Skaaltec
Skaaltec AG is a Swiss ETH Zürich spin-off building SmartVNS, a non-invasive wearable that pairs vagus nerve stimulation with automated movement detection to enhance stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation for clinics and patients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersZürich, Switzerland
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Skaaltec does
Skaaltec AG is a Swiss medical device company and ETH Zürich spin-off developing SmartVNS, a non-invasive wearable system for stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. SmartVNS combines a wrist-worn inertial sensor, a neck-worn stimulator with an auricular electrode, and embedded machine learning algorithms that detect functional movements in real time and automatically trigger transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) at the optimal moment for motor learning consolidation. The product is built on 15+ years of rehabilitation engineering research at ETH Zürich's Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (RELab), where the founders (Dr. Paulius Viskaitis and Dr. Dane Donegan) and scientific advisors (Prof. Dr. Olivier Lambercy and Prof. Dr. Roger Gassert) are based.
The company serves two primary customer segments: rehabilitation clinics and hospitals that need scalable delivery of adjunctive neurostimulation therapy, and ultimately stroke survivors needing at-home therapy that augments limited clinical capacity. Clinical validation is anchored by a nine-participant feasibility study at cereneo showing UMUX usability of ~85% and sub-2-minute patient setup, plus peer-reviewed evidence in the Journal of Neuroscience and Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation. The system is currently investigational and has no Swissmedic, CE or FDA approval.
Skaaltec's business model is dual-track: hardware sales of the SmartVNS device to clinical buyers, supplemented by a planned companion digital neurorehabilitation platform for therapists and patients that would generate subscription revenue from remote monitoring and therapy management. Go-to-market is enterprise clinical field sales supported by conference presence (RehabWeek, Swiss Medtech Day) and active grant-driven programs (USZ Startup Label, Venture Leaders Medtech 2026, Future of Health Grant, Innosuisse, Bridge, Venture Kick). The company is pre-revenue, headquartered in Bern with R&D in Zürich at Balgrist Campus and ETH GLC.
Skaaltec firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Skaaltec
- Legal name
- Skaaltec AG
- Website
- https://skaaltec.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Skaaltec AG is a Swiss ETH Zürich spin-off building SmartVNS, a non-invasive wearable that pairs vagus nerve stimulation with automated movement detection to enhance stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation for clinics and patients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Skaaltec industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Neurorehabilitation Medical Devices
- NAICS
- Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Home Health Care Services (62161), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (62134)
- SIC
- Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rehabilitation Therapy Equipment (PT/OT Modalities, Exercise & Balance Devices) (HLAHAMAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Implantable Neuromodulation & Neurostimulation (SCS/DBS/VNS/PNS) (HLAHAEAK), Neurologic Rehabilitation (Stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s, MS) (HSADAIAC)
Keywords
Where Skaaltec is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Zürich
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Skaaltec business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- SmartVNS Medical Device Sales: The primary revenue stream will be from the sale of the SmartVNS hardware system to rehabilitation hospitals, clinics, and potentially directly to patients. The device is currently under development and awaiting regulatory approval.
- Digital Neurorehabilitation Platform: A companion digital platform for therapists and patients enabling remote monitoring, data analytics, and therapy management. This would likely generate ongoing subscription revenue from healthcare providers or patients using the platform.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Skaaltec product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Skaaltec is developing SmartVNS, a standalone wearable neurorehabilitation system that combines a wrist-worn inertial sensor, a custom neck-worn transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) stimulator with earpiece electrode, and proprietary algorithms that automatically pair stimulation with functional movements. The system targets post-stroke upper limb motor rehabilitation by activating the brain's vagus nerve pathways to enhance neuroplasticity during therapy. It is designed as plug-and-play for both clinical and independent home use, with planned regulatory clearance (Swissmedic, CE, FDA) and a companion digital platform for therapist monitoring.
Product overview
Skaaltec is developing a single unified product called SmartVNS—a standalone wearable therapy system for stroke recovery that combines hardware (wrist-worn motion sensor, neck stimulator, and auricular electrode) with embedded AI algorithms for automated closed-loop neuromodulation. The system is designed for both clinical and home use, featuring automatic movement-triggered vagus nerve stimulation that enhances the brain's natural learning mechanisms during rehabilitation therapy.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SmartVNS: Standalone wearable therapy system that boosts recovering brain by activating the vagus nerve without surgery for stroke rehabilitation
Products and services
- SmartVNS A standalone wearable neurorehabilitation system that combines a wrist-worn inertial sensor for real-time movement detection, a custom neck-worn stimulator with auricular electrode for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and automated movement-triggered stimulation that enhances stroke recovery by pairing stimulation with functional movements. Designed for rehabilitation hospitals, clinics, physical therapy centers, and home users to deliver scalable vagus nerve stimulation therapy with remote monitoring.
Quantifiable outcome
- 31% increase in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes when TMS pulse coincided with taVNS stimulation during movement
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Skaaltec
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Skaaltec technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability7 records
Feature5 records
Skaaltec partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ETH ZürichcoreETH Zürich is the academic institution of origin for Skaaltec. The company was conceived and developed at the Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (RELab) at ETH Zürich, with scientific advisors Prof. Dr. Olivier Lambercy and Prof. Dr. Roger Gassert who have developed rehabilitation solutions for over 15 years.
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (RELab)coreRELab at ETH Zürich hosts the Skaaltec team and is the birthplace of SmartVNS technology. The lab provides ongoing research collaboration, access to expertise in rehabilitation engineering, and a pipeline of scientific talent.
- cereneocoreClinical partner that conducted the feasibility trial with nine participants. Cereneo provides clinical expertise, patient access, and user feedback essential for product development and validation.
- HelblingcoreDevelopment partner working with Skaaltec on product-level redesign of wearables, internal hardware updates, and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) evaluation for regulatory approval.
