PSYONIC and Limbs for Life Launch the Ability Fund
PSYONIC and the Limbs for Life Foundation have launched the Ability Fund to further open access to advanced prosthetic devices. Through the fund, the organizations will provide PSYONIC’s advanced bionic hand, called the Ability Hand, and prosthetic legs to people whose insurance will not cover the devices. Those users will also receive all the prosthetic care, service, and support they will need to learn to use their new devices and integrate them into their daily lives.
“Providing no-cost Ability Hands and prosthetic care is the culmination of the vision we’ve had for PSYONIC from the very beginning,” said Aadeel Akhtar, PSYONIC’s founder and CEO. “We want everyone who needs one to have a prosthesis that empowers them, unlocks new possibilities for them, and instills confidence. By partnering with Limbs for Life, we’re making sure even more people can grab that opportunity.”
For every $25,000 donated, the fund will provide an Ability Hand and a prosthetic leg.
“The fact that we can do this for only $25,000 in donations is huge,” Akhtar said. “This would typically be $100,000 to $150,000 in equipment and services. But because of the generosity of our donors and our partners we can deliver so much to people who want the best bionic hand on the market but otherwise couldn’t get it.”
Meet Ivan, who will be the first person to receive a hand through the Ability Fund,
Ivan Krastev is a dedicated 17-year-old junior at Gompers Preparatory Academy in San Diego, whose story is marked by resilience and an interest in robotics and prosthetic technology. Born with one hand, Ivan has embraced his journey with the support of mentors like his teacher, Mr. Bentz, who has encouraged him to develop confidence and pursue his passions.
Ivan’s fascination with technology took off after meeting former NASA pilot Mark Pestana. Skilled in high-speed drone piloting, Ivan continues to dive into robotics, even collaborating with friends on projects like creating a 3D-printed hand. Recently introduced to PSYONIC’s innovative work in prosthetics, he hopes to learn more about the field, driven by a vision to help advance assistive technologies.
To learn more or contribute to the fund, visit https://ability.fund
“To be able to provide these incredible prosthetic devices to Ivan and people like him all over the United States is a special honor. And we hope that donors will join us in this work. Because we aren’t asking for much…just an arm and a leg!” said Randy Titony, Limbs for Life’s executive director.
The Ability Hand is the world’s first touch-sensing and fastest bionic hand. It’s durable and easy to use, making it an important part of the lives of users across the United States. In early 2024, PSYONIC completed a $4 million crowdfunded equity raise that is allowing the company to expand production and to explore emerging prosthetic breakthroughs like integrating bionic limbs directly with users’ bones and nerves.
Watch Ability Hand users in action at: https://www.psyonic.io/videos
“The Ability Hand delivers unrivaled performance at a fraction of the cost of other advanced bionic hands. Even at that amazing price point, we want to make sure that cost isn’t a barrier,” Akhtar said. “Accessibility is at the very center of our mission at PSYONIC, and with the Ability Fund our bionic revolution continues!”
ABOUT PSYONIC
PSYONIC is a bionic technology company based in San Diego. Leveraging proprietary bionic breakthroughs, PSYONIC’s Ability Hand offers those with limb differences the high-performance solution they deserve. The Ability Hand is the fastest and only multi-touch sensitive bionic hand on the market. With it, users can feel sensation from multiple areas of their bionic fingers when they touch an object. PSYONIC was founded by Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, who was named one of MIT Technology Review’s top 35 Innovators Under 35 and America’s Top 50 Disruptors in Newsweek.
ABOUT THE LIMBS FOR LIFE FOUNDATION
Limbs for Life is a nonprofit organization that empowers American amputees – particularly those without insurance coverage – with affordable prosthetic care to enhance their autonomy and quality of life. Through international partnerships, we also provide used prosthetics to amputees on five continents. We work to raise awareness about the everyday challenges amputees face, and ultimately, to create a more accessible world for all.