Kalogon

Kalogon is a specialized technology firm focused on smart seating solutions, established in 2019 by Tim Balz, a former SpaceX engineer. The company's creation was deeply influenced by Balz's long-standing passion for assisting individuals with mobility challenges, which began in high school when he founded a non-profit to refurbish and distribute wheelchairs. This early experience, combined with his engineering background from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and work at SpaceX, culminated in the founding of Kalogon alongside co-founders Aaron Jones, Evan Rosenberg, Christian Balcom, and Connor Crenshaw.

The company directs its efforts towards developing and manufacturing products that address the health risks associated with prolonged sitting, such as pressure injuries, which can be life-threatening. Kalogon's primary market consists of wheelchair users, but it is also expanding into the aviation and automotive sectors, where long-term sitting is common. The business operates through direct sales and partnerships with major medical distributors like Etac and National Seating & Mobility. Revenue is generated from the sale of its smart cushion products and licensing its technology to partners.

Kalogon's core offering is its proprietary Advanced Pressure Management (APM) system, which uses a combination of sensors, machine learning algorithms, and dynamically adjusting air cells to monitor and redistribute pressure in real-time. This technology is integrated into its flagship products, the Orbiter and Orbiter Med cushions, which are designed to improve blood flow, increase comfort, and prevent skin integrity issues. The Orbiter Med, launched in 2024, received Medicare approval, significantly expanding its market access. Users can personalize their seating experience through a connected mobile app, adjusting pressure relief and firmness to their specific needs.

Since its inception, Kalogon has secured multiple rounds of funding, including a $3.3 million seed round in 2022 and a $1.2 million extension in 2024, with investors such as DeepWork Capital, SeedFundersOrlando, and AARP. The company has also secured government contracts, including a notable SBIR contract with the U.S. Air Force, and has engaged in paid prototype projects with Hyundai and Collins Aerospace. Its in-house manufacturing facility in Melbourne, Florida, enables a rapid cycle of prototyping, testing, and scaling based on direct user and clinical feedback.

Keywords: smart seating, medical devices, pressure injury prevention, wheelchair cushions, therapeutic devices, advanced pressure management, aerospace engineering, mobility solutions, connected health, assistive technology, ergonomic solutions, MedTech, venture capital, smart fabric, sensor technology, rehabilitation engineering, automotive seating, aviation seating, health technology, seating systems