The company now offers a full wheelchair seating system, combining a 3D-printed back support with acclaimed pressure management cushions Melbourne, Fla. (June 17, 2024) - Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced the launch of Bondar – a new Medicare-coded custom-fabricated wheelchair back support. Bondar provides wheelchair users with a full seating system when paired with Orbiter Med, Kalogon’s custom smart seat cushion, offering a simple and fast process from assessment to installation. Custom-fit to each user’s unique body shape, Bondar is a 3D-printed back support designed for people who need additional postural correction or support from their wheelchairs. Based on clinical feedback, Kalogon designed Bondar to be user-friendly for installation and adjustments. The mounting system is easy to lock in place and remove, with fewer screws and steps to fit than most backrests on the market today. The powerful combination of Bondar and Orbiter Med offers customers a fully coded system that supports overall seated health, including better respiratory function, digestion and mental well-being. “Many seating assessments begin with facilitating posture, which is determined by the position of the pelvis and spine,” said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder, Kalogon. “A seat cushion and back support must work harmoniously to deliver effective postural support and increase duration of sitting time. That’s why we developed a custom back support designed to complement our Orbiter Med seat cushions – together, they form a complete seating system that offers a holistic approach to seating tolerance, support and quality of life.” Seating specialists – such as assistive technology professionals, occupational therapists, and physical therapists – can order Bondar custom-fit for clients on Kalogon’s interactive real-time configurator. As they input precise measurements, a 360-degree image of the custom order updates in real time, allowing specialists to visualize the final product. This interactive ordering process helps eliminate guesswork and reduces costly remakes, which are common when back supports arrive significantly different from what was expected during the ordering process. After selecting Bondar, customers can complete their system with Orbiter Med, powered by its novel Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS), which intelligently redistributes weight based on personalized settings set by a clinician in the Kalogon App. Users and clinicians can fine-tune their pressure levels and optimize their seating experience for different activities with the Kalogon App. As covered in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Kalogon’s APMS has been shown to enhance tissue oxygenation in the gluteal region for non-disabled people while seated. Bondar has received the E2617 code from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to bill Medicare. Clinicians and seating specialists can order Bondar and any Orbiter cushion by contacting Kalogon to be connected to their local representative at Kalogon.com. About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon's patent-pending Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS) offers adaptive customizations, ambient adjustments and personalized settings. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com ###

Paragon Mobility will serve as the exclusive dealer for Booster by Kalogon, a pressure-management controller for single-cell air flotation wheelchair cushions Melbourne, Fla. (May 13, 2025) - Kalogon, a leader in smart seating solutions, today announced its expansion into the Australian market through an exclusive distribution partnership with Paragon Mobility. Under this agreement, Paragon will serve as the exclusive dealer of Booster by Kalogon across Australia, furthering Kalogon’s mission to bring intelligent comfort and pressure management solutions to wheelchair users worldwide. Booster is an external controller powered by Kalogon’s advanced Air Pressure Management System (APMS), designed to help wheelchair users maintain optimal pressure levels in their existing single-cell air flotation cushions. By dynamically adjusting to ambient pressure changes, user movements and personalized settings, Booster ensures consistent pressure without the need for manual adjustments. “Thanks to significant demand outside of the U.S., our partnership with Paragon enables us to expand our reach and bring the benefits of Booster to more people who need more reliable pressure management in their current wheelchair cushions,” said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. “Paragon has more than a decade of expertise in delivering positive outcomes for its clients in Australia, so they are a natural fit for bringing our technology to this new market.” With a growing international presence, Kalogon continues to focus on addressing the unique needs of wheelchair users. Booster represents a major advancement in assistive technology by seamlessly integrating with a user's current cushion system, making it easy to enhance comfort and health without changing their entire setup. “Paragon prides itself on offering the most intelligent and innovative mobility products on the market, and Kalogon is leading the pack with groundbreaking seating products,” said David Fagan, Managing Director for Paragon Mobility. “Booster by Kalogon will give our clients more flexibility with their current cushions and a greater sense of confidence as they move through life.” Booster by Kalogon is now available to Paragon clients in Australia. For more information about Kalogon’s products or to explore distribution opportunities, visit www.kalogon.com. To order Booster by Kalogon through Paragon, find a dealer at https://www.paragonmobility.com.au/dealers. About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon's patent-pending Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS) offers adaptive customizations, ambient adjustments and personalized settings. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. About Paragon Mobility Paragon Mobility was formed in 2009 as a direct response to the need for Specialised Assistive Technology products within Australia. Our goal is to provide high quality seating and mobility products coupled with education services directed toward providing positive client outcomes. Paragon Mobility distribute products from a wide range of international brands including Ki Mobility, Raz Designs, Blake Medical, Ride Designs, Therafin and now we are excited to partner with Kalogon. Paragon Mobility continues to grow a portfolio of world class products, and we look forward to working with our dealer network across the country to assist end users in achieving positive outcomes. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com

