Thryv Mobility

To create a flatter world

Team Size:
6
Location:
India
Founders:
Justin Jesudas , Manish Anand, Rejin Varghese, Sashank Allu, Senthil Kumar, Srikanth Srinivasan
Program(s):

The Problem

Wheelchair users are typically presented only with 2 options a. Manual Wheelchair b. Electric/power wheelchair. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Manual wheelchair is highly portable but dysfunctional on thick bed of grass, carpet, gravel and uneven terrains. Electric wheelchairs are highly functional across different terrains but compromise on portability, weighing anywhere from 50-100kg. Also, if the battery or motor malfunctions, the user is stuck. We believe there is a sweet spot, bringing the best of both in a modular, customized manner, on-demand, giving users the power of choice.

The Solution

We are working on a power assist that is portal (under 6kg) that can convert a manual wheelchair into a power driven device, controlled through intuitive gesture. Further, for outdoor mobility, another small attachment converts the wheelchair into a mini scooter to overcome the know issue of caster wheels. Finally, the device can also double up as a family device for persons without disability (caregiver, spouse, children friend of wheelchair user). This way, we have a modular indoor assist, outdoor assist and a family assist - truly giving the power of choice to the user. We are at TRL - Technology Readiness Level 5 (1st prototype of the device and gesture controller are ready). We have also developed our own light weight wheelchair (8kg), which we target to price at USD 1000 - no other competitor has achieved this. This product is at TRL 7.