NIA Small Business Showcase: KINIMA

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults age 65 and older. More than 3 million older adults are treated in U.S. emergency departments each year for fall injuries, and more than 40,000 die from preventable falls. Falls also lead to substantial medical costs and demands on the medical system—more than $50 billion annually in the United States.

For older people, the fear of falling has negative effects on health, leading them to limit their activities. That can result in more falls, further physical decline, depression, and social isolation. Exercise programs have been shown to effectively reduce fall risk for older adults. Research indicates that proper exercise can benefit all elderly populations—not just at-risk older adults who may have incurred a fall—and help reduce falls.

KINIMA is an automated interactive exercise, movement, and rehabilitation platform that provides real-time visual and audio feedback, plus data tracking, and gradually promotes improvements. A scalable, cost-effective tool for seniors, KINIMA Seniors assesses and reduces risk of falls using a proprietary augmented-reality motion-capture system. It promotes widespread independent aging in place and improved quality of life. KINIMA Seniors’ novel mobile-assistive technology reduces fall risk in older adults by delivering evidence-based exercises with automated augmented-reality real-time audio and visual feedback, automated assessments of fall risk measures, data collection, and personalized exercises.

Company Milestones

Scientific and Clinical

2016: Developed first version of its software
2018-20: Fine-tuned software and motion-tracking algorithms
2021: Built out clinical team and academic relationships
2021: Conducted first use of technology in clinical setting with stroke patients
2022: Secured two NIH grants related to fall prevention
2023: Completed NIH grants and achieved all aims and milestones

Business

2016: Incorporated company
2017: Participated in StartX accelerator at Stanford University and Wharton Venture Initiation Program at University of Pennsylvania
2018: Launched in hotels in San Francisco Bay Area and beyond
2020: Secured product development grant funding from major telecommunications provider
2020-21: Expanded technology to seniors and fall prevention; built additional offering via mobile technology and expanded to multiple sites
2023-24: Secured funding through multiple Area Agencies on Aging, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and other grantors
2024-25: Continued growth of customer base

Financial Overview

KINIMA has raised significant capital through venture capital, angel and private investors, corporate grant funding, and investments from prominent universities, including Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania. The company also benefits from significant self-funding. Current revenues support KINIMA’s growth efforts.

Intellectual Property

KINIMA built and owns in-house developed proprietary technology and requires customers to obtain licenses for software use. The company is currently evaluating several potential patent areas. All content creators are required to sign a release forgoing any rights to the content or the software, in exchange for the promotional benefits of appearing on the KINIMA platform or as output of work for hire.

Product Development and Regulatory Strategy

KINIMA has multiple partners in continued development, including content providers and an international telecommunications company. Further Phase II grants are targeted for continued proof of efficacy of the KINIMA Seniors platform and development of further evidence of well-being and physical improvement. KINIMA continues to solicit market and user feedback, with input from key partners for continued development of the best possible offerings.

Commercialization Strategy

KINIMA has experienced success in the senior health market and plans continued growth. It views physical therapy and rehabilitation as a growth opportunity for integrating KINIMA Senior into on-site and virtual care. KINIMA plans to fund growth of operations through operating cash flow and key distribution partnerships. By leveraging its current market traction, promising Phase I results, fielding a strong team, and utilizing the innovative capabilities of its technology to meet an urgent health care need for fall prevention and healthy aging, KINIMA looks to grow across a broad array of markets.

Company Details

KINIMA

Stamford, CT

Industry: Digital Health and Sensing Technologies

Management Team:

Renee Migdal, Chief Executive Officer
Sam Judd, Chief Administrative & Financial Officer
Daniel Judd, Co-Founder and Advisor
Dr. Haya Rubin, Medical Director

Point of Contact:

Renee Migdal
renee@kinima.fit
203-253-5826

SBIR