DFDGuard by Runverve

Inspiration

The inspiration for DFDGuard came from home. A family member of mine has been managing diabetes for years with careful medication, diet, and lifestyle. But despite that, I’ve watched them hesitate to enjoy simple things - like a walk outside or playing with grandkids - because the fear of a minor injury turning into something serious, like a foot ulcer, is very real. Healing is slow, and risks are high. That silent caution made me wonder: Can we do more to protect and empower people living with diabetes - without adding friction to their lives?

That question sparked the journey to create a solution that’s preventive, wearable, and always on.

What It Does

DFDGuard by Runverve is a smart compression sock paired with a mobile app, designed to detect early signs of diabetic foot complications before they become ulcers.

Key features include: Embedded sensors that monitor plantar pressure, gait, sweat, and temperature. AI-powered Digital Twin that calculates a daily foot risk score. Real-time alerts for high-risk zones, posture correction, and usage reminders. A user-friendly app interface that works in multiple Indian languages. It’s designed to be affordable, stylish, and easy to wear every day—so people don’t just stay safe, they stay confident.

How We Built It

We leveraged Runverve’s proprietary Intelligent Technical Textiles (ITTs)—specifically, our bioceramic compression socks. Integrated flexible sensors to track biomechanical and thermal data in real-time. Built a Digital Twin platform to visualize foot health and issue alerts based on predictive models. Developed a mobile app (in progress) for users to track scores, get alerts, and access education modules in local languages.

Challenges We Ran Into

Sensor placement and durability: Ensuring sensors were accurate but still comfortable and washable. Affordability vs. accuracy: Balancing advanced tech with real-world constraints in low-resource settings. User interface: Designing an app that works for elderly, non-tech-savvy users with multilingual support. Data syncing: Creating low-latency communication between the sock and mobile app.

##Accomplishments That We're Proud Of Successfully integrated multiple sensor streams into a single lightweight sock prototype. Created a predictive alert system using simple metrics, potentially reducing ulcer risk drastically. Built with clinical empathy—keeping user dignity, comfort, and design top-of-mind at every stage. Designed a solution that bridges healthcare and daily life seamlessly.

What We Learned

Preventive health needs to feel natural, not clinical. People won’t wear a solution unless it’s wearable—literally and emotionally. Many diabetic patients suffer in silence. Tech that listens without asking can make a real difference. Multilingual, culturally sensitive interfaces are essential in the Indian healthcare context.

What's Next for DFDGuard by Runverve

Complete the app interface and launch pilot trials in Tamil Nadu in collaboration with diabetic clinics. Partner with healthcare providers and NGOs to expand access to rural and underserved populations. Integrate more parameters (like hydration or circulation markers) to enhance Digital Twin fidelity. Prepare for regulatory certifications and explore public health adoption at scale.

Built With

• aws-(ec2
• bioceramic-compression-fabric
• blockchain-ready-architecture
• bluetooth-low-energy-(ble)
• cloud-firestore
• end-to-end-encryption-(e2ee)
• esp32-microcontroller
• fastapi
• firebase
• firebase-cloud-functions
• flexible-pressure-sensors
• google-cloud-platform-(gcp)
• humidity-sensors
• i18next
• iam)
• nativewind
• python
• react-native
• s3
• sqlite
• tailwindcss
• tensorflow-lite
• thermistors
• typescript