Our Story

AIPAD began with a simple belief: access to prosthetics and assistive devices should not depend on income, background, or geography.

Too many amputees face lifelong barriers because existing solutions are too expensive, uncomfortable, or inaccessible. As a result, amputees are often forced to leave their work, feel ostracized by their community, and dependent on others, with lasting financial, physical, and psychological ramifications.

Since 2021, we’ve been working to change that. What started as a small non-profit effort in Alberta, Canada, has evolved into a growing social enterprise with an international focus over the past few years.

Prototyped devices for 2 use cases using 3D printing and metal welding

Launched 3 pilots in developing regions

Equipped 13 trans-radial individuals with devices

Engaged 36 community stakeholders in market research interviews to inform R&D

Built partnerships with organizations like Innovate Calgary, Lab2Market, UCalgary, The Chosen Tanzania, and other key mentors/advisors

Developed relationships with ecosystem champions in several developing regions

Our Mission

Advocacy

Combat stigma, social exclusion, trauma experienced daily by people living with physical disabilities globally. From children to adults, across all ethnicities, genders, socio-economic classes, with historically marginalized populations disproportionately affected. We will do so through increasing awareness, providing education, & manufacturing novel devices.

Innovation

Develop novel, use-case specific, functional prosthetic & assistive devices that are user-centric & affordable using additive manufacturing & widely accessible resources. By applying design thinking principles to our healthcare delivery & manufacturing processes, we will provide high-quality user experience & democratize access to life-changing medical technology.

Meet the Team

Bharat Maheshwari

Director of Business and Finance

BCom, Finance, CFA Lvl 2 Candidate

Bharat has 3 years of commercialization experience from previously working at an incubator, accelerator, & investment funds, where he managed multiple programs, supported over 250 founders & early stage ventures in health, social impact, climate, education at various stages from inception to pre-/seed raise, & activated $450k in investments.

Brandon Pent

Executive Director

BSc, MSc, Medical School

Brandon has over 7 years of research & application experience at the Alberta Health Services system where he has supported many healthcare delivery processes & ongoing optimization initiatives. He’s actively involved in several recognized healthcare innovation programs within academia.

Sina Valizadeh

Director of Technology

BEng, Mechanical Engineer

Sina has 6 years of mechanical engineering experience designing & manufacturing hardware. He has previous experience in the healthcare space leveraging additive manufacturing & accessible materials to create cost-effective, scalable, & high-quality technologies.