Zelik Biomechanics & Wearable Tech Consulting

Exoskeletons | Exosuits | Bionics | Wearable Sensors | Assistive Tech | Smart Clothing | Wearable Robotics | Prosthetics | Mobility AidsOn a mission to get life-changing solutions out of the lab, into society, and onto the bodies of those who can benefit.I've spent 15 years leading research, development, and technology translation in academia and industry. Now I want to help other innovators succeed. I offer deep expertise in biomechanics and an extensive knowledge of and network within the wearable and assistive tech fields.I consult, coach, mentor, and collaborate. And I help organizations—from university labs to startups to multinational corporations—avoid costly mistakes when building and implementing science-based wearable solutions and translational R&D programs.

Services

Here are some of the ways I can help your organization.I'm particularly interested in applying my experience and expertise to help accelerate tech translation and commercialization. I want to support researchers, engineers, teams, and innovators that are doing translational R&D but may not have the bandwidth or expertise to do it alone.

Availability

Open to discuss new engagements

For Businesses

• Scientific review
• Data interpretation
• Technology evaluation
• Fractional CTO or CSO
• SBIR/STTR grant review
• Scientific communication
• Science & tech presentations
• Research planning & management
• R&D or intellectual property strategy

For Academics

• Technology translation
• User-centric design processes
• Industry-academic partnerships
• Grant writing strategy or review
• 1:1 coaching for early career researchers

For Investors & Accelerators

• Subject matter expert
• Advising portfolio companies
• Scientific or technical due diligence

About Me

My overarching mission is to improve health, mobility, and independence for individuals with physical disabilities and to enhance human safety, performance, and well-being through advances in movement science and wearable technology.I'm an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University, where I co-founded and co-direct the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology. I'm also co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of HeroWear, a workforce wearable technology company that makes back-relieving exosuits for workers in logistics, manufacturing, and other physical jobs. I serve on the Board of Directors for the American Bionics Project, a non-profit working to accelerate the development and adoption of revolutionary new technologies for people with lower-limb disabilities. Over the years, I've enjoyed consulting for a number of startups, non-profits, accelerator programs, and established tech companies.When I'm not working, you're most likely to find me playing board games, attending (or coaching) youth sports/activities with my kids, enjoying a craft beer, reading, listening to stand-up comedy, or traveling with my family.

Experience

• 15 years: biomechanics & wearables R&D
• 9 years: professor (Vanderbilt University)
• 5 years: consulting on wearable & assistive tech
• 5 years: tech entrepreneur & chief scientist
• 5 years: Board member for tech startups

Expertise

• Engineer: 12 patents on wearable tech
• Scientist: 50+ peer-reviewed publications
• Grantwriter: >$12M in R&D grants secured
• Educator: taught >15 university courses
• Founder: HeroWear (tech), CREATE (research), Zelik Biomech (consulting)

Honors & Awards

• Nashville Emerging Leader Award
• Nashville Business Journal 40 Under 40
• Goel Award for Translational Research in Biomechanics
• Young Scientist Award from the American Society of Biomechanics
• Promising Scientist Award from the International Society of Biomechanics
• NIH Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Engineering Career Development Award

Affiliations

• Co-Founder & Chief Scientist, HeroWear
• Board Member, American Bionics Project (Non-Profit)
• Co-Founder & Co-Director, Center for Rehab Engineering & Assistive Tech, Vanderbilt University

Get In Touch

Shoot me an email if you want to discuss a consulting engagement.I'm excited to connect with and support those pioneering the future of wearable and assistive technology.Or follow me on social media for daily advice and insights on biomechanics, exoskeletons, wearable devices, and translating technology out of the lab and into society.- Karl Zelik, PhD
(zelikbiomech@gmail.com)

© Zelik Biomech, 2023. All rights reserved.