Orbiter Med now offers new gluteal extension, contour adjustments for increased comfort and pressure relief for more body types Melbourne, Fla. (March 18, 2025) - Kalogon, a leader in smart seating solutions, today announced its custom wheelchair cushion Orbiter Med will now be available in extended sizing. The new sizing options expand accessibility to a broader range of users who need improved support and pressure relief. Launched in 2024, Orbiter Med combines Kalogon’s groundbreaking Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS) with the individualized postural support of a custom cushion reimbursable by insurance. Starting today, Orbiter Med is now available in sizes up to 27 inches by 27 inches, ensuring that more wheelchair users—regardless of their body type—can benefit from Kalogon’s smart seating technology. This expanded sizing was developed in response to consumer feedback, aiming to serve a broader audience who experience difficulties with offloading and weight shifts. "Our goal has always been to deliver adaptive seating solutions that solve direct problems for our customers," said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. "Wheelchair users are diverse and have unique needs for a cushion, from postural support to skin protection. The first iteration of Orbiter Med has been a game changer for Medicare-coded cushions, and the introduction of expanded sizing is an important step toward serving a greater population." Kalogon adjusted Orbiter Med based on feedback from clinical advisors and customer requests. These improvements include offering a gluteal extension to the back of the cushion, optimal performance up to 550 lbs., and adjustments to the contours of the pelvic well for redundant tissue. These refinements ensure that Orbiter Med provides even greater comfort and functionality for users with specific postural and pressure relief needs. Orbiter Med still offers all the original cushion modifications, including variable sizes for medial, posterior lateral pelvic, lateral thigh and residual limb supports. Clinicians and seating specialists can order Orbiter Med by contacting Kalogon to be connected to their local representative at Kalogon.com. About Kalogon We empower individuals to lead active, seated lives. Kalogon is the trailblazer in smart seating solutions for medical, aviation and automotive customers. Kalogon's patent-pending Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS) offers adaptive customizations, ambient adjustments and personalized settings. Our products are medically validated to improve blood flow, with customers reporting increased comfort and less fatigue. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com. Media contact: Heather Sliwinski Changemaker Communications for Kalogon heather@changemakercomms.com

In the world of unique brand names, mispronunciations and misspellings are practically a rite of passage. Here at Kalogon, we’ve seen it all. From "Kalagon" to "Calegin,” the creative variations on our name never cease to surprise us. The name itself was inspired by a friend who used a word in Cebuano – which our team took to mean trust and stability. From there, the team explored options, ultimately choosing Kalogon as the perfect representation of the principles we strive to embody. One common mix-up is with “Calgon,” the classic bath product slogan, “Take me away!” While both of us focus on comfort, Kalogon is all about smart seating solutions, not bubble baths. Here’s some other misspellings that are actually tied to entirely different things: Kalegon: As it turns out, this is the name of a mythical World of Warcraft character. While we’re not in the fantasy realm, our smart cushions might feel like magic to those who use them. Kalagon: A small village in Myanmar, located near the Chinese border. While it’s a lovely place, our focus is creating comfort solutions for seated health, not geography. Calogon: A prescription lotion. We’re all about relieving pressure and discomfort, but with technology, not creams. Kalgon: A heavy metal band. We’re flattered by the edgy vibe, but the only thing rocking with Kalogon is our cutting-edge innovation. We've heard it all. Other common name variations include: Kalgon, kalogen, kalogan, calagon, kolagon, and calogon. We know “Kalogon” is unique, so here are some easy ways to remember both the spelling and how to say it: Think of the word “gone.” When you say “Kalogon,” you’re saying “cal-o-gone,” just like our cushions help discomfort and pressure injuries be gone. Getting our name right helps you find us quickly and easily – no detours through bath product brands or video games! When you search for Kalogon, we want you to connect directly with our innovative solutions designed to improve seating comfort and health.

The lithium battery used in the control box for the Kalogon Orbiter and Kalogon Orbiter Med cushions are safe for air travel and compliant with current U.S. aviation safety guidelines. The control box contains a rechargeable lithium battery with a capacity of 28.9 watt-hours (Wh). This size is well below the 100 Wh threshold established by aviation authorities for lithium batteries carried by passengers in personal electronic or medical devices. According to guidance from the TSA, lithium batteries 100 Wh or less installed in a device are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage, subject to standard screening procedures. The applicable TSA guidance is available at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/medical Additionally, the battery complies with aviation transport safety standards recognized by the FAA. FAA guidance states that lithium batteries under 100 Wh installed in equipment are generally allowed for passenger transport, provided they meet applicable safety testing and certification requirements. More information is available at: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries The battery used in the Kalogon Orbiter control box has been tested and certified to the following international safety standards: UN38.3 – United Nations testing requirements for the safe transport of lithium batteries UL1642 – Safety standard for lithium batteries established by UL Solutions Because Kalogon’s control box battery: Is 28.9 Wh (well under the 100 Wh aviation threshold) Is installed within the device Has passed UN38.3 transport safety testing Meets UL1642 lithium battery safety certification …it meets the applicable guidance from both TSA and FAA for lithium batteries carried by passengers on aircraft. Note because the control box is not installed in the medical device this means that the battery can not be checked in luggage. Passengers traveling with a Kalogon Orbiter or Orbiter Med device may bring the device through airport security and on commercial aircraft in accordance with standard airline and TSA screening procedures. For any additional questions, travelers should consult their airline or TSA guidance prior to travel.

