AI-backed rehabilitation product easing recovery process of stroke patients: BeAble Health founders

Healthtech startups are reshaping healthcare in India. These startups are leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence to transform patient-centric care. City-based BeAble Health, launched in 2017, is one such startup operating in this sector with its focus on game-based rehabilitation for patients suffering from hemiplegia/hemiparesis due to conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. Patients suffering from conditions such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, frozen shoulder and others can also benefit from their AI-backed rehabilitation product. The startup is a spinoff from the first batch of Fellowship in Healthcare Entrepreneurship at the Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship – IIT Hyderabad. Founder and CEO, Habib Ali, and Co-Founder and CMO at BeAble Health, K G Sreehari, speak to Bizz Buzz about the solution that has supported patients in faster recovery, and improved motor function

What was the reason behind launching BeAble Health?

BeAble Health was founded based on a scientific design thinking process called Biodesign, based out of Centre for Healthcare Entrepreneurship, IIT Hyderabad, and also from a personal experience of witnessing the slow and often frustrating rehabilitation process of a family member post-stroke. This experience highlighted the need for more effective, engaging, and accessible rehabilitation solutions. Driven by a desire to improve patient outcomes, we developed ArmAble to make therapy more efficient and motivating. BeAble Health has experienced rapid growth since its inception, evolving from an incubated idea at premier healthcare innovation hubs to a leading player in the rehabilitation technology market. Our journey has been marked by continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Could you tell us more about the interactive, data-driven, AI-backed rehabilitation product you have developed?

After five years of research and development and clinical studies the product was officially launched in 2022. BeAble Health offers cutting-edge rehabilitation solution like ArmAble, an AI-powered, data-driven device designed to enhance recovery for stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury patients. ArmAble uses immersive, gamified therapy to keep patients engaged while providing real-time data analytics that tailors therapy sessions according to individual needs. This approach optimizes recovery outcomes through continuous feedback and adaptive treatment.

How many patients have benefited till date?

We have impacted more than 5,000 patients. Our solutions have significantly impacted stroke survivors, spinal cord injury patients, and individuals with neurological conditions. Patients using ArmAble have reported faster recovery times, improved motor function, and increased motivation to continue therapy, leading to better overall outcomes.

Can you tell us about the research that went into developing the product, besides the validation and patents received?

Extensive research, including clinical trials and collaborations with leading rehabilitation experts, went into developing ArmAble. The product has been validated through a multi-centric RCT trial, proving its effectiveness. Additionally, ArmAble has received patents for its innovative features, including its unique multi-handle grips and inclination adjustment, ensuring its scientific credibility and novelty.

Who are the clients you serve?

ArmAble has been successfully adopted by leading hospitals and rehabilitation centres across India. Sales have been robust, reflecting strong demand in both tier 1 and 2 cities. Our clientele includes major healthcare providers.

Is ArmAble accessible to all?

ArmAble and T-Able (to be launched by end of 2024) are priced competitively to ensure broad accessibility. BeAble Health is committed to making innovative healthcare solutions available to everyone, regardless of their location, helping bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare. It is high time we focus on making robust and products of international standards, and not limit ourselves to making cheap and affordable products. Once a product is made, different models can be explored to make it accessible.

How is BeAble’s product placed against the ones available in the international market?

BeAble Health’s products, such as ArmAble, are highly competitive in the global market, standing alongside international giants like Hocoma, Tyromotion, Axinesis, and Fourier Intelligence. Our products offer unique features, such as multi-handle grips for activities of daily living (ADLs) and customizable inclination adjustments, which cater specifically to patient needs, making them a formidable option internationally. Our product is atleast 1/4th the cost of such competition available in the international market.

Are you looking to raise additional funds?

Till date we have raised grants to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore. These initial rounds of funding was raised to support our growth and development through grants, mainly from BIRAC, IUSSTF, Social Alpha, Villgro, IIGP and others. We are currently seeking (undisclosed) investment to scale our operations, expand our product line, and penetrate into new markets, both in India and internationally.

Are there any new products in the pipeline?

We are constantly innovating, with several new products in the pipeline that address unmet needs in rehabilitation.

What is the market size of this industry and what is the untapped opportunity size in India?

The global rehabilitation market is valued at over $23 billion, with significant growth potential in India. The Indian market is still largely untapped, with traditional methods prevailing, and limited access to advanced technologies like ours. This presents a huge opportunity for BeAble Health to expand and revolutionize the rehabilitation landscape, making modern solutions more accessible.

What is your opinion about the current innovation witnessed in the Indian healthcare device market?

The Indian healthcare device market is witnessing a surge in innovation, with an increasing focus on affordable, high-quality solutions. However, scaling these innovations and ensuring widespread adoption, remains a challenge. BeAble Health is at the forefront of this movement, striving to make advanced rehabilitation technologies accessible to all.

When data-driven and AI-backed products are mentioned, how secure or streamlined is the vast patient data available in India? Is AI and other emerging tech being utilized to its fullest potential in this segment?

The security and streamlining of patient data in India are paramount, especially as healthcare providers increasingly rely on data-driven and AI-backed products. At BeAble Health, we adhere to the highest standards of data protection, in line with the upcoming Personal Data Protection Bill, which aims to regulate the processing of personal data in India and ensure data privacy. While AI and other emerging technologies have great potential, their full utilization in the healthcare device market is still in its early stages. However, with the right regulatory framework and a focus on secure data handling, India is poised to harness the power of these technologies to revolutionize patient care. BeAble Health is committed to leading this charge by ensuring that our AI-backed products are not only innovative but also secure and compliant with evolving data protection laws. We build our products with the patients at the centre, ensuring complete ownership and control of their own data.

What are the challenges that startups face while trying to innovate and bring out products or solutions in the healthcare device segment?

Startups in the healthcare device segment face numerous challenges, including regulatory hurdles, high development costs, and the need for extensive clinical validation. Despite these obstacles, BeAble Health has persevered by focusing on user-centered design, rigorous testing, and building strong relationships with healthcare providers to bring our innovative solutions into the market successfully.