interdisciplinarily. Conventional science clearly needed to be challenged, and innovative minds were invited into the development process. And they succeeded! With the help of Science Parks incubators and support from the Swedish Innovation Agency Vinnova, the sisters teamed up with Sweden’s leading researchers, material experts, and biomechanical engineers.

A unique material

The result was a new, unique material! OICAN’s protection is only a few millimeters thick but provides high-impact absorption and is classified as non-toxic.

The protection has so far been tested against the standard used for motorcycle protective gear. Now, OICAN continues to work closely with researchers to develop a standardized testing method that can simulate real-world falls for both children and other target groups.