ORTHO

Patients with post-stroke paralysis, cerebral palsy, mechanical injury, scoliosis, and foot drop all need orthotic support to improve/ help rehabilitation treatment to regain their mobility.  

Mobility is a fundamental aspect of daily life, yet millions worldwide lack access to suitable orthotic solutions, exacerbating their mobility challenges. Locally, 127’000 people could directly benefit from our product. Globally, 560 million individuals require human mobility solutions, with 160 million specifically needing customized orthotic solutions. However, many face obstacles accessing custom orthotic devices tailored to their unique needs. 

Our first product is Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO). It is a critical biomechanical device that stabilizes joints and improves lower limb function. However, mass-produced orthotics fail to provide the necessary custom fit, resulting in discomfort and hindering long-term wearability.  

Similarly, traditional manufacturing methods for custom orthotics are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, with each step prone to error and waste production. During our research trip to Japan, we witnessed firsthand the inefficiencies and waste within the orthotics industry, further highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.  

Despite the significant demand, accessibility remains limited, particularly in underserved communities with restricted access to quality healthcare and rehabilitation services. 

>span class="NormalTextRun SCXW157294226 BCX8">personalized orthotics more accessible, efficient, and sustainable, improving rehab results and ultimately transforming lives and communities for the better.  

Our solution centers around a cutting-edge custom orthosis design platform and 3D printing technology, aimed at revolutionizing orthotic care.  

Using advanced parametric design techniques and computational algorithms, our platform generates custom-fit orthotic designs based on individual patient parameters such as body size, weight, and diagnosis. This personalized approach ensures optimal comfort and effectiveness, addressing the limitations of mass-produced orthotics that often result in discomfort and suboptimal rehabilitation outcomes. 

The manufacturing process is streamlined and optimized through 3D printing technology, significantly reducing waste, production time, and costs. With 3D scanning of the patient's anatomy, we create precise orthotic designs that are then fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques.  

Custom-designing parametric software will enable hospitals and rehabilitation clinics to design and produce custom orthoses in-house. This software will empower healthcare professionals to provide personalized orthotic care efficiently, further expanding access to quality orthotic solutions. 

Cerebral palsy, post-stroke paralysis, and neuropathy caused by diabetes, these conditions can severely impair mobility and diminish overall quality of life. In Mongolia, approximately 127,000 individuals struggle with these mobility challenges, with many more affected globally. 

Unfortunately, those with mobility issues are often underserved, particularly in developing countries where healthcare resources are limited. During our visit to Batsumber Nursing Home, we witnessed firsthand the dire situation faced by individuals with post-stroke paralysis. Many patients were left in wheelchairs without access to essential rehabilitation services. As a result, their mobility declined rapidly, exacerbating their condition and diminishing their independence. 

Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) also face significant health and social inequities.  

By utilizing our custom designing platform, healthcare providers can rapidly prototype and fabricate orthoses on the spot, allowing for immediate adjustments if needed. This streamlined process not only enhances efficiency but also empowers patients, especially children, to receive timely and tailored orthotic solutions. 

Ultimately, our solution seeks to improve the lives of individuals with mobility challenges by restoring their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. By addressing the unmet needs of underserved populations and leveraging innovative technology, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals worldwide. 

Our interdisciplinary team, comprising rehabilitation specialists, bioengineers, and parametric designers, collaborates to refine and improve our orthotic solutions continually.  

As the Team Lead, I bring a background in bioengineering and a deep-rooted passion for addressing healthcare disparities. My personal experiences and interactions with underserved communities have fueled my commitment to developing innovative solutions that directly impact people's lives. Having witnessed the challenges faced by individuals with mobility issues firsthand, I am driven to leverage my skills and expertise to make a tangible difference. 

Dr. Kawasaki, a key member of our team, is a rehabilitation specialist with extensive experience in treating post-stroke patients. His insights and expertise in this field are invaluable in ensuring that our solution is clinically effective and tailored to meet the specific needs of our target population. Dr. Kawasaki's direct involvement in the design and implementation of our solution ensures that it is guided by the latest research and best practices in rehabilitation medicine. 

In addition to our clinical expertise, our team includes 3D printing experts who bring technical proficiency and innovation to the table. Our knowledge of 3D printing technology ensures the printability and functionality of our orthoses, facilitating the seamless integration of our solution into clinical practice. 

