What Ergoresearch does

Ergoresearch is a Canadian orthopedic technology company headquartered in Laval, Quebec, that designs, manufactures, and clinically validates custom orthotic, prosthetic, and biomechanical medical devices. Its core platform is WebFit, a robotized custom-fit orthotics manufacturing software that combines a proprietary 7,680-sensor podo-barometric pressure pad with 3D optical scanning in a bimodal assessment system, using AI to analyze pressure points and generate optimal orthotic surface designs for individual patients. The product portfolio extends to the worldwide-patented OdrA distraction-rotation orthotic for knee osteoarthritis (co-developed with Proteor), the Power Knee motor-powered AI prosthesis for above-knee amputees (licensed exclusively to Össur globally), the 3D Scanner for digital body-part capture, and emerging lines including Knee KG dynamic knee analysis, Chic! plantar orthosis for fashion footwear, and Apnée Équilibre sleep apnea services.

The company's commercial model operates on three integrated rails: direct-to-patient delivery through the Équilibre network of more than 100 clinics and satellite centers in Quebec, generating reimbursement-backed sales of custom orthotics and biomechanical assessment services; B2B technology licensing of WebFit to orthopedic laboratories across North America and Europe; and intellectual-property royalties, most notably the Power Knee license to Össur and neurostimulation royalties from Ottobock. Ergoresearch completed a going-private transaction in February 2018, acquired by a management vehicle backed by Walter Capital Partners, ending its TSX Venture listing. Continued growth is anchored on rolling up Quebec orthopedic laboratories, expanding U.S. presence via a manufacturing platform, and commercializing new lines such as Knee KG and sleep apnea services.

Name

Ergoresearch

Legal name

Ergoresearch Inc.

Website

http://www.ergoresearch.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ergoresearch is a Laval, Quebec-based orthopedic technology company that designs and manufactures AI-driven custom orthotics, prosthetics, and biomechanical devices, distributing them through Quebec's largest orthotics clinic network (Équilibre, 100+ locations) and licensing its WebFit platform and Power Knee IP globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Laval

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Custom Orthotics and Prosthetics Sales: Direct revenue from the sale of custom-fit foot orthotics, specialty orthotics, and orthopedic devices manufactured in-house through the Equilibre clinic network. Revenue is generated through owned laboratories and clinics across Quebec, with products often reimbursed by government or private insurance plans.
2. Software and Technology Licensing: Licensing of proprietary technologies including WebFit software to other laboratories in North America and Europe, and the Power Knee intellectual property to Össur for global distribution.
3. Neurotechnology Royalties: Royalty income from the monetization of sleep apnea neurostimulation technology through partnership with Ottobock Healthcare. Received a net royalty payment of $590,000 from this monetization operation, with potential for additional future royalties.
4. Healthcare Services: Revenue from biomechanical assessment services, gait analysis, and specialized diagnostic services such as Knee KG (dynamic knee analysis) offered through Equilibre clinics.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ergoresearch designs, develops, and manufactures custom-fit orthotic and prosthetic medical devices using proprietary robotic manufacturing software (WebFit), AI-driven pressure analysis, and 3D scanning technology. The company operates Quebec's largest orthotics clinic network (Équilibre, 100+ clinics) and licenses its technology platform globally to other orthopedic laboratories.

Product overview

Ergoresearch operates as an orthopedics technology company offering an integrated portfolio of products and services for the musculoskeletal market. The core technology platform is WebFit™, a robotized manufacturing system for custom orthotics that uses artificial intelligence to analyze pressure points and generate optimal orthotic designs. This platform underpins multiple product lines including specialized WebFit orthotics for Diabetes and Gonarthrosis. The product portfolio also includes the OdrA distraction-rotation orthotic for knee osteoarthritis (developed with Proteor) and the Power Knee motor-powered AI prosthesis for above-knee amputees (licensed to Össur). Supporting technologies include a 3D Scanner for digital body part capture and Podo-Barometric Sensor Pads with 7,680 sensors for foot pressure assessment. The company operates the Équilibre clinic network, Quebec's largest orthotics network with 70+ locations, and has expanded into new services including Knee KG dynamic knee analysis and sleep apnea treatment. The company completed its going-private transaction in February 2018.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WebFit: First robotized custom-fit orthotics manufacturing software program and bimodal assessment system combining podo-barometric sensors with optical scanners.
• OdrA
• Chic!
• WebFit Diabetes
• WebFit Gonosteoarthritis
• Knee KG (Kneegraphy)