Complex rehab tech industry veteran joins smart seating provider as company scales production capacity and expands global footprint Melbourne, Fla. (March 23, 2026) - Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced the appointment of Paul Banz as vice president of sales. The hire comes on the heels of the company's recent opening of a new 20,000-square-foot production facility and supports Kalogon's aggressive growth strategy in both domestic and international markets. Paul Banz, Kalogon's VP of Sales Banz brings more than two decades of sales leadership experience in the complex rehab technology sector, most recently serving as managing director of export sales group for Etac Group, where he oversaw international sales for multiple brands, including Ki Mobility, Axiom, Star, Hovertech, MoLift, R82, Immedia and Etac's wheelchair, bathroom products and ADL lines. Throughout his career, he has built and scaled sales organizations and product management at leading mobility companies, including Sunrise Medical. His deep expertise in CRT markets and proven track record in international expansion position him to accelerate Kalogon's market penetration as demand for its smart seating technology continues to climb. "Paul's appointment marks an important milestone in Kalogon's growth trajectory," said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. "We've built incredible momentum over the past year, tripling our medical revenue and opening a state-of-the-art production facility to meet surging demand. Paul's experience scaling sales operations in complex rehab technology, combined with his international market expertise, will be instrumental as we expand our presence in North America, Australia and Europe. This hire also allows our leadership team to sharpen its focus on the core functions that will drive our next phase of growth." Based in Stevens Point, Wis., Banz will report directly to Balz and oversee Kalogon's territory sales managers and independent representative network. His immediate priorities include driving sales strategies and revenue growth across new and existing product lines, with a goal of tripling revenue in 2026. He will also expand Kalogon's international footprint, building on the company's existing distribution partnership in Australia and establishing new channels in Canada and Europe. "The vision, level of technological innovation and talent assembled at Kalogon is incredible," said Banz. "Kalogon is poised to reinvent the CRT industry, and the opportunity to build a world-class sales organization around its products is exactly the kind of challenge I've been looking for." Kalogon recently announced it had tripled its medical revenue year-over-year and opened a new production facility in Melbourne, Fla., providing capacity to scale production to approximately $50M in annual revenue. This allows Kalogon to meet the growing demand for its line of seating solutions for medical, aviation and defense. With U.S. manufacturing capacity secured and an experienced sales leader now in place, Kalogon is positioned to accelerate market penetration across multiple sectors and geographies while maintaining the rapid innovation cycle that has defined its growth.

Watch the full Q&A recording here or follow along with the timestamped transcript below. 3:31 – Bondar overview & coding So as we get going here, Bondar is our E2617 coded back rest. So whenever your wheelchair supplier and your clinician go to submit, that's going to be the code they submit it with. What that means is it's custom configured, so it's all order form based. So Bondar is going to be made by measurement and online we do have a LaunchPad which is our quote request tool. On LaunchPad, you can actually see a 3D image of Bondar as you're customizing it and going through. 4:15 – Size range & who needs Bondar We can do anything from a 12-in Bondar up to 25 in in width or height and then the laterals we can do anything from a 3-in lateral up to an 8 in deep lateral. And you could have the height of it being the whole size of the back rest. I believe there is a minimal height and that's going to be three inches for the laterals. Anyone that would be qualifying for that E2617, that custom configured back rest where you might not need off the shelf and then you might not need to be super molded. So, we're going to be right in the middle right there, middle ground with that custom configured. Before I go on, I'll just go over some of the different things that we can do with Bondar. So we can do different things like a back rest relief where we can do an actual relief in the 3D printed shell itself. 6:05 – LaunchPad measurement & foam options On LaunchPad you're able to select exactly where you want that relief and then you can see the visual. So the first page on LaunchPad is going to be your client measurements. They can go back, toggle, and see those measurements while they're going through the LaunchPad. You will see that 3D model, as you see right here in this picture. We offer two different foam types. We have an XLP foam, which is a little bit more uh little bit more of a high density foam, a little bit more firmer, and then we offer a 1-in polyurethane foam as well – that's going to be a more immersive foam. We do recommend that if you do order that polyurethane foam, if you have some concerns of like sweating or some odors, we do recommend the incontinence cover just because polyurethane foam does kind of hold some odor a little bit more than XLP foam. As you're going through, you can change the different height of the Bondar from 12 up to 24 in. If you put in a measurement that we can't do, the LaunchPad will actually give you a little red error message. That way, it's letting you know that the tool can't do that measurement, and that way you can go back there and put in the correct size you need. 7:18 – Mounting, customizations, & auto calculations We do ask that you