Startups are sprouting everywhere, innovating and changing the world around us, but only one brought home first place at the TIA 5th Annual Start Up Challenge. Going on its fifth year, the Start Up Challenge at the TIA Connectivity Jam in Dallas, TX works to bring together innovators and entrepreneurs in the connectivity and communications industry to showcase their technologies. The contest was judged by various successful innovators themselves; Managing Director of NexStar Partners Ketan Patel, Executive Partner of Siris Capital Rod Randall, and Co-Founder and CEO of Tech Wildcatters Gabriella Draney Zielke.
Taking home first place, by both judge’s choice and people’s choice, was Maria Schneider, CEO of Dynofit. Dynofit is on a mission to change physical therapy. By combining wearable sensors with mobile technologies, Dynofit is bringing physical therapy into the home. The wearable sensors measure the neuromuscular signal from the muscles and provide real-time visual and auditory feedback. This allows the user or therapist to target specific muscles, set long- and short-term goals, and collect data over time. They’ve even connected the sensors with mobile games to make physical therapy more interactive and engaging.
The runners up of the competition, winning $2,500 each, were WavCatcher and Phazr. WavCatcher develops smartphone cases that help optimize your phone’s signal coverage. Phazr is working on wireless millimeter wave 5G technology. All competitors had convincing pitches and impressive technology, but only Dynofit could come out on top. All winners were awarded a one-year membership in TIA, a year subscription to Innovation and Tech Today and Traklight, and a cash prize. With $5,000 now in their pocket, we are excited to see how Dynofit can continue to change the future of physical therapy.
