France-based, Orthopus develops technical hardware aids for disabled people. In particular, the startup developed the “Orthopus Supporter”, a robotic arm that can be attached to any (wheel)chair to provide (arm) mobility assistance (for patients with e.g. muscular weakness such as dystrophies, musculoskeletal disorders or spinal cord injuries). The device, among other, is powered by a proprietary actuator/ engine block [designed by Orthopus – in partnership with Paris-based Enchanted Tools (€15m) – & made in France] said to be 30% cheaper than comparables. The Orthopus Supporter is already marketed in France, Germany & the Netherlands. The startup will now use the new capital to finance a clinical trail of the robot to make it eligible for reimbursement by the social security in France. The startup is also “consolidating its supply chain” & working on “two other arms in parallel”, for patients who need more “advanced” assistance. Orthopus was founded in 2018 by David Gouaillier (CEO) & already employs <12 people. A laureate of the I Nov healthcare competition, Orthopus has been recognized as an “entreprise solidaire d’utilité sociale” (which allows it to tap into specialized grants & benefit from tax breaks). <Source: usine-digital.fr, agence-api.ouest-france.fr, lefigaro.fr, lejournaldesentreprises.com>