Furthermore, our team includes a parametric designer who is deeply passionate about leveraging design principles to improve patient outcomes. Their expertise in parametric design plays a crucial role in the development of our custom orthosis designing platform, ensuring that it is user-friendly, intuitive, and tailored to the needs of healthcare providers and patients alike. 

Importantly, our team is not only well-versed in the technical aspects of our solution but also deeply connected to the communities we aim to serve. We actively seek input, ideas, and feedback from community members throughout the design and implementation process, ensuring that our solution is meaningful, culturally sensitive, and aligned with the communities' priorities and agendas. 

To date, we have completed the following milestones: 

Prototype Development: We have successfully produced our prototype of the custom 3D-printed orthoses. This prototype incorporates parametric design principles to ensure customization for each patient's specific needs. Additionally, we have experimented with various materials to optimize mechanical strength and flexibility, essential for effective orthotic function. 

Tensile Strength Testing: We conducted rigorous tensile strength in January 2024 to test our prototype to evaluate its durability and performance under stress. The results of these tests have provided valuable insights into areas for improvement, particularly concerning the reinforcement around the Achilles tendon. Based on these findings, we are actively refining our design to enhance its mechanical properties and overall effectiveness. 

Clinical Trial Preparation: We are in the process of preparing for clinical trials scheduled for May 2024. These trials will be conducted in collaboration with four local hospital rehabilitation departments, where we will evaluate the performance and usability of our solution on ten patients with varying mobility challenges. This real-world testing will allow us to gather critical feedback from healthcare professionals and patients, informing further iterations and improvements to our solution. 

Algorithmic Script Development: Concurrently, we are developing algorithmic script code based on our parametric design principles. This code will serve as the foundation for our custom orthosis designing software, allowing healthcare providers to generate personalized orthotic designs quickly and efficiently. By automating this process, we aim to streamline orthotic production and enhance accessibility for patients in need. 

Overall, our progress demonstrates our commitment to delivering a robust and effective solution to address the mobility challenges faced by underserved communities. Through iterative design, rigorous testing, and collaboration with healthcare professionals, we are confident in the potential impact of our solution on improving rehabilitation outcomes and enhancing the lives of individuals with mobility impairments. 

Business Development and Market Penetration: As engineers and researchers at INMO Studio, we have deep technical expertise in developing innovative solutions for orthotic care. However, we lack comprehensive business knowledge and strategies to effectively penetrate the market and reach impactful stakeholders. Solve's network and resources can provide us with invaluable insights into market dynamics, customer segmentation, and go-to-market strategies. By connecting us with experienced mentors, industry experts, and potential partners, Solve can help us refine our business model, identify strategic opportunities, and scale our solution to reach more individuals in need. 

Partnership Opportunities: Building partnerships within the healthcare provider community and with employers who are part of Solve's network can significantly enhance our solution's reach and impact. By collaborating with healthcare organizations and employers, we can access new distribution channels, reach underserved populations, and integrate our solution into existing healthcare systems. Solve's platform can facilitate these partnerships by connecting us with relevant stakeholders and fostering collaboration opportunities that align with our mission and goals. 

Legal and Regulatory Guidance: Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape in the healthcare industry is complex and challenging, particularly for medical devices and healthcare innovations. Solve can provide us with access to legal experts and regulatory advisors who can offer guidance on compliance requirements, intellectual property protection, and regulatory approvals. By ensuring that our solution meets regulatory standards and compliance requirements, we can mitigate legal risks, build trust with stakeholders, and accelerate the adoption of our innovation in the market. 

Overall, we believe that Solve's ecosystem of partners, mentors, and resources can empower us to overcome these barriers and maximize the impact of our solution. By leveraging Solve's support, we can accelerate our journey toward delivering accessible, affordable, and high-quality orthotic care to individuals with mobility challenges worldwide. 

Our solution introduces several innovative approaches to addressing the challenges faced in orthotic care. 

Advanced Technology Integration: By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as 3D scanning, algorithmic parametric modeling, and 3D printing, our solution streamlines the entire process of orthotic design and manufacturing. The use of 3D scanning enables quick and precise measurements of patients' bodies, eliminating the need for labor-intensive manual mold-making processes. This automated approach not only saves time and energy but also ensures greater accuracy and consistency in orthotic design. 

