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Kalogon presents Kenny Mendoza Kalogon recently presented our 3rd webinar with Clinical Education Specialist, Wendy Underwood. We highlighted the meaning behind Living an Active, Seated life in a conversation with Kenny Mendoza, an inspiring Kalogon user, scuba diver, and cyclist who spends his time empowering others with disabilities. Keeping a Positive Outlook Kenny spoke about the importance of being surrounded by the right people throughout his journey. "I think the most positive role models I had were other people that were injured." Kenny did not let his injury get in the way of living an active. "I just try to take everything as a learning experience. Even when I was told I'd never walk again, I looked at ways of staying active and moving around as much as possible." Staying Active Kenny now serves as a board member for Thresher, an organization helping people with disabilities scuba dive. He also and also for GOSCI. GOSCIN is a non-profit group whose mission is to serve the needs of individuals in employment, adaptive sports, recreation, social functions, networking, outreach, SCI prevention, and guest speakers for the group in the greater Orlando area. Kenny finds happiness by focusing on three simple things; proper sleep, adequate hydration, and sitting on the right cushion. To learn more about Kenny's journey, visit Kalogon University to view this webinar on-demand!

Kalogon presents Cheryl Carver Kalogon recently presented our 3rd webinar with Clinical Education Specialist, Wendy Underwood. We discussed pressure ulcer prevention in a conversation with Wound Expert, Cheryl Carver. Cheryl is an active member of the Board of Directors for the American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA), a designated Master (MAPWCA) member of he Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC), and is on the Speakers Bureau for the International Alliance of Wound Care Scholarship Foundation (IAWCSF) as Vice President Board of Directors, a Fellow with the American College of Clinical an Ohio Prison Fellowship Justice Ambassador. Cheryl's mother died at only 47 years old due to complications of diabetes and pressure ulcers. "My life changed dramatically on what I wanted to do and how I could save someone else from that happening to them." Cheryl used her pain from the loss to fuel a passion for wound care and pressure ulcer prevention. She has contributed over 260 published white papers, ebooks, blogs, and articles both freelance and with WoundSource since 2014. "We are all a care giver at one point in our lives," says Cheryl.We should all know this information." Cheryl talked about the importance of shifting our mindset from wound care to wound prevention. Being educated on how we can help ourselves and others prevent pressure injuries is key to preventing another tragedy. To learn more about Cheryl and pressure sore prevention, visit Kalogon University to view this webinar on-demand!

Parks Associates hosted the interactive virtual session, “Seniors and Caretakers: Living Independently” on Thursday, October 6 at 11:00 AM CT as part of the 2022 Connected Health Summit: Consumer Engagement and Innovation. Tim Balz, CEO, Kalogon, who was featured on the panel, Integrating Tech and Services to Empower Seniors, recently shared insights on seniors, caretakers, living Independently, and so much more. What do you consider to be one of the key trends impacting healthcare and the connected Home? Patients know that their smartphones have a tremendous amount of power and can provide connectivity between health providers and patients. They expect their healthcare devices to leverage their phones to improve their healthcare experience. What new ways are consumers using connected devices in connected health? Smart technologies are changing the way patients can direct their own care and interact with their care providers. Solution providers need to embrace these technologies to meet the expectations of their patients. What independent living features are seniors and caregivers looking for in their homes? Customized health care is becoming the new standard. For seniors, new technologies need to be easy and intuitive. Being connected is a way for seniors and caregivers to have a direct voice in how their healthcare products work and how they improve overtime. How have consumer attitudes towards connected health solutions shifted in the last year? As technology improves, the need for patients to be virtually connected to their caregivers only grows. Consumers are expecting their health solutions to be customized to their needs. Connected technology makes this possible, but it is important that such technology does not make the experience complicated or confusing to the user. Seniors are becoming more accustomed to new technologies. What impact does that have on new product and service demands in the senior and caregiver markets? Seniors are not afraid of new technologies. They have smart phones and know how to use them. Like anyone, they can become frustrated if the new technology is cumbersome or difficult to learn and use. They want their healthcare to use the latest technology to provide customized care, and they also want that experience to be natural and easy. Will shifts in consumer behaviors related to fitness, wellness, chronic care management, and care for senior populations outlast the COVID-19 crisis? COVID forced people to be more accepting of using technology to enhance the speed of access and customizability of their healthcare. As we move forward, people will expect access to these technologies to continue and improve. For information on this Connected Health Summit session and future sessions, visit the event page. < Read the full article here >

