Powered Orthotics receives EXIST Transfer of Research
Oktober 24, 2023
published by hei_INNOVATION
With the goal of changing the lives of people affected by strokes, spinal cord injuries and other causes of hand paralysis, the Powered Orthotics team successfully applied for an EXIST Transfer of Research with the help of the transfer agency hei_INNOVATION. From October 2023, the founders of Powered Orthotics will be supported in the further development of their start-up project with funding of around € 1.1 million until September 2025.
Powered Orthotics is on a mission to change the lives of people affected by strokes, spinal cord injuries and other causes of hand paralysis. To do this, the team is developing a revolutionary robotic glove that allows users to put life back in their hands. Powered Orthotics' new technology combines robotic precision with user-friendly design to offer users new levels of independence. With Powered Orthotics, the team bridges the gap between rehabilitation centres and home care, bringing new freedom and functionality to those who need it most.
The focus of the work emerged during Ryan Alicea's doctoral studies at the University of Heidelberg, where he developed wearable robotics for patients with spinal cord injuries. With their first prototype, he and Maximilian Morgalla conducted their first tests with impaired patients at Heidelberg University Hospital. Seeing the patients' enthusiasm for the prototype after their hands moved for the first time since their injury, they knew they had created something worth pursuing.
The Powered Orthotics team is broad in its expertise. Shaymaa Abdelhamid provides the medical expertise. She studied pharmacy and biotechnology at the German University in Cairo and then successfully completed a Master's degree in Public Health at the University of York. Since April 2018, she has been a PhD student within the DFG Research Training Group at the Mannheim Institute of Public Health - now the Department of General Medicine. Ryan Alicea, a doctoral student in medical technology at Heidelberg, and Maximilian Morgalla, a master's student in applied computer science, contribute technical expertise to the project. The American entrepreneur Rob Zerban studied Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin in the USA.
When applying for the EXIST Transfer of Research, Powered Orthotics was advised and accompanied by hei_INNOVATION, the transfer agency of Heidelberg University. “The team at hei_INNOVATION played a crucial role in preparing us for success. They provided excellent support throughout the application process and helped us to achieve a successful outcome. Aside from assisting with the funding application process, the monthly Start-Upertivo events they host are great places for like-minded people to interact in a casual, fun environment. They've made a huge impact on our city's startup ecosystem so far, and I'm excited to see how they help shape it in the future,” says the Powered Orthotics team.
The Powered Orthotics team is now focused on turning the research-ready prototype into a reliable medical product. This includes upgrading the hardware, as well as establishing partnerships with new clinical collaborators and users with whom the team can develop the product according to their needs.
EXIST Transfer of Research supports outstanding reserach oriented projects that involve expensive and high-risk resource development.. The EXIST funding programme is financed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection.