What EnableUC does

EnableUC (legal name: Enable Cincy, EIN 84-2899894) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer student organization founded in 2015 at the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. It operates as an official chapter of the e-NABLE international community and produces 3D-printed upper-limb prosthetics and assistive devices for individuals with limb differences, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and other motor impairments. Primary users are pediatric and adult patients referred through healthcare partners (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Veterans Affairs hospital, Touro University OT/PT School) or self-referred via online intake forms, with services delivered at no cost.

Its core product portfolio comprises the wrist-actuated Phoenix Hand V2, the elbow-actuated UnLimbited Arm V2.1, body-powered hooks, and a catalog of daily-living assistive devices such as toothbrush grips, key turners, and gait-trainer baskets. Manufacturing takes place in a 24/7 student-accessible lab on UC's Victory Parkway Campus, equipped with Prusa Mk3S/Mini/Mk3 FDM printers, a Creality Ender 5, and an Elegoo Saturn SLA printer, with designs produced in CAD and adapted from open-source e-NABLE files. The current R&D pipeline includes a myoelectric prosthesis and an Airy Arm Prototype for brachial plexus injuries.

The operating model is donation-funded rather than revenue-generating: tax-deductible contributions flow through the University of Cincinnati Foundation and Venmo, supplemented by fundraising through concessions work with the Cincinnati Bengals/Aramark and ticket-based partnerships with the Cincinnati Reds and Cyclones. Engineering support is provided pro bono or in-kind by Kaleidoscope Innovation and Designfusion. Devices are provided at no charge to recipients at an average production cost of approximately $20 each, and across its lifetime the organization has delivered 63 devices (35 assistive, 17 prosthetic, plus hooks) to recipients in the United States and Bolivia. EnableUC explicitly disclaims FDA approval for its devices and carries no liability insurance, positioning its outputs as community-built aids rather than regulated medical products.

Name

EnableUC

Legal name

Enable Cincy

Website

https://enableuc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

EnableUC is a University of Cincinnati student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit that designs, 3D-prints, and ships free upper-limb prosthetics and assistive devices to children and adults with limb differences and motor impairments in the U.S. and abroad.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

3D-Printed Prosthetics and Assistive Devices

NAICS

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113), Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Limb Prosthetics (Upper/Lower Extremity Prosthetic Systems) (HLAHAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assistive Technology Lending Libraries, Trials & Device Loan Programs (EDAKAIAL), Prosthetic Components & Rehabilitation Accessories (Liners, Feet, Knees, Sockets) (HLAHAMAD), AT Device Setup, Integration & Technical Support (MDM, IT, Interoperability) (EDAKAIAK)

Keywords

• 3D printed prosthetics
• Assistive devices
• Upper limb prosthetics
• Nonprofit medical devices
• Adaptive equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations: As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 84-2899894), EnableUC receives tax-deductible donations through the University of Cincinnati Foundation and Venmo (@EnableUC). The organization also generates donations through community partnerships with the Cincinnati Bengals (Aramark concessions donations of over $6,800 in 2021-2022 season), Cincinnati Reds, and Cincinnati Cyclones through ticket sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

EnableUC designs, 3D-prints, and provides free upper-limb prosthetic devices (Phoenix Hand V2, UnLimbited Arm V2.1, body-powered hooks) and custom assistive devices (toothbrush grips, key turners, zipper pulls, adaptive inhaler caps, gait trainer baskets) to children and adults with limb differences and motor impairments. All devices are produced at the UC Victory Parkway Campus lab at an average cost of approximately $20 per device and shipped to recipients worldwide at no charge.

Product overview

EnableUC operates as a 3D printed medical device nonprofit offering a portfolio of prosthetic and assistive devices provided free of charge. The core product lineup includes e-NABLE prosthetic hands (Phoenix Hand V2 and UnLimbited Arm V2.1) and custom assistive devices for daily living tasks. Additional offerings include body powered hooks and access to the organization's 3D printing lab facilities. All devices are developed through collaboration with the e-NABLE community and provided at minimal cost (approximately $20 per device).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Phoenix Hand V2 Wrist-powered 3D-printed prosthetic hand featuring a thermoformable gauntlet, palm mesh, and Whippletree tensioning mechanism for independent finger closure. Users operate the device by bending their wrist to close the fingers. Provided free of charge to recipients with upper-limb differences.
• UnLimbited Arm V2.1 Elbow-actuated 3D-printed prosthetic arm with parametric customization and thermoformable forearm for tailored fitting. Users operate the device by bending their elbow to close the fingers. Provided free of charge to recipients with upper-limb differences.
• Assistive Devices Custom 3D-printed assistive devices including toothbrush grips, key turners, zipper pulls, ergonomic spoons, adaptive inhaler caps, crochet aids, assistive cup holders, book stabilizers, and toothpaste caps designed for individuals with impaired motor control. Provided free of charge.
• Body Powered Hooks Prosthetic terminal devices powered by shoulder and arm movement, including cables, harnesses, and sockets for arm prosthetic systems. Provided free of charge.
• 3D Printing Lab Services Access to 3D printing capabilities using Prusa Mk3S, Prusa Mini, Creality Ender 5, and Elegoo Saturn resin printers for designing and producing prosthetic and assistive devices. Located at UC's Victory Parkway Campus Science Building, open 24/7 to CEAS students.

Quantifiable outcome

• 63 devices provided at no cost to patients
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 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

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Cincinnati Bengals / AramarkflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Members work concessions at all nine Cincinnati Bengals home games. Aramark and Paul Brown Stadium donate based on number of workers. In 2021-2022 season, EnableUC received over $6,800. Members earn service hours towards Cincinnatus Scholarship.
• e-NABLE CommunityflagshipOthers · 1 January 2015EnableUC is an official chapter of the e-NABLE community, an international movement of volunteers who design, test, and produce 3D-printed upper-limb prosthetic and assistive devices. This provides access to open-source designs and global volunteer network.
• DesignfusioncoreTechnology or IntegrationDesignfusion has partnered with EnableUC to provide access to their advanced 3D printing technology as well as engineering design support. This partnership enables EnableUC to design and produce stronger and more sophisticated assistive and prosthetic devices for clients and partners.
• Kaleidoscope InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeadquartered in Cincinnati, Kaleidoscope Innovation provides engineering consulting for EnableUC R&D projects. They have hired 25 UC co-op students full-time over 8 years and made a generous donation to EnableUC. Multiple full-time engineers consult on EnableUC projects.
• Cincinnati CyclonescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Cincinnati Cyclones agreed to gift a portion of proceeds from tickets sold by EnableUC to their Foundation. Members attended home opener against Indy Fuel and participated in on-ice player welcome activities.
• Cincinnati RedscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Cincinnati Reds generously agreed to gift a portion of proceeds from tickets sold by EnableUC to their Foundation. Members attended game against Pittsburgh Penguins.
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Mad Kicks Cincinnati and the Aaron W. Perlman Center for Cerebral Palsy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to design baskets and assistive tools for gait trainers used by young children.
• Veterans Affairs HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the Veterans Affairs hospital to train new users on CAD and design devices that aid in everyday use for veterans.
• Touro University College of Osteopathic MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast assistive devices were designed and printed through collaboration with the Touro University OT/PT School in New York City for traumatic brain injury patients.
• University of Cincinnati College of MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloping sustainable relationship with University of Cincinnati College of Medicine faculty and students (OT, PT, MD, etc.) for ongoing collaboration on prosthetic and assistive device projects.
• University of CincinnatiflagshipOthersEnableUC is an official University of Cincinnati CEAS (College of Engineering and Applied Science) organization. Students have access to the Victory Parkway Campus lab space and 1819 Innovation Hub resources.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Not Impossible Labs: Mission-driven organization developing low-cost assistive technology (including prosthetic arms like the "Project Daniel" arm) for emerging markets. Comparable through its focus on affordable 3D-printed prosthetics and assistive devices for underserved populations, though more media/production-focused than university-based.

Broad incumbents

• Ottobock: World's largest prosthetic manufacturer, producing a broad portfolio of upper- and lower-limb prosthetics, orthotics, and rehabilitation devices. Incumbent peer in EnableUC's primary product category (prosthetic limbs), representing the established commercial standard EnableUC's free devices partially address.
• Össur: Global manufacturer of prosthetic limbs (including myoelectric and mechanical upper-limb solutions like i-Limb), orthotics, and compression therapy. Comparable as an incumbent in upper-limb prosthetics, against which EnableUC's low-cost 3D-printed alternatives compete on accessibility and price.

Direct peers

• Open Bionics: Commercial company developing affordable 3D-printed multi-grip bionic prosthetic arms (Hero Arm), FDA-cleared and clinically prescribed. Closest commercial peer in 3D-printed upper-limb prosthetics, competing for the same pediatric and adult patient populations EnableUC serves, though with regulatory approval and paid-device business model.
• Limbitless Solutions: University of Central Florida-based nonprofit that designs and 3D-prints bionic arms (and other assistive devices) for children, provided free of charge. Direct peer to EnableUC: same university-student volunteer model, same 3D-printed upper-limb prosthetic category, similar free-to-patient mission and pediatric focus.
• Victoria Hand Project: Canadian nonprofit that designs low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic upper limbs and partners with hospitals in low- and middle-income countries to fit recipients. Comparable to EnableUC in mission (free/low-cost 3D-printed upper-limb prosthetics), target users (underserved populations), and reliance on volunteer/clinical partnerships.
• e-NABLE Community: International volunteer community of which EnableUC is an official chapter; e-NABLE develops and shares open-source 3D-printed prosthetic hand/arm designs (including the Phoenix Hand and UnLimbited Arm EnableUC uses) and coordinates a global network of volunteer builders delivering free devices. Most directly comparable as the parent community.

Others

• Prusa Research: Manufacturer of the Prusa MK3S, Prusa MK3, and Prusa Mini FDM 3D printers that form the bulk of EnableUC's printer fleet (their lab runs multiple Prusa machines). Enabler for EnableUC's production model rather than a competitor.
• Ultimaker: Manufacturer of professional FDM 3D printers widely used in education and healthcare applications including assistive device prototyping. Enabling peer providing the desktop 3D printing hardware class that EnableUC and similar nonprofits depend on for device production.
• Kaleidoscope Innovation: Cincinnati-based engineering consulting firm that partners with EnableUC for R&D on prosthetic projects and has hired 25 UC co-op students over 8 years (including EnableUC co-founder Nick Bailey). Strong enabling partner providing engineering mentorship and infrastructure support rather than competing with EnableUC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EnableUC
• Facebookfacebook.com/100082541732419
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/enableuc513

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about EnableUC