Every STEP counts for bringing DeepTech innovation in Musculoskeletal Health

Summary: In a world where technology is reshaping healthcare, DeepTech startups are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Yet, women-led startups remain underrepresented. eDynamics is changing that narrative, a Health Tech and Digital Tech startup based in Braga. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing musculoskeletal (MSK) health, eDynamics integrates AI and advanced electronics into wearable health tech to assess physical fatigue and prevent injuries. As a DeepTech startup co-founded and led by a woman, they are not only addressing a critical health challenge but also navigating the complex journey from scientific research to global market impact. From elite sports to occupational health, they are redefining the future of human motor dynamics. In this talk, Joana will share how they are leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform MSK health, the challenges of scaling a science-driven startup, and the importance of female leadership in deeptech.

Speaker: Joana Figueiredo is a Biomedical Engineer (MSc, Ph.D.) specializing in Medical Electronics and Robotics. She received her Ph.D. in 2019 and her MSc in 2015 from the University of Minho, in collaboration with the Neural Rehabilitation Group at the Cajal Institute, CSIC, Spain. Her doctoral research played a key role in shaping the SmartOs project, a smart, active lower limb orthotic system for post-stroke gait rehabilitation. This multidisciplinary project involved leading research teams, national companies, and clinicians to develop solutions with a strong clinical and social impact for stroke survivors. Currently, she is a Junior Researcher at the CMEMS center under the Stimulus of Scientific Employment—Individual Support, advancing research on wearable exoskeletons for sensorimotor rehabilitation and assisted mobility. She was also the principal investigator of an FCT-funded project focused on fatigue analysis in workplaces. Her scientific contributions have earned her three awards in rehabilitation robotics and three best paper awards at international conferences. Her research interests include assistive robotics, exoskeletons, wearable tech, and AI-driven human motion and human-robot interaction analysis. Driven by a passion for translating scientific knowledge into real-world impact, she co-founded eDynamics, a University of Minho spin-off. As CEO, she is committed to high-tech transfer, leading the company in developing innovative solutions for empowering human dynamics and musculoskeletal health.

Date: March 26, 14h30 Portugal (15h30 CET)

Registration HERE.