An exclusive interview with Luciano Ricci, CEO & CFO of DOM-INO Labs S.r.l., the innovative startup that is transforming the way we care for elderly and vulnerable individuals.
A growing social emergency
By 2030, Italy will face an unprecedented demographic challenge: 5 million citizens—roughly 1 in 12—will be elderly and non-self-sufficient. This alarming figure, reported by Il Sole 24 Ore, is compounded by another worrying trend: 38% of those over 75—approximately 2.6 million people—live alone.
In this scenario, care for vulnerable individuals is becoming increasingly critical, whether through in-home care or residential facilities such as nursing homes (RSA). However, this transition brings new challenges, particularly in ensuring the safety of individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
To address these needs, DOM-INO Labs has developed DOM-INO HEALTH: a patented technology that monitors and protects vulnerable individuals by detecting high-risk situations—such as falls, distress calls, or wandering—in real time, before they escalate into emergencies.
From field experience to technological innovation
The idea behind DOM-INO DIGITAL CAREGIVER emerged from direct experience with a real-world problem:
“The idea came from a client’s specific need,” explains Luciano Ricci, CEO & CFO of DOM-INO Labs. “We’ve worked in IT for over 30 years, and around 2015-2016, a client of ours—medical director of a nursing facility—asked for help with an Alzheimer’s patient. This patient would silently get out of bed at night and begin wandering through the facility. This behavior, known as ‘wandering,’ is unfortunately common among individuals with Alzheimer’s and can have serious consequences, such as falls or getting lost.”
Initially, the DOM-INO Labs team considered traditional solutions such as pressure-sensitive mats or alarm bells, but quickly realized these tools could pose risks themselves.
“We realized we needed a different approach—less invasive and more intelligent,” says Ricci. “So, we began developing a system based on IoT sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms, capable of detecting movement without restricting the individual’s freedom.”
How DOM-INO HEALTH works
Thanks to a modular and adaptable ecosystem—suitable for both residential and institutional settings—DOM-INO enables intelligent management of critical events. A suite of smart devices continuously monitors the individual and sends real-time data to a cloud-based application powered by IoT and AI, accessible by caregivers or family members.
“It can be installed directly on the bed—if compatible—or placed on a nightstand. The smart technology in DOM-INO HEALTH detects and alerts users to potentially dangerous situations in real time: whether the person is sitting up, has left the bed, or is entering a high-risk area such as a doorway.”
It can also detect vocal distress or calls for help, immediately triggering alerts for prompt and targeted interventions.
But DOM-INO HEALTH doesn’t stop there. In collaboration with universities and research centers, the system is constantly evolving.
“We’re currently working with the University of Calabria (UNICAL), and the spoke of the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, on a Roma Technopole ecosystem project that uses voice analysis to pre-diagnose neurodegenerative diseases,” reveals Ricci. “We’re also collaborating with another ODR on a pressure ulcer prevention device—part of a project within the University of Padua’s iNEST ecosystem.”
A growing market: families, nursing homes, and caregivers
DOM-INO HEALTH is an innovative technological solution designed to meet the needs of various user groups, all united by the goal of ensuring safety, autonomy, and quality of life for elderly or vulnerable individuals, including those with neurodegenerative conditions.
- Nursing homes and healthcare facilities, which can reduce critical incidents, alleviate pressure on staff, and foster more efficient and tranquil operations.
- In-home caregivers and personal assistants, who can optimize time and resources, respond only when necessary, and help prevent crises.
- Families with elderly or cognitively impaired relatives living alone, who want to ensure safety without sacrificing their loved ones’ autonomy.
Continuous development and additional features
One of DOM-INO HEALTH’s key strengths is its ongoing evolution. Thanks to its internal R&D team, several advanced features have already been tested, including a bariatric scale, wet diaper detection, and medication reminders—all seamlessly integrated into the system without disrupting daily routines.
Economic incentives: tax credits
One of the most appealing aspects of DOM-INO HEALTH is its eligibility for Industry 4.0 funding.
“We’ve obtained pre-certification for compliance with Industry 4.0,” says Ricci. “Even though the current tax credit is residual (10%), it still provides a springboard for Transition 5.0 initiatives and ZES (Special Economic Zones) projects. It also serves as a quality benchmark that supports entry into public tenders and partnerships with nursing homes.”
The future: international patents and new collaborations
With a portfolio of five patents—four registered in Italy and one validated at the European level—and a new filing underway, DOM-INO Labs demonstrates a strong international orientation.
“The European patent represents a significant strategic investment,” Ricci explains. “It’s a necessary step to protect our technological know-how in an increasingly competitive market—and, more importantly, to ensure our solution can reach everyone who needs it, without geographic barriers.”
DOM-INO Labs follows a clear philosophy: innovation serving social needs must be able to travel freely. Thus, international patent protection is not an end in itself, but an enabling tool to:
- Strengthen partnerships with cutting-edge tech companies
- Foster collaboration with research institutions and healthcare providers
- Build integrated ecosystems for digital care
“Our technology has already proven it can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals,” Ricci concludes. “Now, it’s about amplifying that impact by connecting with partners who share our vision and can help unlock its full potential.”
This global outlook is embodied in an open and collaborative tech platform—one where Italy’s experience in digital healthcare can converge with complementary expertise to set ever higher standards in care.
“We aim to provide safety without taking away freedom,” Ricci concludes. “Because growing old with peace of mind is a right for everyone.”