ORLANDO, FL – August 30, 2021 – SeedFundersOrlando, a premier source of seed capital, mentoring, and connections for pre-revenue, high-growth technology startups in Central Florida and beyond, announced today that it has invested $195,000 in Kalogon, a Melbourne, Florida healthtech startup founded by Space Coast aerospace engineers developing smart seating technology to prevent pressure sores for those who sit for long periods of time, typically in wheelchairs. Seedfunders St. Petersburg and Seedfunders Miami Investors participated in the investment. Kalogon, located at the incubator Groundswell Startups, is a purpose-driven, tech-enabled company focused on helping improve the comfort level of individuals via innovative solutions. Pressure sores, which affect over 2.5 million patients and lead to 60,000 deaths annually, are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on skin that covers bony areas of the body. The Kalogon Smart Cushion senses how the user is sitting and electronically adjusts itself every few minutes to offload pressure from their tailbone, maintaining healthy blood flow and keeping their skin healthy. This is SeedFundersOrlando’s eighth Florida startup investment since its founding in 3Q 2019, having previously invested in Blue Halo Biomedical, Winter Park, Safe Zone, Melbourne, ViewStub, Orlando, Intelligent Observation, Miami, Seedfunders Opportunity Fund, St. Petersburg, RxLive, St. Petersburg, TSOLife, Tampa, and Miventure, Orlando. Read Full Article on Seedfundersorlando.com

WATCH: Kalogon Technologies Wins $20,000 Groundswell Startups Space Coast Pitch Challenge Brevard County, Florida – Kalgon Technologies was the winner of the nine finalists of the “Shark Tank”-style Space Coast Pitch Challenge on Thursday evening. Groundswell Startups Coworking space located at 2412 Irvine Street in Melbourne. Kalogon’s innovative wheelchair cushion helped him win a cash prize of $20,000. The final nine were selected from 50 locally based startups that applied to the Space Coast Pitch Challenge, showcasing the diversity of technology, talent and passion for solving complex problems. READ ON FLORIDA NEWS

MELBOURNE, FL (Sept. 22, 2022)- Kalogon, the market leader in smart wheelchair cushions, today announced it has raised $3.3 million in seed funding and federal grants for the development and expansion of its patent-pending technology. The investor group includes leading Florida investors DeepWork Capital, SeedFundersOrlando and VenVelo, with additional investment from Sawmill Angels, a new investment arm of alumni of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and federal grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and the U.S. Air Force. Using a combination of machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology, the Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion analyzes pressure points in real-time, intelligently redistributing weight, increasing comfort and maintaining blood flow in wheelchair users. A connected app enables wheelchair users, caregivers and clinicians to personalize their experience to support healing and pain relief. The company will use the new funds to scale both domestically and internationally, increase staff and expand the product’s capabilities. “Pressure injuries cost tens of billions of dollars annually and indicate an unmet need in care,” said Ben Patz, managing partner at DeepWork Capital. “Kalogon’s technology saves lives for a fraction of that cost. Kalogon’s technology has created an entirely new market in smart seating, with applications in wheelchair mobility and beyond, and we are confident our investment will help get their groundbreaking product into the homes of everyone who needs it.” “We previously backed Tim and his team of aerospace engineers at Kalogon because we saw they brought the Silicon Valley startup ethos to Central Florida and were set to change the world with their smart wheelchair cushion technology,” said Dr. Dennis Pape, CEO of SeedFundersOrlando. “They innovate, rapidly execute and exceed expectations. We are thrilled to have helped assemble this leading Florida investment group along with investors from Tim’s alma mater, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, to bring additional resources to scale Kalogon.” Kalogon first announced product availability in February 2022 and immediately delivered value to wheelchair users and clinicians. Traditional cushions can cause reduced blood flow, leading to painful and costly pressure sore injuries. Early Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion users reported significant improvements in overall comfort, accelerated healing, and an ability to sit two times longer. Kalogon’s innovative technology helped win the Groundswell Pitch Competition and the Florida Venture Pitch Competition, allowing them to further expand their reach. The Orbiter Smart Cushion is now in use at 20 Veterans Affairs hospitals throughout the United States. “Pressure injuries are the most preventable cause of death in wheelchair users, yet they kill more people each year than colon, breast or prostate cancer,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “We are on a mission to redesign wheelchair technology to help prevent these injuries and give wheelchair users the freedom to do what they love. This is the first step in our journey to revolutionize seating for everyone.” “Kalogon is freedom,” said John Miller, one of Kalogon’s first users. “I’ve been able to take pain-free road trips for the first time in 18 years; I’ve worked in the garden longer than I used to; I’ve traveled to see my grandchildren. Kalogon gave me my life back.” For more information or to order a Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion, visit https://www.kalogon.com/ About Kalogon Kalogon, the leader in smart wheelchair cushion technology, is on a mission to empower wheelchair users by helping them live a safe and active, seated life. Using patent-pending air cell technology, Kalogon cushions improved patient comfort in case studies. Kalogon custom manufactures in partnership with BAC, a social enterprise dedicated to building communities that support members of unique abilities in growing their own personal success. The Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion is available for wheelchair users, facilities, and clinicians. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com/ > Read the full article here <

