Startup Profile
Exoheal

Introduce yourselves

Tell us in three sentences who you are

Exoheal is an AI-powered robotic glove and mobile platform designed to help people with hand paralysis recover through personalized, at-home therapy. It combines neuroscience, robotics, and real-time machine learning to accelerate recovery. The project began in 2016 and has evolved from early prototypes into a globally recognized rehabilitation solution.

How did the idea come about and what challenges had to be overcome?

The idea for Exoheal began eight years ago when our founder Zain visited his uncle in India after a stroke had left his hand paralyzed. He lost his independence, his ability to provide for his family, and even hope—simply because he couldn’t access timely therapy. At the hospital, over 50 patients were waiting for just 3 therapists; his turn came four weeks later. That experience shaped our team’s mission: to build accessible, AI-powered rehab tools that restore dignity and independence to people facing the same challenges. Along the way, we had to overcome technical barriers in building wearable robotics, finding the right rehabilitation data, and designing a system that works both clinically and at home. 

How does Exoheal work and how does AI support this project?

Exoheal’s AI models track patient progress in real-time and adapt exercises to optimize recovery speed and engagement. This personalization makes therapy more effective and scalable at home.

Why did you specialize in hand paralysis and rehabilitation? What makes this area particularly important to you?

Hand paralysis impacts independence more than almost any other impairment, yet it’s one of the hardest to treat. As a team, we chose to focus on it because it’s deeply personal to us and critically underserved. Solving this challenge combines our strengths in engineering, neuroscience, and design with a mission that truly matters.

How does Exoheal differ from other rehabilitation devices on the market regarding technology and user experience?

Most rehab tools are either expensive, clinic-bound, or static. Exoheal is portable, affordable, and powered by real-time AI that adapts to each user’s recovery. Beyond the tech, we focus on user-centered design—making recovery feel empowering, not clinical.

What is your most important goal for this year? And where do you see your startup in 5 years?

This year, our top goal is to finalize clinical testing and begin small-scale commercialization in Europe. In 5 years, we see Exoheal as a global leader in AI-driven rehabilitation expanding from the hand to full-body therapy and redefining home recovery worldwide.