Second Chance Innovations

Second Chance Innovations is a medical technology company developing powered upper-limb orthotic devices for post-stroke patient rehabilitation. The company was co-founded by Jason Wong and Vadish, a student at the University of Illinois with a background in mechanical engineering. The founders aim to accelerate and optimize the rehabilitation process through assistive devices controlled by the patient's own muscle sensors and biological signals.

The core product is an assistive device that provides personalized support for elbow extension mobility, adapting to individual patient needs to enhance recovery outcomes. It utilizes soft robotics to ensure a comfortable and effective user fit and offers between 10 to 15 pounds of lift capacity. A key feature is its adaptive assistance; as the patient's muscles regain strength, the device's support weakens, promoting muscle recovery with the goal that the user may no longer need it after a few years. For patients without the possibility of full muscle regeneration, it serves as a long-term orthosis.

The company is in its early stages, currently bootstrapping its development by using the founders' personal funds. The business strategy includes seeking public funding through government grants for research and development to continue operations. The target market is neurological rehabilitation, with an initial focus on post-stroke patients and plans to expand to assist individuals with muscular atrophy or developmental disabilities. The company's mission is to help people regain their independence and mobility after serious injury.

Keywords: post-stroke rehabilitation, upper limb orthosis, therapeutic devices, muscle-controlled activation, soft robotics, assistive technology, neurological rehabilitation, medtech, mobility assistance, bio-signal device, physical therapy equipment, adaptive robotics