Amidst unprecedented health challenges worldwide, the need for innovative leadership in healthcare has never been more pressing. From the escalating burden of chronic diseases to the complexities of neurological disorders, healthcare systems are facing profound demands for transformation. In this dynamic environment, individuals who pioneer innovative solutions stand out as catalysts for change, driving progress and reshaping the future of healthcare delivery.
Subhasis Banerji’s professional journey embodies resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Trained as a Mechanical Engineer, Banerji’s career took a significant turn after a near-fatal car accident in 1998 left him struggling with severe mobility and cognitive challenges.
Despite the challenges, he emerged with a newfound determination after the medical community gave up on him. His unorthodox, innovative recovery journey culminated in his completing a PhD on the subject and the founding of SynPhNe—a pioneering venture in neurorehabilitation technology.
Banerji’s narrative is distinctive of the innovative leadership shaping the healthcare industry. As we confront complex health crises and strive to enhance patient outcomes, the contributions of visionaries like Banerji offer inspiration and insights into the transformative potential of healthcare innovation.
Join us as we uncover the path taken by Subhasis Banerji and the SynPhNe team and delve into the cutting-edge solutions he’s spearheading to tackle the critical healthcare challenges of our time!
Forging New Paths
Undeterred by setbacks, Banerji embarked on a journey of self-discovery and rehabilitation. Drawing from his background in yoga and martial arts, he sought to regain control over his body and mind. During this process, he made a breakthrough – discovering a powerful method to stimulate the brain’s ability to learn and relearn, sparking his interest in healthcare technology.
“We received support from the National Medical Research Council and National Research Foundation in Singapore, and began clinical trials with an early prototype,” Banerji recalls, highlighting the crucial role of institutional support in realizing his vision.
With promising trial results, Banerji pursued a part-time PhD while working at the Yong Loo Lin Medical School in Singapore. Immersed in geriatrics research, he gained insights into the challenges faced by individuals with mobility and cognitive limitations.
A successful clinical trial in New Delhi marked a turning point, inspiring Banerji to commercialize SynPhNe. “In January 2016, with funding from angel investors, I joined the company as Managing Director,” he shares, emphasizing the significance of this move.
Banerji’s journey underscores the power of perseverance and innovation. As he continues to lead SynPhNe, his story inspires others to overcome obstacles and pursue transformative change in healthcare.
Transforming Rehabilitation with SynPhNe
The founding of SynPhNe stemmed from a deeply personal journey of overcoming adversity and discovering a novel approach to rehabilitation. Subhasis Banerji’s vision was inspired by his own experience of defying medical expectations after his devastating injury. “After the first year or so of trying to recover from my injuries, I was told by doctors that I may never walk normally again and be able to go back to running a business,” Banerji reflects.
However, over the subsequent eight years, he discovered that an alternative rehabilitation approach, one that synergized brain and muscle training while emphasizing relaxation, could yield remarkable results.
Banerji’s vision for SynPhNe was clear – to make this innovative solution accessible to millions of individuals worldwide who had suffered brain injuries from accidents or strokes. He aimed to develop technology that was easy to use, affordable, and significantly reduced the time required for recovery. As SynPhNe evolved, its applications expanded beyond stroke and brain injury patients to encompass a wide range of neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive difficulties, aging, and even athletic injuries and performance challenges.
SynPhNe’s mission aligns seamlessly with the evolving healthcare landscape, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders worldwide. As Banerji highlights, “SynPhNe is the world’s first wearable technology that treats brain and muscle in one system.” Its digitally guided therapy sessions empower patients to regain independence not only in the immediate aftermath of a stroke or brain injury but also in the long term. By making effective therapy universally available within an affordable model, SynPhNe addresses a critical need in the healthcare landscape, as underscored by the Lancet journal’s estimate of nearly 3 billion neurological patients globally.
Moreover, SynPhNe is at the forefront of the digital healthcare revolution, breaking down cost and access barriers to deliver therapy where it is needed most. Its unique artificial intelligence models that are under development will further enhance patient recovery by unlocking possibilities that were previously deemed unattainable. In an era where healthcare delivery is shifting towards a continuum of care extending into patients’ homes, SynPhNe’s portable and versatile technology is perfectly positioned to meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers and patients alike.
Innovating Neurorehabilitation
SynPhNe has redefined neurorehabilitation with key innovations:
- Relaxation-Focused Approach: SynPhNe prioritizes relaxation before intensifying exercises, enhancing effectiveness while ensuring low patient fatigue.