Customization and Personalization: Our solution goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches by offering custom-fit orthoses tailored to each patient's unique anatomical characteristics and rehabilitation needs. Through algorithmic parametric modeling, we can generate orthotic designs that precisely match the specific dimensions and biomechanical requirements of individual patients. This level of customization enhances patient comfort, improves rehabilitation outcomes, and reduces the risk of complications associated with ill-fitting orthoses. 

Sustainability and Waste Reduction: Traditional orthotic manufacturing methods often involve subtractive processes that generate significant waste and environmental impact. In contrast, our solution utilizes additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, which produce orthoses layer by layer, minimizing material wastage and reducing carbon footprint. Additionally, we use recyclable bioplastic materials for orthotic fabrication, further enhancing sustainability and environmental stewardship. 

Scalability and Accessibility: By digitizing the orthotic design and manufacturing process, our solution offers scalability and accessibility to a wider range of healthcare providers and patients, including those in underserved communities. The use of software-based parametric modeling allows for rapid iteration and customization of orthotic designs, facilitating remote collaboration and decentralized production. This scalability has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts by empowering local healthcare providers to deliver high-quality orthotic care more efficiently and affordably. 

Market Disruption and Transformation: Our solution has the potential to disrupt the traditional orthotics market by challenging the dominance of mass-produced, standardized orthoses. By offering customizable, on-demand orthotic solutions that are tailored to individual patient needs, we can change the landscape of orthotic care, shifting the focus from generic products to personalized interventions. This paradigm shift not only improves patient outcomes but also opens new opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the healthcare ecosystem. 

In summary, our solution represents a paradigm shift in orthotic care by integrating advanced technologies, customization, sustainability, scalability, and market disruption. By reimagining the way orthoses are designed, manufactured, and delivered, we aim to catalyze broader positive impacts in the healthcare industry and improve the lives of individuals with mobility challenges worldwide. 

Custom-Fit Orthoses for Improved Comfort and Rehabilitation: By providing custom-fit orthoses to patients, we anticipate a significant improvement in comfort and wearability, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes. Unlike mass-produced orthotic devices that often cause discomfort and hinder mobility, custom-fit orthoses are tailored to each patient's unique anatomical characteristics and rehabilitation needs. This personalized approach ensures optimal fit and functionality, reducing the risk of complications such as blistering, ulcers, or discomfort. As a result, patients are more likely to adhere to their rehabilitation protocols and experience enhanced mobility and quality of life. 

Streamlined Designing Workflow for Efficiency and Cost Savings: Our solution includes a custom orthosis designing platform that empowers healthcare professionals, such as doctors and technicians, to create personalized orthotic designs efficiently and cost-effectively. By automating the design workflow, we reduce the time and labor costs associated with traditional manual design processes. This streamlined approach enables healthcare providers to respond quickly to patient needs and preferences, accelerating the delivery of orthotic solutions and improving overall patient satisfaction. Additionally, the use of 3D printing technology in manufacturing further reduces production time and material costs, making custom-fit orthoses more accessible and affordable for patients. 

Environmental Sustainability Through Additive Manufacturing: Traditional subtractive manufacturing processes used in orthotic production generate significant waste, contributing to environmental pollution and resource depletion. In contrast, our solution leverages additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, which produce orthoses layer by layer, minimizing material wastage and reducing environmental impact. By adopting sustainable manufacturing practices, we not only mitigate the environmental harm associated with orthotic production but also contribute to broader efforts to promote sustainability and conservation. This aligns with global initiatives to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions, ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come. 

In summary, our theory of change revolves around the implementation of custom-fit orthoses and automated designing workflows, enabled by 3D printing technology. By addressing the immediate needs of patients for comfortable and effective orthotic solutions, while also streamlining production processes and promoting environmental sustainability, we expect our solution to have a profound and lasting impact on orthotic care globally. Through these strategic interventions, we aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system for all.  

Our impact goals are focused on achieving transformational changes in orthotic care, promoting sustainability, and fostering economic growth. To measure our progress towards these goals, we have identified specific indicators that align with our mission and objectives. 

Increase Rehabilitation Effectiveness: Our primary goal is to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with mobility challenges. To measure our progress in this area, we will track indicators such as improvements in gait patterns, increased mobility and independence, and reductions in pain and discomfort while walking. We will collaborate with rehabilitation centers and healthcare providers to conduct assessments and evaluations of patients before and after receiving our custom-fit orthoses. By comparing pre- and post-treatment data, we can quantify the impact of our solution on rehabilitation effectiveness. 

