Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) announced the selection of Astrek Innovations for its esteemed Innovation Accelerator program. Astrek, a pioneering startup founded by Robin Kanattu Thomas, Jithin Vidya Ajith,Vishnu Sankar and Alex M Sunny, specialises in advanced prosthetics designed to revolutionise rehabilitation and enhance worker performance in industries such as construction and manufacturing.
Astrek’s selection marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the OIST Innovation Accelerator, which aims to support entrepreneurship and technological innovation in the region. The program, established in collaboration with the Okinawa Prefectural Government in 2018, has a proven track record of nurturing startups to success.
The selection process for Astrek was highly competitive, involving multiple stages of rigorous evaluation. From an initial pool of applicants spanning 23 countries, Astrek emerged as one of the four winning teams chosen to participate in the program. Their dedication to innovation, coupled with their transformative vision for prosthetic technology, set them apart from the competition.
Astrek’s mission is to develop prosthetics that leverage advanced robotics, sensors, and control systems to provide optimal support for individuals with physical disabilities. Moreover, their technology aims to enhance the performance and safety of workers in demanding industrial environments, offering a novel solution to longstanding challenges in workplace safety and productivity.
As part of the OIST Innovation Accelerator, Astrek will receive crucial support including funding, access to state-of-the-art facilities, specialised training programs, and networking opportunities. Over the course of the next 10 months, Astrek will work closely with OIST mentors and industry experts to further develop their technology, identify strategic partners and customers, and accelerate the growth of their startup.
The selection of Astrek underscores OIST’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Okinawa’s thriving ecosystem. By supporting groundbreaking startups like Astrek, OIST continues to drive forward the frontiers of science and technology, creating tangible solutions that benefit society as a whole.