- University Hospital Zurich (USZ) Health Innovation HubcoreSkaaltec was accepted into USZ Health Innovation Hub and awarded the USZ Startup Label and funding. Provides pathway to deeper collaboration with one of Europe's leading university hospitals.
- DayOneminorSwiss healthcare innovation ecosystem partner supporting Skaaltec's development and market access.
- ETH AI CenterminorAI research center at ETH Zürich providing expertise and resources for machine learning development supporting SmartVNS technology.
- VenturelabcoreOrganizer of Venture Leaders Medtech 2026 program. Selected Skaaltec from over 80 applicants to participate in the 20th anniversary program for Boston market expansion.
- Future4careminorEuropean healthcare innovation network partnership through Future of Health Grant to support international expansion, particularly in Paris and Berlin markets.
- Barcelona & Madrid Health HubminorHealthcare innovation hub partnership through Future of Health Grant to support market access in Spain.
- Ensemble Hospitalier de la CôteminorNew strategic partnership announced for the Future of Health Grant program to support clinical validation and pilot projects.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Skaaltec competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- electroCore: electroCore is the most direct competitor: it commercializes gammaCore, a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) device. Skaaltec competes on the same core mechanism (non-invasive auricular VNS for neurological indications) but differentiates via closed-loop, movement-paired stimulation and a stroke-rehab-specific positioning.
- MindMaze: MindMaze builds digital therapeutics and neurorehabilitation platforms (e.g., MindMotion) targeting stroke and brain-injury recovery in hospitals and at home. Like Skaaltec, it combines motion sensors, gamified therapy, and clinical evidence to drive motor recovery — a directly comparable digital-neurorehabilitation approach.
- Parasym: Parasym develops a non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device targeting similar autonomic and neurological indications. Direct overlap with Skaaltec's core taVNS technology, though with a less rehab-focused positioning.
- Sword Health: Sword Health is a digital musculoskeletal and rehabilitation platform combining sensor-guided exercise with remote clinician oversight. It is comparable to Skaaltec in business model (hardware/software subscription, virtual rehab delivery) and in targeting MSK and post-stroke recovery, though without the neuromodulation component.
- Hinge Health: Hinge Health operates a digital MSK and rehabilitation platform sold to employers and payers, with wearable motion sensors enabling remote exercise therapy. Comparable in business model, sensor-driven therapy approach, and payer-facing GTM motion, although Hinge Health focuses on MSK pain rather than neurological rehabilitation.
- Saebo: Saebo is a leading specialty manufacturer of upper-limb rehabilitation devices and orthoses used by stroke survivors and OTs/PTs in clinics and at home. Directly comparable target customer (stroke patients with upper-limb impairment) and channel (rehabilitation clinics), though Saebo's portfolio is mechanical/orthotic rather than neurostimulation-based.
- Bionik Laboratories: Bionik Laboratories develops robotic rehabilitation technologies (e.g., InMotion ARM) for stroke and upper-limb recovery. Comparable clinical use case (post-stroke upper-limb motor recovery) and customer base (rehabilitation hospitals), though using robotics rather than closed-loop neuromodulation.
Regional players
- Tyromotion: Tyromotion is an Austrian/German manufacturer of robotic and sensor-based rehabilitation devices for neurological and orthopedic indications. Comparable clinical use case and clinic-channel GTM, though primarily active in DACH-region hospital sales and using robotics rather than neuromodulation.
Broad incumbents
- Penumbra: Penumbra is an established neurovascular device company that has expanded into neuro-recovery and neuromodulation via its REAL System and immersive rehabilitation portfolio. Comparable end-customer (stroke rehab hospitals) and adjacent product category, but operates at much larger scale across a broader device portfolio.
Emerging players
- Kaia Health: Kaia Health delivers app-based digital MSK and chronic-pain therapy, combining computer-vision exercise feedback with behavioral coaching. Comparable as a digital-rehabilitation therapeutic with sensor-driven, software-led delivery, but focused on MSK pain rather than post-stroke motor recovery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Skaaltec social profiles
Digital presenceSkaaltec compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Skaaltec financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Skaaltec leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Skaaltec funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Skaaltec M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Skaaltec
What does Skaaltec do?
Skaaltec is developing SmartVNS, a standalone wearable neurorehabilitation system that combines a wrist-worn inertial sensor, a custom neck-worn transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) stimulator with earpiece electrode, and proprietary algorithms that automatically pair stimulation with functional movements. The system targets post-stroke upper limb motor rehabilitation by activating the brain's vagus nerve pathways to enhance neuroplasticity during therapy. It is designed as plug-and-play for both clinical and independent home use, with planned regulatory clearance (Swissmedic, CE, FDA) and a companion digital platform for therapist monitoring.
Is Skaaltec a public or private company?
Skaaltec is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Skaaltec founded?
Skaaltec was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Skaaltec based?
Skaaltec is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Skaaltec make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. SmartVNS Medical Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are digital Neurorehabilitation Platform.
Who are Skaaltec's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are electroCore, MindMaze, Parasym, Sword Health, Hinge Health, Saebo and Bionik Laboratories. Tyromotion is listed as a regional player. Penumbra is listed as a broad incumbent. Kaia Health is listed as an emerging player.
Does Skaaltec have an API?
No public API is recorded for Skaaltec.
What industry is Skaaltec in?
Skaaltec's product category is Neurorehabilitation Medical Devices. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHAMAG, Rehabilitation Therapy Equipment (PT/OT Modalities, Exercise & Balance Devices), with a secondary code of HLAHAEAK, Implantable Neuromodulation & Neurostimulation (SCS/DBS/VNS/PNS). Its NAICS code is 334510 and its SIC code is 3845.