Expand Access to Rehabilitation Treatment and Equipment: We aim to democratize access to rehabilitation treatment and equipment, ensuring that individuals of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds have access to quality orthotic care. In the first year of implementation, our goal is to reach 1000 people with our ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) to alleviate pain and improve mobility while walking. We will track the number of orthoses distributed and monitor patient feedback to assess the reach and effectiveness of our intervention. 

Promote Sustainable Economic Growth: Our solution emphasizes automated workflow and sustainable manufacturing practices to promote economic growth while minimizing environmental impact. To measure progress in this area, we will track indicators such as the reduction in material footprint achieved through 3D printing technology, the cost savings associated with streamlined manufacturing processes, and the creation of job opportunities in high-value-added and labor-intensive sectors. By conducting cost-benefit analyses and assessing the environmental footprint of our manufacturing processes, we can quantify the economic and environmental benefits of our solution. 

Contribute to Waste Reduction and Technological Innovation: We are committed to reducing waste generation and promoting technological innovation in orthotic manufacturing. By leveraging 3D printing technology, we aim to substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. Our orthosis is made of bio-plastic made of starch called PLA. This bio-plastic is recyclable, in which our studio can recycle used old orthotics in-house. Additionally, we will support developing countries in strengthening their scientific and technological capacity by sharing our knowledge and expertise in orthotic design and manufacturing. 

In summary, our impact goals focus on enhancing rehabilitation outcomes, expanding access to orthotic care, promoting sustainable economic growth, and fostering technological innovation. By tracking key indicators related to these goals, we can measure our progress and continuously improve our solution to maximize its impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. 

Our solution is powered by 3D scanning, 3D printing, and algorithmic modeling. These cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the field of orthotic care by enabling the rapid design and production of custom-fit orthoses tailored to each patient's unique needs. 

3D Scanning: Our solution begins with the use of 3D scanning technology to precisely capture the dimensions and contours of the patient's body. This process allows us to create highly accurate digital models of the affected limb or body part, eliminating the need for traditional plaster casting methods. By utilizing 3D scanning, we can obtain detailed anatomical data with exceptional speed and accuracy, providing the foundation for the custom design of orthotic devices.  

Algorithmic Modeling: Once we have obtained the digital scans of the patient, our solution leverages algorithmic modeling techniques to design custom orthoses on software called Grasshopper. Parametric design algorithms allow us to customize the shape, size, and features of the orthotic device based on the patient's specific biomechanical needs and clinical requirements. These algorithms enable rapid iteration and optimization of the orthotic design, ensuring an optimal fit and functionality for everyone. 

3D Printing: The final step in our solution involves the use of 3D printing technology to manufacture custom-designed orthoses. Additive manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing, allow us to transform digital design files into physical orthotic devices with unparalleled precision and efficiency. By building up layers of material according to the digital model, 3D printing enables us to produce orthoses with complex geometries and customized features that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. 

Design Platform: In addition to these core technologies, we will be developing a user-friendly design platform that will empower healthcare providers to create custom orthoses efficiently and effectively. This platform will incorporate intuitive parametric design tools and automated workflows, enabling clinicians to generate personalized orthotic designs with minimal training or expertise. By democratizing the design process, our platform will expand access to custom orthotic care and facilitate the rapid adoption of our solution in clinical settings. 

Overall, our solution harnesses the power of advanced technology to address the unmet needs of individuals with mobility challenges, offering a more accessible, efficient, and personalized approach to orthotic care. By leveraging 3D scanning, algorithmic modeling, and 3D printing, we are transforming the way orthoses are designed, manufactured, and delivered, ultimately improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients around the world. 

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Dr. Kawasaki has completed his graduate doctoral degree in rehabilitation treatment specifically for patients with post-stroke paralysis. He was a physical therapist for 2 two years and has been working as an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) researcher for 3 years.  

INMO Studio is full of 3D printing experts ranging from designers and practical printing technicians.

Bioengineer, recent graduate, with 2 years of research experience in biomaterials. 

Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives. We have a woman founder who is an Architectural Engineer. The management team consists of a majority of women team members.  

Goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We allow our team members to work from home promoting equitable opportunities for career growth and advancement. We implemented a 4-day working culture to increase working hour efficiency and personal development time. 