- Integrated Brain-muscle Training: The world’s first wearable system to synergize brain and muscle training, facilitating coordinated movement and cognitive skills development.
- Digitally Guided Therapy: Simplified technology allows unsupervised therapy, providing real-time feedback for accurate exercise execution and continual improvement.
- Versatile Neuroplasticity Tool: From developmental to degenerative conditions, SynPhNe addresses a spectrum of neurological disorders, including aiding athletes in performance and injury management. SynPhNe’s innovations promise personalized, effective, and accessible neurorehabilitation, transforming patient outcomes across diverse neurological conditions.
Transforming Healthcare Delivery with SynPhNe
The SynPhNe system has significantly impacted patient outcomes across various healthcare settings, including inpatient and outpatient care, as well as at-home rehabilitation. Early implementation post-stroke during hospitalization has demonstrated remarkable results, notably increasing patient independence within 15-18 days prior to discharge.
Healthcare professionals involved in implementing SynPhNe have witnessed the level of improvement in patient independence within such a short timeframe, including in those with poor prognosis.
Additionally, SynPhNe is pioneering a revolutionary approach termed “Tech-assisted transition to home” in collaboration with hospital partners. This initiative allows patients to receive training on the device during hospitalization and continue therapy at home post- discharge. The transition to home-based therapy with SynPhNe will be a game-changer, empowering patients to access guided therapy whenever they need it.
The SynPhNe system provides clinicians with valuable insights into patient recovery through its software, offering unprecedented visibility into brain-muscle compensation profiles. By analyzing these profiles, therapists can identify areas of non-use and muscle tightness, facilitating targeted relaxation and recovery. Positive results have been observed even in patients who had experienced a stroke a decade ago, offering renewed hope where there was previously little.
Furthermore, SynPhNe remains committed to enhancing accessibility through ongoing engineering efforts. By focusing on making the product easier to use and own through innovative manufacturing and financing options, the company aims to further expand its impact and reach a broader patient population. This focus reflects SynPhNe’s commitment to improving patient care and outcomes, ensuring that effective rehabilitation is accessible and personalized for all.
Overcoming Challenges in Healthcare Innovation
In the early days of research, Subhasis encountered challenges characteristic of disruptive innovations. Clayton Christensen’s profound words, “A truly disruptive innovation disrupts everything,” resonated deeply with Subhasis and his team as they navigated uncharted territory in healthcare technology.
Talking about the challenges, they faced hurdles on several fronts due to the unique nature of their endeavor:
- Pioneering a new technology concept of synergized brain-muscle wearables.
- Developing new sensing protocols for brain and muscle.
- Introducing a novel method of treating patients – addressing physical and cognitive aspects simultaneously.
- Establishing new metrics for tracking progress.
Amidst these challenges, they also tackled the daunting task of devising new financial and ownership models to facilitate scaling across the continuum of care. However, with each obstacle encountered, they remained steadfast in their commitment to addressing patient needs.
To overcome technological and manufacturing challenges, the team forged long-term partnerships within the industry. These collaborations not only helped mitigate hurdles but also fostered innovation and refinement of technology.
Navigating clinical and business landscapes proved equally challenging, yet they leveraged a robust ecosystem of advisors to overcome these obstacles. Drawing upon their expertise and guidance, the team developed strategies to navigate complex healthcare environments and ensure the viability of their innovative approach.
Financial constraints posed yet another obstacle, but they secured research grants and venture funding from supportive investors. This financial backing enabled the company to continue its mission of driving innovation in healthcare and addressing unmet patient needs.
Cultivating Creativity and Problem Solving
Understanding the delicate balance between creativity and stability is crucial in the realm of MedTech, where regulatory compliance reigns supreme. Here, creativity isn’t just about overcoming technical challenges but also navigating the complexities of business hurdles to make technology accessible to those in need.
“Innovation thrives in an environment where creativity is nurtured, and problems are viewed as opportunities for growth and advancement,” emphasizes Subhasis. He further adds, “We strive to listen attentively to the voices of patients, care providers, and diverse stakeholders, gaining invaluable insights that fuel our innovation journey.”
Drawing inspiration from diverse disciplines such as neuroscience, yoga, martial arts, and sports medicine, SynPhNe seeks fresh perspectives and innovative solutions beyond traditional medical boundaries. Through a commitment to active listening and a holistic approach to problem-solving, SynPhNe continues to push the boundaries of MedTech innovation, bringing transformative solutions to the forefront of healthcare.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare Technology and Delivery
Reflecting on the evolving industry of healthcare, Subhasis Banerji, identifies several key trends that are reshaping the industry. He observes “The shift from infectious diseases to chronic conditions marked a pivotal moment in healthcare.” With neurological disorders emerging as a significant concern, there’s a pressing need to reimagine acute and chronic care models and prioritize brain-related conditions.