guys provide the type of wheelchair Bondar is getting mounted on because depending on manual versus power chair, it will change the, uh, adapter plate or the mounting hardware that we use for the back rest. And then for the width, if you wanted to, you can put in the width right here and kind of leave your width measurement there. Or if you want to get really custom with it, you can actually choose a custom width part where you can get more in depth and more customized there with your measurements. So right here on the LaunchPad, you can see we did an asymmetrical lateral, just showing that you could have one be at 4 in and one be at 8 in in depth. Then you can actually choose the height of the lateral and then you choose where the top lateral is to the base of the back rest to determine where you want that starting point of the lateral. Then you can choose to shape the laterals. If you need that shape to be more steep versus shallow, you can adjust that there. And you can see the model change on LaunchPad. So, if you just needed to have that one width, like at 18 in, you can leave it at that and kind of move on to the next section. Or if you were trying to accommodate and capture some more intimate shapes, you can come in here and have different width measurements. You choose where you want that curve to start on the laterals. So it'll tell you based on your lateral height where that measurement needs to be. It'll kind of guide you through as you're putting in those dimensions. One thing to note too about the width measurements and how we kind of capture width on Bondar – so if you can see right here it says the max outside width is 17.75 in and that's based on the 16 in here. So the model will actually tell you the total outer width based on your inner width measurements. So you're going to be measuring between the two inner points of laterals. You're not going to be measuring like the outer width of the back brush. It's based on the inner points of laterals. And then based on the shell and the foam you have selected, it will populate your total outer width to make sure it's going to fit in between your back canes or on the power chair you're using. So that's just a cool little feature of Bondar that it's going to do that math for you. You don't have to like sit there and do any calculations to make sure it's going to fit. You can kind of know based on your width measurements if you're going to fit in between those back canes of your uh wheelchair. 10:12 – Biangular tilt feature This is another cool feature, our biangular tilt. So, this allows you to kind of have some curvature into that back rest where if you need to have some procline or recline, we can do 10 degrees of recline and 8 degrees of proline. So you just let us know if you want that to be rotated forwards or backwards and then toggle that bang angular feature on. It is something you don't have to add on if you don't want to. 10:44 – Backrest relief feature The next feature we have is the back rest relief. So on the relief here, you'll be able to specifically pinpoint where you want the relief in that 3D printed shell and you'll get a nice visual as you can see the little relief here. We can go in half inch increments up to a full inch in the relief. But eventually you will go through the back of that shell. So we can't get you know too much of a back rest relief there. There are some limitations and LaunchPad will actually tell you those limitations as you're going through as well. 11:17 – Foam types & functional cover features This part here is just the construction and the foam options. So it's going to come with that outer 3D printed shell and then we have the XLP polyurethane foam. For the covers we have two different options. We have an incontinence cover and then we have a breathable cover. The breathable cover was actually designed by our seamstress who's an end user herself. She had free reigns to go and customize a back rest cover that she's always wanted. Even at some of these abilities shows, we've had people come up just trying to buy the cover itself, like where did you get this cover? So it's pretty neat. It allows you to attach different points. So right here there's actually a zipper pouch where you can open the zipper and you can add in like a water bottle you know your notebook if you happen to be using an Orbiter Med that pouch actually fits the control unit perfectly for your Orbiter Med. There are some weight bearing straps up here too. So, if you want to attach like if you have like a suitcase going through the airport, if you have another wheelchair you're having on the back, you can attach things and pull it behind. Just little things that she always wanted in her current wheelchair covers that she had the free range to go and do now. So, the breathable cover will come standard with each cushion or each Bondar. If you want that incontinence cover, you can have that selected. 12:57 – Field kit & post-fit adjustments We do offer a Bondar field kit, which is a foam field kit, which allows you for further customizations in the field for some wedges and stuff like that to make further customizations after you get your Bondar. And then we do have a removable inner shell. This will allow you to take off the foam that you have and then you can heat form that shell for any further customizations once you get it delivered. You need to adjust those laterals more inward, flare them outward more, you can adjust that and then put that foam back on with that removable inner shell. If the removable shell isn't selected, it does make it a little bit more difficult to take the foam off because it is like Veltex on. So you to remove the Velcro to be able to heat form it and make those adjustments. So if you do plan on making some adjustments after the fact, we do recommend that inner shell. A lot of us who have a lot of experience with molded backs in the past, when you do have to alter them, the heating and the molding is easy, but there is some surgery required to get to it. With this one, we're not cutting, we're not scraping, we're just popping out two bolts, popping out that inner liner, and doing our heating and molding. That was that was something that jumped out at me as a difference on Bondar. 