BioLiberty - innovative solutions for independent living

by Startacus Admin
We take a look at BioLiberty, the Edinburgh-based healthtech startup that's created an AI-powered assistive device and digital therapy platform for people living with hand weakness
Across the UK alone, 2.5 million people live with hand weakness, which can be as a result of conditions such as stroke, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and motor neurone disease. Sometimes, it is simply the result of ageing, and with an ageing population, this number will only increase. While doctors and scientists work on easing or eliminating these conditions, we need a more immediate solution to help people with this aspect of their lives.
Edinburgh-based healthtech startup BioLiberty is taking on this challenge with their AI-powered assistive device and digital therapy platform. This device is a glove that amplifies grip strength to allow you to continue to perform basic tasks that would otherwise become difficult with weakened hands.
The digital therapy platform is an app that helps with rehabilitation and can develop natural hand strength to get back at least a degree of what has been lost. In a similar way to some bionic hands, the glove uses electromyography (EMG) to detect and measure electrical activity generated by muscle activity, and the AI translates that into appropriate force in the glove, helping the wearer to apply the right pressure to open a jar or hold a glass of water, for example.
Just recently, BioLiberty secured a place in the Edinburgh Business School’s Incubator, which is run from Heriot-Watt University. In this “safe harbour for young startups to validate their ideas and identify suitable markets”, as their tagline puts it, BioLiberty will receive free desk space, training, workshops, and mentorship for a year to help them complete their work quicker and get the glove onto more hands.
Hand weakness is not something people think about, as their minds dwell on more obvious and frightening aspects of illness and ageing, but as you reach to take another sip of your coffee, imagine for a moment not having the strength in your hand to pick up that cup. A great many things we take for granted and don’t even think about are doable simply because we have the strength in our hands to do them, so a device that can help give that back to those who have lost it stands to be hugely beneficial.
Like this? You may also want to read up on GyroGear, the London-based medtech startup that's creating innovative wearable devices to stabilise hand tremors.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The lowdown on Manchester-based startup Sticky and its innovative no-code solution to help businesses turn any physical space into an engagement opportunity.

Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The group payments solution that's better for businesses and customers alike, thanks to innovative fintech startup Hands In.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
Published on: 19th March 2021
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.