Moreover, Subhasis underscores the rapid transition towards home-based, technology-enabled healthcare. Understanding the consumer’s needs and preferences is paramount in designing effective technology solutions and empowering individuals to manage their health from the comfort of their homes.
Lastly, Subhasis emphasizes the changing landscape of insurance coverage. Insurance companies are increasingly accommodating a wider range of modalities and treatment settings, granting patients more choices in their healthcare decisions.
Capitalizing on Emerging Trends
SynPhNe has strategically positioned itself to capitalize on emerging trends in healthcare, particularly the shift towards home-based, technology-enabled therapy and the growing emphasis on holistic wellbeing. From its inception, SynPhNe has focused on a digital model of therapy and a home-use solution tailored for end-consumers. This foresight places SynPhNe in a prime position to adapt to evolving healthcare models and lead the industry forward.
“With our track record of outcomes across the continuum of care, SynPhNe is significantly well-placed to fit into the emerging healthcare landscape,” notes Subhasis Banerji. “Having established a presence in both Western and Eastern markets, we are poised to revolutionize the delivery of therapy.”
The Rewarding Journey of SynPhNe
For Subhasis Banerji, the most rewarding aspect of pioneering healthcare innovation lies in challenging the status quo and empowering patients to defy limitations. “Telling a patient that ‘no further recovery from disability is possible’ is simply unacceptable in today’s high-tech world,” he asserts. SynPhNe’s journey has been characterized by clinical trials across three continents and numerous success stories, where patients defied grim prognoses and experienced remarkable recoveries.
“One of the greatest rewards has been witnessing patients achieve breakthrough recoveries, defying conventional wisdom,” Subhasis shares. “When a patient, once in a vegetative state, starts eating, smiling, standing, and speaking their first words after years, it reaffirms the value of our relentless pursuit of innovation.”
Driven by the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, Subhasis and the SynPhNe team continue to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation, guided by a vision of transforming lives and redefining possibilities.
Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders
Subhasis shares invaluable guidance for aspiring healthcare leaders, emphasizing the paramount importance of understanding the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. He urges entrepreneurs to break conventional boundaries and pioneer new solutions, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches.
Advocating for immersive observation of patients and healthcare professionals, Subhasis encourages challenging current norms to unlock transformative methodologies. He stresses the significance of collaboration and resilience, highlighting the importance of strategic relationships and personal well-being.
Subhasis’ insights offer a guiding light for aspiring healthcare leaders, encouraging them to innovate boldly, collaborate strategically, and prioritize resilience in their quest to make a meaningful impact.
Navigating Support and Collaboration
Reflecting on the journey of innovation, Subhasis acknowledges the pivotal role of committed individuals and partners who have supported SynPhNe through its challenges. During his research tenure, a dedicated team of researchers and students, under the steadfast guidance of Professor Dr. John Heng, laid the groundwork. Valuable insights from esteemed faculty members at the Robotics Research Laboratory at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, as well as advisory input from Prof Dejan Popovic from Denmark, shaped the early stages of development.
As the journey progressed, critical collaborations with forward-thinking professionals significantly influenced SynPhNe’s trajectory. In 2012, Subhasis joined forces with current co-founder and fellow Director, Tarun Mathur, whose extensive expertise and composed demeanor proved invaluable during turbulent times. Dr. Paolo Bonato, Director at the Motion Analysis Lab at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, USA, provided valuable guidance in refining the system.
Clinical studies in stroke under Dr. Effie Chew at Alexandra Hospital in Singapore, and those focusing on children with learning disabilities spearheaded by Sharon Gerken, founder of the Dyslexic Association of South Africa, are constantly helping us build the scientific data base.
Beyond individual contributions, Subhasis acknowledges the collective efforts of therapists and the clinical team in India, research staff, and over 400 patients who trusted SynPhNe, playing a pivotal role in fine-tuning the system to meet their needs. Long-term advisors, notably Mr. Thyagarajan “Thyagi” Venkatraman, alongside shareholders, investors such as Event Horizon Technologies Pte. Ltd., and dedicated industry partners in Singapore, India, and the USA, have remained integral to shaping the company’s vision and navigating its growth trajectory. As SynPhNe continues to evolve, with our new USA team headed by Chief Operating Officer Sabi Bivas, the collaborative spirit fostered by these committed individuals and partners remains central to its enduring success.
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