15:05 – Hardware & mounting compatibility This going to be our different hardware options that we have. So, as I was mentioning early on LaunchPad, if you want to use a manual versus a power chair, these are our manual options. So, we have the quick release, we have a fixed cane clamp, and we have a dual cane clamp mount. And then we also offer a headrest mount as well. And then for power chairs, we do have a power chair adapter plate. It's going to be a universal plate. So, it'll just come one size kind of fits all with all these different attachment points for permobil quantum. We have Amy Leor attachments, Sunrise. For the most part, every power chair should be compatible with it. And if it's not, please let your territory manager know and we can get it back to the team so we can make those updates and have those different wheelchairs added on to the universal plate. We can also do a dual adapter for the adapter plate as well for the power chairs. The only time we'll use a dual hardware is if any back restrust exceeds 20 in in length or if someone is above 250 pounds we'll go with the dual hardware option. 16:17 – Ordering process & turnaround time With ordering we do have that LaunchPad online. So as you order your Bondar you will complete the LaunchPad, submit the quote, and it will then come to the team. You will get an automated quote with your MSRP on there and then you will get your discounted quote then probably within two hours from your territory sales manager. So it's a pretty easy process in that sense where it's still order form based just like Orbiter Med and that quote will automatically get populated as you hit submit on the LaunchPad. And then once we get a PO, we're seeing between 14 and 21 business days or calendar days until Bondar is delivered. 17:25 – Easy installation process With the install process – I know with our hardware, it's all 4 millimeter Allen wrench or Allen key, so it's all one tool for setup and adjustment. We try to make it really easy on the tech side for any installs and deliveries. Feedbackwise early on, we're hearing it's really nice with the hardware for the tech and then the ordering process for the ATPs and clinicians. Just getting that visual that way when you're in for your evaluation, you have your clinician, ATP, end user all working together, seeing that visual creating the back rest. 18:33 – Measurement workflow tips Going through the process, it's really useful to take those client measurements first. Especially if you know what you want and you've done some stuff, but you haven't quite finished and you go home and you need to finish it up. When you take your client measurements first, they are in there and you can toggle. So later in LaunchPad and you're putting in what you want the length and the height of the laterals to be, it's nice. All you have to do is click on client measurements and on the side of the screen you'll see, oh yeah, they're ax height was 18 in. I want to be about two inches below that. that helps you sometimes choose the specifications of the back if you can be toggling back and forth and see your client measurements. So that is super useful and I love the fact that you can actually see them at the same time that you're filling out other parts of LaunchPad. 19:43 – Default vs advanced customization The other thing I just want to highlight is not only can you customize if you want there are defaults if you don't choose some of these things so you're not forced to choose all of them but you can you can choose the steep or shallow line sort of like the trim line of the top of the lateral. So, you might want something steeper to allow more upper extremity movement like for somebody who's self-propelling. And then you can see what it looks like on LaunchPad. What's cool is that you can go back and forth and you can see the difference and one choice gives you a little bit more width in the back along the posterior surface of the torso um versus the other one. 20:44 – Advanced shaping The last two, the custom width and shaping that you're seeing on the screen now if you're live with us, is very unique. To my knowledge, none of the other custom by measurement backs have this. And you know how when you have somebody and you have straight laterals and it's just not contacting in the lower ribs where you really would like that intimate contact, you can shape for that hourglass figure. You can put in a more narrow which is usually at the lower ribs or right around the person's waist. And you indicate what the height is from the bottom of the back rest and it will come in and shape and basically it's just giving you more intimate contact with the lateral supports. That can be asymmetrical also. You can have one lateral have a different shape on one side than the other. When I worked up a new Bondar back rest for our seamstress and we were able to do that very successfully with a slight bangular back as well. 22:01 – Inside vs outside width The other thing I want to emphasize is the inside versus the outside width. Just to remind you because that is something that's very different than the other manufacturers in the field. Typically, you're choosing an outside width. What's nice about Bondar, I believe, is that we are asking for inside width. So, that helps you make sure it's going to actually fit the person, right? Because that is the measurement that matches the width measurements that you took on the person. And then it automatically shows you the outside width. So, just remember that these are inside widths to help you provide a better fit for the actual client's body.

