SoftSocket

SoftSocket

SoftSocket

Empowering mobility with a lightweight, cost-effective prosthetic socket designed for global health impact and personal freedom.

Zürich, Schweiz

Switzerland

Not registered as any organization

Worldwide, over 26 million people live with upper limb differences, yet only 25% use a prosthesis. The remaining 75% face critical barriers: high costs, lack of comfort, and inaccessibility of prosthetic care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These barriers lead to severe health and social consequences—muscle atrophy, chronic pain, and psychological distress, including increased rates of depression and social isolation. The problem is growing: due to rising injury, congenital conditions, and limb loss from diseases or conflict, the number of affected individuals is projected to double by 2050. Conventional prostheses are often prohibitively expensive (ranging from €2,000–€50,000), require professional fitting, and are not designed to meet the evolving needs of children or active individuals. In LMICs, lack of local prosthetic services compounds the issue, leaving millions without any viable solution. SoftSocket directly addresses these challenges by offering a cost-effective (€150–€750), lightweight, and self-adjustable socket that removes the need for ongoing clinical fitting. Our design meets the needs of both growing children and active adults, ensuring a comfortable, inclusive, and globally scalable solution that bridges the gap between need and access.

SoftSocket is an innovative, self-adjustable prosthetic socket designed for individuals with upper limb differences—especially children and active users. Unlike conventional sockets, which are costly, rigid, and require professional fitting, SoftSocket is made from soft, breathable textiles and uses a patent-pending mechanical system that allows users to comfortably adjust the fit themselves—no clinic visit required. The user begins by measuring their residual limb at home using a simple guide. These measurements are uploaded to our online platform, where an AI-based tool suggests the best combination of prefabricated components. The customized prosthetic kit is then shipped directly to the user, where it can be easily assembled and adjusted. Our modular design fits a wide range of users and adapts to daily limb volume changes—critical for comfort and long-term wear. It also accommodates the rapid growth of children without requiring new fittings. Priced between €150–€750, it is up to three times more affordable than current alternatives and scalable for global distribution, especially in resource-limited settings. SoftSocket empowers individuals to regain mobility, confidence, and independence—anywhere in the world.

SoftSocket serves individuals with upper limb differences, focusing especially on children and active users in both high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Globally, over 26 million people are affected—yet 75% do not use a prosthesis due to high costs, discomfort, or lack of access to clinical fitting services. In HICs, young users and athletes often find existing prosthetics uncomfortable, restrictive, or unsuitable for physical activity. In LMICs, millions go entirely without care, facing exclusion, economic burden, and long-term health risks. SoftSocket directly addresses these gaps. Its self-adjustable design eliminates the need for repeated clinic visits, which are often expensive or unavailable. Children benefit especially, as the socket adapts to growth without constant replacements. Active users gain freedom through a secure, breathable fit that supports sports and daily movement. And at a price of €150–€750, it brings life-changing mobility within reach for underserved populations. By restoring physical ability, enhancing comfort, and increasing access, SoftSocket improves quality of life, supports mental health, promotes social inclusion, and reduces long-term healthcare dependency which means empowering users to participate more fully in education, work, and community life.