Devin Coldewey@techcrunch / 3:02 PM GMT+2•September 22, 2022 Anyone who has to use a wheelchair regularly runs the risk of incurring injury from poor circulation. Kalogon believes it can mitigate this common but potentially life-threatening condition with a smart cushion that prevents any one part of the body from being compressed for too long — and it has already caught the eye of the VA. Pressure injuries are caused when a part of the body can’t get enough blood to it and the tissue starts to die. Most people have experienced the beginnings of it, like something tightening around a finger and cutting off bloodflow, but it’s not always so external, painful or obvious. “Especially if they have reduced sensation, just about anyone who sits for an extended period is at risk for pressure injuries,” said Kalogon founder and CEO Tim Balz. Certainly the shift to remote work has everyone wondering whether sitting for too long is damaging their body in some way or another. But this goes well beyond a sore back; people who can’t stand up and stretch, or feel the pressure or pain that might signal a real problem, are at risk of serious harm. Pressure injuries affect millions and lead to the deaths of thousands of people every year. The solution, in theory, is to reduce the pressure on the various parts of the body that are most affected — essentially the butt, thighs and tailbone area. This can be done by the person if they can remember to “offload” by leaning this way for a few minutes to take the pressure off, then do it again on the other side, then forward, etc. — and do it constantly. Unsurprisingly, adherence to this kind of self-care is not particularly high. Getting a sculpted cushion is a step up — you buy an expensive foam one, then have it shaved down or compressed to accommodate the contours of your body. But Balz pointed out that this only really works for a little while — your body changes and the cushion doesn’t, so after a month or two you need to customize it again: costly and time-consuming. More recently there have been smart-adjacent cushions made of a pair of interwoven cushions that are filled and deflated in sequence, alternating so that pressure isn’t always on one spot. These may be better, but the problem with them is that they still allow pressure to build up in pain points because the area of pressure reduction is small. And as Balz pointed out, “the chance of injury on an IT vs a thigh is like an order of magnitude difference, so it makes no sense to treat them the same.” Kalogon’s app for adjusting the cushion’s pressure zones. Image Credits: Kalogon Kalogon’s solution, a cushion called the Orbiter, has five distinct regions, corresponding to the tailbone and left and right thigh and butt areas generally. By keeping four of the five inflated, the user is supported adequately and a whole area is relieved of pressure. Then a few minutes later it slowly shifts that pressure to the next region, and so on. Here’s a diagram of pressure being redistributed from the tailbone region to elsewhere (darker and green means higher pressure): “When you sit down on it, we have a basic machine learning algorithm that at its default settings does its best to accommodate your body, but you can customize it to fit,” Balz said, either using a companion app or with the help of a caregiver or clinician. After setting its normal sequence, the cushion also monitors pressure on the different regions so it can shift differently if the user is leaning forward or to the side for longer than usual (typing, for instance, or dozing). When the cushion deflates the rear center area, pressure is diverted to the front, allowing better bloodflow to the sacral area. Image Credits: Kalogon “By having five cells that are independently controllable, we can move one at a time and tune that movement — support the body but drop down one of the cells. If you look at a pressure map, you’ll see that the pressure drops below the commonly accepted threshold,” he continued. The whole thing is powered by a battery and pump unit that clips to the wheelchair, and has enough power built in to last for 14-16 hours at default settings (redistributing weight every three minutes). Users have complimented the Orbiter as a huge improvement over ordinary or semi-smart cushions. One said it allowed him to sit in his chair without discomfort for four hours, which he hadn’t done in years. You can see it being set up and demonstrated in the video below: Despite the glowing reviews, it’s difficult to prove the efficacy of this type of setup, Balz admitted, because there’s just not a lot of clinical data on it yet. While there are generally agreed-on helpful practices like offloading pressure, there isn’t some international board of cushion testers that evaluates these things. Though the company has conducted numerous case studies with users, there’s no big study saying the cushion reduces risk by some percentage. They can, however, say that it achieves a similar effect to offloading, which everyone agrees is a good practice. That said, the VA took a chance on Kalogon in a few cases where there was serious risk or an existing injury and Balz said they have been very happy with dozens of deployments. While the results aren’t official enough to be published, the fact that the VA is ordering more and working with them on a study using the device indicates confidence. The cushion launched in February starting at $2,000 and is classed as a medical device that can be paid for by a variety of means, though it isn’t going to be covered by insurance or Medicare or the like just yet. That’s in the cards, Balz hopes, but for now they’re focusing on the “dozens” of VA centers that are actively recommending Orbiters. Naturally there are many veterans who could use the product, and a VA clinician endorsing it makes it more affordable. Kalogon just raised $3.3 million in seed funding, led by SeedFundersOrlando, with participation from DeepWork Capital, VenVelo, and Sawmill Angels. It also collected federal grant money from the U.S. Air Force (make of that what you will). The funding will go toward scaling the company and, of course, meeting demand.