As we head into 2026, one thing is clear: progress isn’t coming from louder tech or bigger promises. It’s coming from coordination, restraint, and a renewed focus on solving real problems for real people. Here are my 2026 predictions for shifts I believe will define the year ahead. Healthcare Complex systems finally coordinate. The biggest healthtech breakthroughs in 2026 won't come from individual innovations, but from systems learning to work together. AI in healthcare only delivers value if data systems actually integrate across providers, devices and platforms. Patient monitoring tools only work if clinicians, patients and algorithms are truly connected, not just collecting data in parallel silos. In 2026, we'll see the emergence of companies focused purely on being that connective layer–the infrastructure that makes interoperability possible. Software platforms connecting manufacturers, supply chain partners and component suppliers will provide essential coordination infrastructure for complete product ecosystems. This trend extends to business models, too, with direct relationships and transparent pricing replacing convoluted insurance networks and hidden fee structures. Progress happens when all stakeholders are finally at the same table, and someone builds the bridges between them. Niche wellness issues get overdue attention. We're five years past COVID, and healthcare is finally paying attention to conditions that were previously dismissed or overlooked. The common thread in 2026: recognizing that "niche" often just means underserved, and there's both massive need and market opportunity in addressing conditions that standard healthcare has ignored. Menopause and perimenopause are getting serious investment and product innovation. Prosthetics and limb health are seeing breakthroughs. "Taboo" health issues, such as pelvic floor, sexual wellness and digestive health, are being normalized with real solutions and tracking tools. Seated health will be another major development, especially as we understand the long-term effects of prolonged sitting during lockdowns and WFH. Accessible development tools mean conditions previously considered too specialized for commercial investment can now support viable businesses serving those specific communities. Consumer companies rebrand AgeTech. Sharper Image is selling durable medical equipment. Martha Stewart has a rollator on Amazon. Gen X and Millennials are the first digital natives aging into mobility needs while also caring for their Boomer family members, who rarely want to identify as having a disability or needing accommodations. Seniors expect their assistive devices to look and function like the consumer tech they already use. The cold medical aesthetic won't work for this generation. Watch for more mainstream lifestyle brands launching aging and mobility lines in 2026. Consumers revert back to “dumber” technology. There's a growing rejection of overly complex technology, especially among Gen Z. People are buying landlines that just make phone calls. They're avoiding "smart" refrigerators because they don't want ads playing on every surface in their kitchens. The overwhelming number of feature-bloated tech products and constant screen time are driving consumers back to basics. Health care devices in 2026 will follow this trend. The most successful products will do one or two things automatically and well, with simple user control. The tech will be advanced, but the UX will appear more analog. People want equipment that works seamlessly in the background, not apps and screens that demand constant attention and management. The Great Medicaid Reckoning is coming. People who rely on Medicaid face significant changes in 2026. Each state will decide independently how to handle funding constraints—shouldering additional burden, scaling back coverage or restructuring programs entirely. Medical debt will surge, likely spawning new financing companies to manage payment plans. The aging population accelerates this pressure. We may reach a political tipping point where reform becomes necessary and politically viable. For healthcare companies, this means more will diversify across reimbursement codes, payer sources and international markets. Risk management means building resilience across multiple revenue streams. Concierge medicine expands beyond luxury. Given the volatility of health insurance accessibility and pricing in 2026, more providers and patients will opt out of traditional insurance networks entirely, making concierge medicine a mainstream alternative rather than a luxury service. Physicians seeking autonomy from insurance company restrictions will offer direct-pay arrangements. Hybrid models will emerge—basic access fees plus transparent fee-for-service—giving doctors and patients clarity and control. This shift creates new opportunities for healthcare delivery models built on direct relationships rather than third-party intermediation. Startups Sustainable, agile startups emerge from the economic ashes. Market volatility in 2026—from policy changes, tariffs, or economic uncertainty—creates opportunities for nimble startups who have built sustainable businesses amid the VC winter and rising interest rates. Large companies take too long to navigate reorganizations and strategic pivots, while small hardware companies solving real problems can move quickly. Capital-efficient operations and vigilant customer focus enable rapid progress while larger competitors manage internal complexity. Fewer resources means fewer constraints and faster decision-making. Innovation happens at the edges during turbulent times. Small-scale manufacturing becomes economically viable. Companies will ask a defining question in 2026: "Can we build this in-house, or do we need a partner we can truly trust?" Vertical integration for core differentiators and careful partner selection for everything else will define the manufacturing strategy for startups. AI-powered tools will make distributed, small-batch manufacturing profitable, with automation reducing labor requirements for work at modest volumes. Software platforms will connect smaller shops to leverage combined capabilities, with coordinated networks for component sourcing and specialized processes. We will see manufacturing decentralized into niche facilities operating efficiently because AI eliminates overhead that previously required massive scale. Agility and local production become competitive advantages, as "Made in the USA" from base components through final assembly becomes feasible for startups. Hardware startups attract fresh investment. Hardware companies that survived the funding downturn through capital discipline will find themselves in a prime growth position. Investors with dry powder and AI deal fatigue will actively seek alternative opportunities to “AI-proof” their portfolios. Hardware startups incorporating AI as a capability rather than leading with it as their primary identity will find receptive audiences. Real problem-solving with tangible products continues to succeed through market cycles. Ultra-niche startups become viable. Accessible development tools, easy APIs and affordable IoT platforms enable profitable businesses serving tiny markets. Fortune 500 companies and individual developers can now use the same infrastructure. In 2026, this