By Thomas Møller Christensen. Photo and interview: Mona Bjørn

- Growing up in India, one of my friends at school was unable to run due to a disability.  I remember thinking that I would like to make a difference for someone like him one day.

This is how Dinar Amar Jadhav describes the inception of Merodz, a startup that started as a childhood dream and is now unfolding as a mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities worldwide. It is a mission with such promising potential that Merodz recently received the AAU Startup Grant, supported by the Obel Family Foundation, and 250,000 DKK.

Prosthetics for everyone in need

Globally, amputees face challenges in their daily activities. Merodz employs artificial intelligence (AI) to craft forearm prosthetics that are versatile and cost-effective, increasing accessibility compared to traditional prosthetics. Their mission is to create a meaningful, positive impact in the lives of a growing population, approximately 2.2 million individuals worldwide, who undergo forearm amputations annually.

- In our design process, we focus only on the features users actually need. Our AI-powered prosthetics allow responsive control in contrast to existing EMG-powered prosthetics, which users often find sluggish and frustrating. Furthermore, our prosthetics are very affordable due to the choice of material and manufacturing. Our vision is to make below the elbow prosthetic hands accessible to those in need, elaborates Dinar Amar Jadhav.

AAU Startup Program became a stepping stone to success

In addition to Dinar Amar Jadhav, Merodz also includes Samuel Howell, who, like Dinar, holds a master's degree in Robotics from Aalborg University, and Judi Simonsen, who holds a master's degree in Clinical Science and Technology, also from Aalborg University. The startup joined AAU's entrepreneurial program, AAU Startup Program, in September 2022, and since then, their business idea has experienced explosive growth.

- Since joining the AAU Startup Program a year ago, our startup has developed rapidly in every area. The combination of guidance from the business coaches, and all the fellow student entrepreneurs and facilities of the startup community at AAU Innovate have inspired us to go ahead in the pursuit of this mission, shares Dinar Amar Jadhav.

AAU INNOVATE: A vital community

Alongside Merodz, the recipients of this round's AAU Startup Grant include the two startup teams AR-Simply, who have developed an app simplifying the disassembly and assembly of complex industrial machinery, and Pull & GO, who have designed a pull function with detachable handles for manual wheelchairs. Both startups, like Merodz, have been integral members of the AAU INNOVATE community, operating from one of the facility's garages. The strong professional network, resource support, and knowledge-sharing opportunities within AAU's new startup environment have profoundly influenced Merodz.

- Being a part of the community at AAU INNOVATE has changed everything. For me on a personal level and for our startup as well. Everyone, from the receptionist to the other startups to our business coaches, everyone has played a part, one way or the other, says Dinar Amar Jadhav.

AAU Startup Grant makes the next step possible

Dinar Amar Jadhav explains that the funds from the AAU Startup Grant provides Merodz with a solid push forward in the further development of their prototype. The immediate plan involves a thorough exploration of how to introduce their product into the real world.

- We do have competitors, but not with the technology which we are using Our short-term plan is to get the product patented and to set up clinical trials. The long-term plan is to get CE marking and launch the product in Asia. Later we will be looking into global markets, says Dinar Amar Jadhav.