Could a new ‘smart’, wearable sweat patch be about to revolutionize the health and fitness industry?

A revolutionary new, 'smart', wearable sweat patch produced by health analytics company Kenzen has moved one step closer to the shelves this week after it was announced that $5 million in strategic investment has been secured to help develop, support and market the product.

The ECHO is a small, flexible patch which conducts sweat analysis, measures vital signs, and utilizes motion sensors to predict and prevent avoidable injuries and illnesses.  Real-time information can then be delivered about athletes’ performance and health thorough Kenzen’s mobile application

It’s no surprise that a host of wealthy investors including Digitalis and Flex (formerly Flextronics) have lined up to support the product as well as the San Francisco 49ers with whom Kenzen has previously piloted projects in the past.

The support of the 49ers is certainly seen as a vindication of Kenzen’s belief in the product. 49ers chief strategy officer Paraag Marathe said: "As both an investor and customer, we are big fans of Kenzen and appreciate the team’s down-to-earth, honest and very intellectual approach to things.

“They’ve been a great partner in building a breakthrough product for athletes.”

Those feelings were echoed by Steve Allen, co-founder and partner of Digitalis, who told Sport Techie: “Technology continually improves people’s lives and wearables represent the next great shift that will boost precision medicine.

“Digitalis recognizes that Kenzen, led by its dynamic executive team, is in great position to address digital health initiatives promoting wellness and safety.”