democratization means ultra-specialized solutions for conditions, use cases and communities that previously lacked sufficient scale will be viable. When building and data collection costs approach zero, you can profitably serve highly specific needs. Capital efficiency meets long-tail opportunity, creating space for solutions that capitalism previously overlooked. AI finds its real market in B2B. The AI landscape will split decisively in 2026. Business-to-business AI tools solving specific operational problems with clear ROI will thrive. Healthcare workflows, university research tools and business operations will integrate AI as essential infrastructure. These companies build defensible moats through deep domain expertise and measurable productivity gains. Businesses pay for results, and AI that delivers them will command sustainable pricing. The key differentiator will be embedding AI as a feature that enhances core value rather than positioning AI itself as the product. Across all of this, one theme keeps repeating: durable progress comes from coordination, focus, and human-centered design. That’s where we’re placing our bets. Here’s to building what actually lasts in 2026. — Tim Balz, CEO of Kalogon

Smart seating company expands team as sales surge and production capacity scales Kalogon Team, August 2025 Melbourne, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2025) - Kalogon, the market leader in smart seating solutions, today announced it has moved into a dedicated manufacturing facility in Melbourne with production capacity to support up to $50 million in annual business – a major milestone for the company that has built its reputation on U.S.-based innovation and rapid product iteration. The expansion reflects significant growth, with overall revenue more than doubling and medical revenue nearly tripling year-over-year. After reaching maximum production capacity at Groundswell Startups' campus, Kalogon needed a larger dedicated facility to fulfill accelerating customer demand. Kalogon's vertically integrated approach – designing, prototyping and manufacturing in-house – enables the company to implement improvements based on customer and clinical feedback in days rather than months. "When your engineering team and production line are under the same roof, speed becomes your competitive advantage," said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. "We hear feedback from a customer in the morning, prototype a solution by afternoon and have it in testing by the end of the week. That cycle would take months with overseas manufacturing. This facility gives us the capacity to scale that speed, introducing new products, expanding customizations and getting innovations to users at a pace that simply isn't possible when you're dependent on external supply chains." The expansion isn’t just square footage. The company has grown to 35 employees – including recent additions of a specialized industrial sewing technician, multiple engineers and R&D – and is actively hiring across engineering, product and sales to support accelerating demand and innovation. This agility has proven critical in serving a wide range of use cases, from wheelchair users with diverse needs to passenger comfort on airplanes to high-performance pilots in the U.S. Air Force. Just this year, the company has expanded its medical product line and launched the Bondar back support in multiple sizes, completing a fully Medicare-coded seating solution that combines postural support with Kalogon's proprietary Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS). "Kalogon represents exactly the kind of sustainable business we want to see thriving in Florida," said Ken Hall, partner at DeepWork Capital, an early investor in Kalogon. “They’ve built a model where rapid iteration and human-centered design create better products faster, and the market is clearly responding. This combination of innovation and commercial traction is exactly what attracts serious investment.” As urgency for seated health heightens, Kalogon's momentum looks prescient. Kalogon's technology – seating systems that use patented air cell technology, sensors and AI to relieve pressure – addresses growing awareness of seating-related health issues across multiple markets, from wheelchair users managing pressure injury risk to professionals in transportation and aviation seeking enhanced comfort and performance. The company's smart seating technology has been clinically validated to improve blood flow compared to static cushions and has earned numerous recognitions, including the SXSW Patient Safety Technology Innovation Award and TIME’s Best Inventions. Kalogon serves customers through partnerships with major mobility equipment distributors, including National Seating & Mobility, Numotion and Reliable Medical, as well as direct sales and federal grants. https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2025/12/16/melbourne-startup-kalogon-new-space-coast-facility.html

One of the core ideas behind Bondar is that customization shouldn’t end at the order form. Bodies change. Needs shift. Real-life use highlights things you can’t always predict in an evaluation room. The Field Kit was created to support exactly that reality. It gives clinicians a practical way to continue shaping Bondar after delivery – not by starting over, but by making thoughtful, precise adjustments right on the back support. A Tool for Continuous Fit The Field Kit includes a small set of foam components in shapes that address common, real-world needs: enhancing sacral support, improving lateral contact, adding contour where a user collapses, or refining a bi-angle so you can personalize Bondar. Each piece attaches using hook-and-loop, and everything is intentionally oversized so you can trim it to the exact shape you want. This gives clinicians the flexibility to respond to how the user sits day to day, week to week, or year to year. How It Works Pieces attach directly to the Bondar’s Veltex surface They can be added, moved, layered, or trimmed as needed No tools required beyond scissors Placement differs depending on whether the Bondar is built with XLPE or Polyurethane foam, but in both cases the kit integrates seamlessly Most adjustments take only a few minutes, and they can make meaningful improvements without interrupting the user’s routine or waiting on a remake. Built to Evolve With the User Seating is never static. Whether someone experiences growth, shifting posture, or simply finds new pressure points over time, the Field Kit supports that ongoing evolution. It’s there for the small change, the ones that matter in daily use but don’t require a full redesign. For clinicians, it means having a reliable way to refine Bondar without extra appointments, delays, or guesswork. For users, it means their backrest is something that can keep up with them, not hold them in one fixed shape. Add an Extra Layer of Personalization Alongside the Field Kit, we’re also offering free embroidery on Bondar’s breathable covers. It’s a simple option for adding a name or identifier – useful for clinics, helpful for long-term care environments, and appreciated by users who want something that feels personal. As always, Kalogon believes your seating system should reflect your needs, your identity, and your life – not the other way around.

