With so many Americans working from computers, carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist injuries could potentially harm their health and hinder work progress. According to the American College of Rheumatology, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve disorders experienced today and affects approximately up to 10 million Americans.
Wave Wearable, a Wayfinder startup, is looking to help those who suffer from exhausting hand and wrist problems.
The startup is creating a high-tech brace with added high-tech treatments and motion tracking that connects the brace with a digital therapy app. This app allows the user to collect data about their healing progress from carpal tunnel or other wrist injuries.
The idea came to fruition during CEO and founder Alaina McClue’s time as a graduate student at the UCI Paul Merage School of Business studying for her Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. While in the graduate program, McClue reflected on her experience working at a dental office and witnessed how her boss’s debilitating carpal tunnel syndrome negatively impacted her life and small business.
“There has to be a better way to allow people to take control of their treatment process and continue working or enjoying whatever hobbies they may have,” said McClue. “Overall, there needs to be a better way to prevent them from losing out on money or experiences because of carpal tunnel syndrome.”
Currently, McClue and the team have been working on making different designs for the brace, hand sewing possible prototypes and learning about pricing fabrics.
“We’re in the process of building relationships with manufacturers who can help develop a design that can be mass produced in the future,” said McClue. “So we’re sourcing manufacturers and developing those relationships currently.”
The team has also been able to find a sense of community and connections while being a part of the Wayfinder program.
“Being in Wayfinder has allowed us to progress by being able to further access the UCI network,” said McClue. “It’s helped us reach different connections, build our team and learn from more experienced entrepreneurs.”
Moving forward, McClue hopes to expand the startup and keep the team motivated toward the future.
“I want to continue to develop a strong team that has the same collaborative drive that we currently have,” said McClue. “I want to enact a funding strategy and get funding that could really allow us to solidify the stance of our startup and go to market in the future.”
Learn more about Applied Innovation’s Wayfinder program.
Main Graphic: Kate Wokowsky, UCI Beall Applied Innovation