Game-changing AI-powered fall prevention tool from Bedford County startup could revolutionize senior care

According to the Center for Disease Control, every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall injury. A fall can be life-changing for any person, but especially for seniors, resulting in injuries like hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Eunice Yang’s Bedford-based tech company has developed a revolutionary solution to keep seniors safer and to empower frontline healthcare workers to assist patients more effectively.

“OK2StandUP uses a small wearable device to track fine physical motion. Our artificial intelligence program analyzes that data, which can predict when the person is about to stand up,” Dr. Yang explained. “Staff receive a push notification on their mobile device and can respond before the person tries to get up unassisted.”

Dr. Yang was a rocket scientist (yes, a literal rocket scientist) before embarking on this endeavor to replace antiquated fall detection tools (such as the “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” pendant) with state-of-the-art technology. A driving force of her research and product development is to make a social impact. “I worked on rocket engines. I was an engineer. My work history was not people-facing,” she said. “I am now infatuated with the idea of helping people, especially our seniors.”

Dr. Eunice Yang was a (literal) rocket scientist before embarking on this endeavor to replace antiquated fall detection tools with state-of-the-art technology; a driving force of her research is to make a social impact.

“It was such an eye-opening experience living in the nursing home. I have seen families, seniors and healthcare workers resort to using baby cams, walkie talkies and fall detection pendants. They do little to prevent falls,” Dr. Yang said. “My strongest desire is to keep our growing population of seniors physically safe, especially from falls and fall injuries.”

The strong, supportive startup culture and the  resources available through Startup Alleghenies are helping to advance her mission. “We’re a software subscription company. We relocated to Bedford in 2021 because it was not essential for us to remain in Pittsburgh, where the cost of living and operating are much higher,” she explained. “In addition to being more cost-effective to run a business, the Bedford County Development Association has been highly supportive of women founders who are placing a stake in the ground for their business in Bedford.”

Fall detection doesn’t help seniors. We are the first ever technology to help care workers prevent falls.

“Dr. Yang’s passion and desire to enter the healthcare space is profound,” Bedford County Startup Alleghenies coach Jen Marsh said. “She and her team have raised $1 million to develop this groundbreaking technology.”

In turn, Marsh has helped Dr. Yang gain access to valuable resources, including a grant. “We received a grant to help us develop our website,” Dr. Yang said. “This has been tremendous from a marketing standpoint.”

“I wanted to use engineering to solve a healthcare problem that has existed for decades,” Dr. Yang said. “We are hyper-focused on growth and quickly getting OK2StandUP into the market. OK2StandUP is about improving lives. We help seniors to age gracefully wherever they choose to live, and we help reduce the burden of their care.”

Dr. Yang noted that her advancements are only possible through collaboration and teamwork. “I’d like to thank all the frontline healthcare staff who give their time, energy, and love to our frail seniors,” she said. “And my team. I have a team of caring and dedicated individuals that propel this company to excellence.”

OK2StandUP’s AI-driven technology is the only one of its kind. “Fall detection doesn’t help seniors,” Dr. Yang said. “We are the first ever technology to help care workers prevent falls. We have had healthcare executives refer to OK2StandUP as the silver bullet, the game-changer and a revolutionary product.”

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.