The Macomb-OU Incubator (Mac-OU Inc) has been awarded $14,320 in Business Accelerator Funds (BAF) from the State of Michigan to provide accelerator services to its client company Human Balance & Stability Systems (HBS Systems). With this award, HBS Systems will work with Oakland University (OU) faculty and students on validation testing and future design considerations.
“This grant will provide the first step in validating some of the initial benefits, which we have already learned to be true,” said HBS Systems co-founder Cathy Sitek. “Furthermore, this process will position HBS Systems for future grant awards, thus enabling us to examine the long-term benefits of relaxing the body’s fascia while performing tasks.”
HBS Systems applied ergonomic and bio-mechanic principles to develop the StandRite-ProTM, which reduces the pain and fatigue in core muscles that develops from standing while performing tasks. By controlling body sway through a shin support, this novel device directly addresses the root problem of prolonged standing, which can lead to a wide range of ailments. These include excessive pain in the lower back, legs, ankles, and feet, which can have a detrimental effect on health safety and productivity in the workplace.
Co-founders Cathy and Jerry Sitek also own and operate a precision grinding company, United Manufacturing Network. Their experience of ever-increasing hours standing on the manufacturing floor led to the research that developed a solution that provided an alternative of early retirement. Their initial personal success using the StandRite-ProTM device led them to pursue a broader commercialization strategy. The StandRite-ProTM has applications across many market segments, including manufacturing, retail, health care, and commercial office.
This BAF award will allow HBS Systems to conduct an initial validation study with faculty from OU’s Department of Physical Therapy to demonstrate device effectiveness. In addition, HBS Systems will work with students from OU’s School of Engineering and Computer Science to continue research and development efforts.
BAF awards are an initiative of the State of Michigan’s 21st Century Jobs Fund Program and are distributed by the Michigan Small Business Development Center through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan’s network of business accelerators. Mac-OU Inc is the leading BAF award winner in the State, having garnered nearly $700,000 in BAF funds to assist its client companies in the last five years, allowing it to successfully deliver specialized business acceleration services to companies commercializing advanced technology.
Source: Macomb-OU Incubator
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