Recruitment and Hiring Practices: Outreach to diverse networks and communities, using inclusive language in job postings, and implementing blind resume screening to minimize unconscious bias in the selection process. We prioritize candidates who demonstrate a commitment to DEI principles and have experience working with diverse populations. We also hire students and part-time workers to enable work experience and career advancement.  

Training and Development: We also encourage team members to participate in external events and initiatives to deepen their knowledge and broaden their perspectives. For example, our team members attended the “Business and Human Rights” training conducted by Eurochamber in October 2023.  

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: By allowing flexible working hours and days we allow people to work from home and tend to their personal life. Also, we welcome students to learn from our company. We have several part-time working moms who need to work from home.  

Expanding on our business model, in Phase 1, our primary focus is on providing custom-fit orthotics directly to customers through hospitals. This approach ensures that patients have access to orthotic devices that are tailored to their specific needs and requirements. By partnering with hospitals, we can leverage their existing infrastructure and healthcare professionals to reach a wide range of patients who require orthotic solutions. Our orthotics will be readily available, reducing waiting times for patients and enabling them to receive timely care. 

Our custom-fit orthotics will address the needs of various patient populations, including those with conditions such as cerebral palsy, post-stroke paralysis, neuropathy due to diabetes, and elderly individuals with knee problems. These patients require orthotic devices that provide support and stability, enabling them to improve their mobility and quality of life. By offering custom-fit orthotics, we aim to meet these specific needs and improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients. 

In Phase 2, we will transition to selling software licensing to hospitals and rehabilitation clinics. Our software enables healthcare professionals to design and customize orthotic devices quickly and efficiently, streamlining the orthotic manufacturing process. By licensing our software, hospitals, and clinics can integrate orthotic design capabilities into their existing workflows, enhancing their ability to provide personalized care to patients. This approach not only generates revenue for our business but also expands the reach of our technology, allowing more patients to benefit from custom-fit orthotics. 

Our business model is built on the premise of providing value to both patients and healthcare providers. Patients benefit from access to custom-fit orthotics that improve their mobility and quality of life, while healthcare providers benefit from streamlined workflows and enhanced capabilities for designing orthotic devices. By addressing the needs of both key stakeholders, we create a sustainable business model that drives positive social impact and financial sustainability. 

Direct Sales of Orthotic Products: One of our primary revenue streams is through the direct sales of our custom-designed orthotic products to healthcare institutions, rehabilitation clinics, and individual patients. We have established partnerships with hospitals and rehabilitation centers to distribute our products, generating revenue through transactional sales. Our products offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional orthotic solutions, making them accessible to a wider range of patients. 

Software Licensing Fees: In addition to selling physical orthotic products, we plan to generate revenue through the licensing of our orthotic design software to hospitals and healthcare providers. This software enables healthcare professionals to design and customize orthotic solutions tailored to their patient's needs, streamlining the design process and increasing efficiency. By charging licensing fees for the use of our software, we can create a recurring revenue stream while expanding our reach to a broader market. 

Service Contracts and Partnerships: We seek to establish service contracts and partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to provide orthotic solutions on a larger scale. These contracts may involve supplying orthotic products to underserved communities, conducting training programs for healthcare professionals, or participating in public health initiatives. By securing long-term service contracts, we can ensure a steady stream of revenue while fulfilling our social mission. 

Grants and Philanthropic Support: We actively pursue grants and philanthropic support from foundations, impact investors, and corporate sponsors to fund research and development, expand our operations, and scale our impact. We have successfully secured grants from organizations such as [insert examples if applicable], which have provided crucial funding to advance our work and achieve key milestones. 

Investment Capital: While we aim to achieve financial sustainability primarily through revenue-generating activities, we are open to raising investment capital from impact investors or venture capital firms that share our mission and vision. Investment capital may be used to accelerate our growth, scale our operations, and develop new product offerings. We have engaged in discussions with potential investors and are exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships and investment. 

Overall, our financial sustainability plan is designed to ensure that our revenue streams cover our expected expenses and support our mission of providing innovative orthotic solutions to those in need. We have made significant progress in implementing this plan, as evidenced by our successful sales, partnerships, grant funding, and ongoing discussions with potential investors. By continuing to execute our strategy and adapt to market opportunities, we are confident in our ability to achieve long-term financial sustainability while making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with mobility challenges.