Etac and Kalogon Announce New Partnership to Expand Access to Smart Cushion Technology for Wheelchair Users. Partnership will enhance Etac’s Star cushion line and expand access to Kalogon’s innovative smart cushion technology for wheelchair users Stockholm, SE (Sept. 11, 2023) - Etac, a world-leading developer of ergonomic assistive devices and patient handling equipment, and Kalogon, a leader in smart seating solutions, today announced a new partnership to bolster the quality and availability of smart seating cushions for wheelchair users worldwide. The two companies join forces to enhance Etac’s Star cushion product line powered by Kalogon’s revolutionary air management system. Etac’s range of Star vertical air cell cushions is respected by clinicians worldwide to support individual needs for pressure redistribution. With solutions for stability and positioning in the StabilAir and StarLock cushions, the Star brand is known for blending trusted pressure care solutions with innovation to increase value to the end user. “Etac has a 50-year legacy of promoting user abilities and independence through our assistive devices, and teaming up with innovative companies like Kalogon ensures we can continue to lead the state of the art in pressure care,” said Magnus Björkqvist, SVP Wheelchairs and Pressure Care, Etac. “Kalogon’s air management systems are a game changer in our space, and together we can deliver the latest pressure care solutions on the market to everyone who needs them.” Kalogon’s range of smart cushion products combine machine learning and patent-pending air cell technology to redistribute weight and increase comfort by maintaining blood flow in wheelchair users. A connected app enables wheelchair users, caregivers and clinicians to personalize their experience based on each user's specific needs. Early customers of Kalogon’s Orbiter reported significant improvements in overall comfort, accelerated healing, and an ability to sit up to two times longer. Recently, Kalogon announced the pre-order for its Booster product, powered by its Air Management System (AMS). This controller enhances most existing air flotation wheelchair cushions to control and maintain pressure set by a clinician. “Partnering with Etac gives Kalogon a competitive edge, leveraging their strong reputation and go-to-market strategies,” said Tim Balz, CEO and founder of Kalogon. “Combining our innovations in smart seating with Etac’s expertise in pressure injuries is a win-win for our businesses and customers.” For more information, visit https://www.kalogon.com/ or https://www.etac.com/en-us/us/. About Etac Since 1973, Etac has been committed to improving quality of life for the individual, family members and caregivers. Through our specialized product brands, we offer state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of daily needs and care settings, for people at all stages of life. Star is our range of vertical air cell cushions for pressure care, designed to support individual needs for pressure redistribution, stability and positioning. Learn more at https://www.etac.com/. About Kalogon Kalogon revolutionizes the way the world sits through technological innovation, cutting-edge research and an obsession with user experience. By prioritizing empathy-driven design and embracing inclusivity, we aim to set a new benchmark in seating solutions for those who spend an extended time sitting, inspiring positive change in the industry. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to lead active, seated lives with enhanced comfort and well-being. Learn more at https://www.kalogon.com.

Laurie Orlov, Aging and Health Technology Watch Kalogon Launches the First and Only Smart Wheelchair Cushion Designed to Alleviate Pain and Deliver Personalized, Longer-lasting Comfort MELBOURNE, Fla. (February 8, 2022) - Approximately half of wheelchair users will develop pressure injuries in their lifetimes, yet the cushions people use today were invented before the personal computer. With a team of former SpaceX, NASA and Northrop Grumman employees, Kalogon today launched the world’s first smart wheelchair cushion designed to support the healing and prevention of pressure injuries and improve comfort for extended wheelchair use. With more than 3 million wheelchair users in the U.S. growing with an aging population, Kalogon’s mission is to empower this underserved community with a personalized experience they deserve. Leveraging their experience in aerospace design, Kalogon’s patent-pending intelligent pressure sensors analyze pressure points in real-time and intelligently redistribute weight to alleviate pain, accelerate healing of pressure injuries - also known as pressure sores or bedsores - and deliver longer-lasting comfort. A connected app for iOS and Android enables wheelchair users, caregivers and clinicians to browse Kalogon comfort presets or customize and upload their preferred settings to personalize their smart cushion and optimize pain relief. “Wheelchairs haven’t changed substantially for decades, and we believe that by improving the cushion, we can address the biggest pain points for wheelchair users,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “Early Kalogon users have already reported significant improvement in overall comfort and wellness, gaining a greater sense of freedom to live more active lives.” READ FULL ARTICLE ON AGEINPLACETECH.COM