Products and services

• WebFit™ Orthotics Manufacturing Software The first robotized custom-fit orthotics manufacturing software using artificial intelligence to analyze pressure points and determine optimal orthotic design matching the foot's surfaces. Licensed to orthopedic laboratories in North America and Europe.
• OdrA Distraction-Rotation Orthotic Worldwide patented knee orthotic for osteoarthritis treatment using a unique distraction-rotation mechanism that decreases intra-articular pressure to relieve pain and improve knee mobility. Worn approximately 10 hours per day. Distributed in Canada by Ergoresearch.
• Power Knee Motor-Powered Prosthesis The world's only motor-powered prosthesis with artificial intelligence for above-knee amputees. Restores lost muscle function enabling amputees to perform normal daily activities. Ergoresearch holds IP; Össur is the exclusive global licensee and distributor.
• 3D Scanner Technology Exclusive 3D scanning technology that scans any body part in 3D and real time, enabling custom medical orthotic manufacturing. Scanned files are transferred via internet to Ergoresearch's computing platforms, replacing plaster cast bandaging with superior accuracy.
• Podo-Barometric Sensor Pads Exclusive sensor pad with 7,680 high-deformation capacitive pressure sensors and 5mm spatial resolution. Records patient foot pressure at load and half-load for biomechanical assessment and orthotic design. Developed and manufactured in Montreal.
• Chic! Plantar Orthosis Plantar orthosis designed for high heels and dress shoes, featuring thin, tapered, waterproof, and breathable construction available in fashionable patterns. Addresses the need for orthopedic support in formal footwear.
• Équilibre Orthotics Clinic Network The largest orthotics network in Quebec with 100+ clinics and satellite centers, providing biomechanical assessment, custom orthotics, and related healthcare services under a unified brand for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
• Knee KG (Kneegraphy) Dynamic Knee Analysis Dynamic knee analysis service providing comprehensive knee assessment for patients, integrated into the Équilibre clinic network as part of new organic initiatives.
• Apnée Équilibre Sleep Apnea Services Sleep apnea diagnostic and treatment services launched in select Équilibre clinics in Quebec as part of new organic initiatives leveraging neurostimulation technology IP.

Quantifiable outcome

• 32.6% revenue growth in FY2014, with five-year growth of 463% from 2008 to 2013
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Proteor (Holding PROTEOR S.A.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProteor, France's leading orthopedic apparatus provider, co-developed the OdrA distraction-rotation orthotic with Ergoresearch. Proteor is a co-shareholder in Ergoresearch, holding approximately 47.7% of shares collectively with Sylvain and Danielle Boucher, and entered into voting and support agreements for the going-private transaction.
• ÖssurcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerÖssur, a global leader in orthotics and prosthetics (O&P), holds an exclusive global license to manufacture and distribute the Power Knee bionic prosthesis, the world's only motor-powered AI prosthesis for above-knee amputees. Ergoresearch retains the underlying intellectual property.
• Université LavalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership for clinical studies on OdrA orthotic efficacy. Université Laval collaborated with Dijon University Hospital (France) to clinically validate the OdrA device for knee osteoarthritis treatment.
• Centre de solutions technologiques en orthèses et prothèses (CSTOP) - Collège MériciminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with CSTOP, affiliated with Collège Mérici in Quebec City, for technology solutions development in orthotics and prosthetics.
• Centre d'excellence des technologies textiles (CTT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with CTT in Saint-Hyacinthe for textile technology integration into orthotic products and manufacturing.
• National Research Council of Canada (NRC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the National Research Council of Canada for research and technology development supporting Ergoresearch's innovation initiatives.
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with NSERC for funding and supporting research in natural sciences and engineering related to Ergoresearch's orthopedic technology development.
• Université du Québec à MontréalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership for technology development and innovation in orthopedics and biomechanics.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Steeper Group: UK-based manufacturer and provider of prosthetics, orthotics, and assistive technology. Comparable in limb prosthetics (including advanced microprocessor solutions) and custom orthotic manufacturing, but primarily serving UK/European markets.
• Thuasne: French family-owned orthopedic manufacturer of braces, supports, and medical compression products. Comparable product line (orthotic braces, OA knee orthoses) and clinic-physician channel but primarily serves European markets; relevant as a European benchmark for an OdrA-style knee bracing franchise.

Others

• DeRoyal Industries: U.S.-based medical device manufacturer producing orthopedic braces, supports, and surgical products. Adjacent comparable in orthopedic soft goods and custom orthotic manufacturing with similar healthcare professional channels, though broader portfolio spans acute care products.

Broad incumbents

• Bauerfeind: German manufacturer of medical compression stockings, orthotics, braces, and supports. Comparable in orthotic device manufacturing and bracing product categories (knee, foot, ankle), with comparable R&D-driven differentiation and physician-channel distribution.
• Ottobock: World's largest O&P manufacturer based in Germany. Acquired Neurostream Technologies (Ergoresearch's neurostimulation IP licensee) and competes broadly across prosthetics, orthotics, and rehabilitation technology. Comparable as a global incumbent that commercializes similar classes of medical devices.
• Hanger Clinic: Largest U.S. provider of orthotic and prosthetic patient care services with ~900 clinic locations. Comparable as a vertically integrated O&P clinic-and-technology operator in North America; broader portfolio but similar go-to-market through owned clinical sites.

Direct peers

• Foot Levelers: U.S.-based custom foot orthotics manufacturer serving chiropractors and podiatrists. Directly comparable in custom foot orthotics with similar practitioner-channel distribution and 3D scanning/scanning-based manufacturing workflows; smaller scale but overlapping end-markets.
• Össur: Global leader in orthotics and prosthetics headquartered in Iceland. Direct comparable as Power Knee licensee and direct competitor in prosthetics; competes in similar patient populations (lower-limb amputees, OA patients) with overlapping product portfolios including microprocessor knees.
• Proteor: France's leading orthopedic apparatus provider and Ergoresearch's co-development partner for the OdrA knee orthotic. Direct competitor and partner in the European O&P market with comparable custom orthotic manufacturing capabilities and a similar vertically integrated clinic network model in France.

Emerging players

• Superfeet Worldwide: North American premium insole and orthotics brand, owned by privately held Two Steps Ahead. Adjacent comparable in foot biomechanics and consumer/premium orthotic positioning, though focused on off-the-shelf insoles rather than prescription custom devices.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ergoresearch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ergoresearch