Dr. Tom Andriacchi, PhD, is Professor Emeritus at Stanford College, President of SomaTX Design, and co-inventor of KneeMo, “the primary sensible wearable designed particularly to scale back knee ache throughout motion,” he informed Entrepreneur. We requested Andriacchi how his firm developed the product, the enterprise strikes he is made to get it out into the world, and his finest recommendation for entrepreneurs within the well being tech area.
Are you able to clarify how KneeMo is totally different from different knee ache merchandise?
Not like customary braces that merely help or compress the joint, KneeMo actively makes use of motion-sensing know-how and vibration remedy to scale back ache in actual time. The result’s that individuals can keep energetic, protect their independence, and keep away from the bodily and psychological penalties of a sedentary way of life. What makes KneeMo distinctive is that it is not simply an thought—it has been rigorously developed and clinically examined at Stanford College in a peer-reviewed trial. We started with a gentle launch in 2024, however KneeMo formally launched earlier this 12 months. My position is to information the corporate’s path whereas ensuring the science we developed interprets into one thing helpful, accessible, and impactful for folks dwelling with knee ache.
What impressed you to create it?
The inspiration got here from a elementary query: may we transfer past passive help and really change how folks expertise knee ache whereas in movement? Given KneeMo’s distinctive design, we knew we wanted to check whether or not it may make a measurable distinction. We ran a rigorous placebo-controlled trial with sufferers experiencing documented knee ache. The “aha second” got here once we noticed the outcomes—sufferers had been strolling extra simply and climbing stairs with much less ache, generally after only a few steps. The enhancements in perform had been instant, seen, and much exceeded our expectations. That pivotal second satisfied me to dedicate the following decade to constructing an organization that would take KneeMo out of the lab and into folks’s lives.
Any classes about efficient advertising you possibly can share?
Completely. First, do not underestimate the associated fee and complexity of going head-to-head with established manufacturers in direct-to-consumer advertising—it is advisable be strategic, not simply loud. Second, with a novel medical product, training is every part. Folks want to know not simply what it’s, however why it really works. Meaning explaining the science clearly, sharing actual affected person outcomes, and pointing to scientific knowledge. Lastly, you must justify your product’s price in comparison with rivals. If you happen to’re asking folks to put money into one thing new, you owe them transparency in regards to the worth and impression.
How has the suggestions been from customers?
In our preliminary scientific research at Stanford, 95 p.c of individuals confirmed immediate enchancment in quadriceps perform, generally inside only a few steps of utilizing KneeMo. That quantity is highly effective not simply scientifically, however personally—it represents folks regaining mobility, independence, and hope.
Associated: He Hated Furnishings Procuring. So He Constructed a Enterprise to Do It for Him.
What does the phrase “entrepreneur” imply to you?
For me, entrepreneurship is outlined by innovation, motivation, dedication, and perseverance. It is about seeing potential the place others see limits, and having the grit to push via setbacks to deliver that potential to life. It is not nearly making a product—it is about creating a chance for actual change.
What’s one thing many aspiring enterprise homeowners assume they want that they actually do not?
There is a widespread false impression that having absolutely the “finest” product ensures success. However historical past proves in any other case—consider VHS overtaking Betamax. In actuality, certified and skilled management is essentially the most vital asset. The suitable group and execution could make a superb product profitable, whereas the “finest” product with out sturdy management usually fails.
Dr. Tom Andriacchi, PhD, is Professor Emeritus at Stanford College, President of SomaTX Design, and co-inventor of KneeMo, “the primary sensible wearable designed particularly to scale back knee ache throughout motion,” he informed Entrepreneur. We requested Andriacchi how his firm developed the product, the enterprise strikes he is made to get it out into the world, and his finest recommendation for entrepreneurs within the well being tech area.
Are you able to clarify how KneeMo is totally different from different knee ache merchandise?
Not like customary braces that merely help or compress the joint, KneeMo actively makes use of motion-sensing know-how and vibration remedy to scale back ache in actual time. The result’s that individuals can keep energetic, protect their independence, and keep away from the bodily and psychological penalties of a sedentary way of life. What makes KneeMo distinctive is that it is not simply an thought—it has been rigorously developed and clinically examined at Stanford College in a peer-reviewed trial. We started with a gentle launch in 2024, however KneeMo formally launched earlier this 12 months. My position is to information the corporate’s path whereas ensuring the science we developed interprets into one thing helpful, accessible, and impactful for folks dwelling with knee ache.
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