The company's smart cushion can analyze pressure points in real-time and redistribute pressure Pressure injuries develop due to unmitigated pressure applied to the skin and deep tissue when a person seated for a long periods of time, making people who use wheelchairs particularly susceptible and vulnerable. These injuries are the most preventable cause of death in wheelchair users, yet they kill more people each year than colon, breast or prostate cancer, said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon, developer of a smart cushion that redistributes pressure points and improves blood flow. "We founded Kalogon to help prevent these injuries and give wheelchair users the freedom to stay active longer and do more of what they love. We believe everyone deserves to live an active seated life," he said. Now the company will be able to continue to develop and expand of its technology thanks to $3.3 million it has raised in seed funding and federal grants. The investor group includes Florida investors DeepWork Capital, SeedFundersOrlando and VenVelo, with additional investment from Sawmill Angels, while the federal grants came from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and the U.S. Air Force. While traditional cushions can cause reduced blood flow, which may lead to painful and costly pressure sore injuries, Kalogon's Orbiter Smart Cushion uses a combination of machine learning and air cell technology to analyze pressure points in real-time, intelligently redistributing pressure, thereby increasing comfort and maintaining blood flow in wheelchair users. The cushion also comes with a connected app that users, caregivers, and clinicians can use to personalize the experience. "The cushion uses pressure sensors to detect applied pressures on the seat surface. The control system then takes this pressure information and compares it to the user’s settings from our app," Balz explained. "The system adjusts applied pressure as necessary to ensure pressure reliefs are provided in sensitive areas. The cushion connects via Bluetooth to our companion app. Additionally the system can receive software updates via a WiFi connection." The Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion, which has been on the market since February, can be purchased directly by wheelchair users, facilities, and clinicians; it's also available in more than 20 Veterans Affairs hospitals throughout the U.S. The company custom manufactures in partnership with BAC, a social enterprise dedicated to building communities that support members of unique abilities in growing their own personal success. In terms of ROI, Kalogon's customers with higher level injuries have been able, in some cases, to reduce healing time, which can take years and also cost patients thousands in out-of-pocket medical costs. "We have customers who went from needing to stay in bed to being cleared to swim again. That ROI is priceless," said Balz. The company will use the new funding to scale both domestically and internationally, and to build out its team, which is currently between 10 and 15 people. That means hiring across its sales team, as well as additional interns in engineering, sales, and marketing, and increasing its production team at BAC to keep up with manufacturing needs. The money will also be used to expand the product’s capabilities, including increasing the cushion’s ability to customize to their lifestyle and activities, and working on new algorithm improvements to increase the comfort and efficacy of the product. "We are on a mission to empower wheelchair users by helping them live a safe and active, seated life. This funding is the first step in our journey to revolutionize seating for everyone. As we continue to expand the seating space and improve our cushion, we strive to provide what will become the new standard of care," said Balz. > Read the full article here <

Written by Marco Santana September 23, 2022 It has been a whirlwind 24 hours for former SpaceX engineer Tim Balz, who now leads Melbourne-based Kalogon. Not only did the company punch a ticket to be a presenter at Synapse Florida next month by impressing a distinguished panel of judges during an event in downtown Orlando Thursday night. But the company also shared news Friday morning that it had raised $1.9 million for its medical-tech company. SeedFundersOrlando led the round, with Sawmill Angel Network, venVelo and DeepWork Capital also joining. Kalogon uses a combination of machine learning and “air cell technology,” which uses air pockets similarly to shock absorbers, in its smart wheelchair cushion design. The technology aims to increase comfort and blood flow for those using wheelchairs by adjusting the cushion and giving control to users through a mobile app. “We are on a mission to redesign wheelchair technology to help prevent these injuries and give wheelchair users the freedom to do what they love,” Balz said in a release announcing the investment. “This is the first step in our journey to revolutionize seating for everyone.” Balz worked for SpaceX’s Dragon, Starship and Falcon 9 projects during a nearly 4-year stint with the space giant previously. Through federal grants, Kalogon pushed its recent investment total to $3.3 million. Last year, Kalogon landed a much smaller round of $200,000, which was also led by SeedFundersOrlando. “They have demonstrated the ability to innovate and rapidly execute and have exceeded expectations,” SeedFundersOrlando CEO Dennis Pape said in the release. But first, an event win for the team On Thursday, the Kalogon team participated at the Orlando Economic Partnership’s TenX Tech event downtown. As part of the event, eight startups met the community and presented to judges who would select a winner. Kalogon, because of its win, will now have a stage to present at next month’s Synapse Orlando, a fast-growing tech event that returns this year. Orlando startup Overhead Intelligence won a crowd-based vote to also present there. “Being able to be part of this community has been awesome,” Balz said in an interview with Orlando Tech News. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate with people who have helped us get here.” At Thursday’s event, hosted jointly by Orlando Economic Partnership and Orlando Tech Council, Orlando Tech Council chair and Blue Wave Resource Partners CEO and Founder Charlie Lewis said the Synapse tie-in was important to continue pushing the ecosystem forward. “If your goal is to get funding, find talent and clients then you need to be as connected in this ecosystem as you can be,” he said. “Everyone in the ecosystem will be at Synapse.” That’s why Christina Drake, CEO of the presenting startup Kismet Technologies, put her business up for consideration at the event. The company has developed a safe material that provides long-term virus and bactria protections for surfaces, something that became increasingly important during the COVID pandemic. Drake said the event was more general interest than others she has presented at but that this offered unique opportunities. “It’s definitely different from a typical show we’d be at because you have a wider range of people here,” she said. “The types of questions you get are different. It makes you think more about your business. It gives you a much different perspective.” For companies like Kalogon, it also sets up what could be a crucial appearance at Synapse. “Kalogon’s technology has created an entirely new market in smart seating, with applications in wheelchair mobility and beyond,” said Ben Patz, DeepWork Capital managing partner. “We are thrilled to help get their groundbreaking technology to everyone who needs it.” > Read the full article here <

"Paralyzation is what you see and not what you're going through” says LeToi Adams, Army Veteran and wheelchair games athlete. In 2011 LeToi was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer originating in the lymphatic system. The tumor wrapped around her spinal cord, resulting in a T-10 spinal cord injury and paralysis from the waist down. After her year-long recovery, LeToi found adaptive sports, a form of competitive or recreational sports for people with disabilities. She soon fell in love with wheelchair basketball and has used it as an outlet throughout her journey. Wheelchair sports played an important role in LeToi’s mental health: being able to stay active and play the games she loved gave her the encouragement to push forward after her treatment. “When I found out about adaptive sports, it gave me a lot of motivation and courage to get out there and play with other competitive, disabled people,” says LeToi. “It was definitely an eye opener to see people that I look up to play adaptive sports like me.” Her Kalogon Orbiter cushion helps keep her on the court: “It makes being confined to my chair during the game okay because I don’t need to do as many pressure reliefs.” Whether playing on the court or in her chair at home, you can find LeToi using her Kalogon Orbiter smart cushion to help relieve pain and prevent pressure injuries. The relief brought by the Orbiter cushion has helped LeToi stay focused on her game. “The Kalogon cushion makes going out easier and more comfortable.” Hear more about LeToi’s experience with the Kalogon Orbiter Smart cushion in her own words in this video:

Kalogon's smart cushion increases blood flow for people in wheelchairs, which makes them more comfortable while preventing deadly pressure sores. Westend61 By Alex Soderstrom - OBJ Staff Writer & Orlando Inno Reporter September 23, 2022, 03:02pm EDT Kalogon Inc. recently hauled in millions of dollars in new funds and was named a winner of an Orlando Tech Council startup competition — all in less than 24 hours. The Melbourne-based maker of a high-tech wheelchair cushion has raised $1.9 million in seed funds from a group of Orlando investment groups, led by SeedfundersOrlando. > Read full article here <

Alex Soderstrom, OrlandoInno SeedFundersOrlando has made its eighth Florida startup investment, which will boost a Space Coast company’s efforts to prevent pressure sores that kill tens of thousands of people every year. Early-stage investment group SeedFundersOrlando invested $195,000 in Melbourne-based Kalogon, SeedFundersOrlando announced Aug. 30. Read Full Article on Seedfundersorlando.com