Shameem Sampath, a specialist at The Bluespot Knee Clinic, 32 Orchard Rd, Lytham, is preparing to bring his innovative physiotherapy device to market with the support of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). He credits the university’s hands-on business mentoring with providing essential guidance, describing himself as a “ship lost at sea” without it.
For the past two years, Sampath has collaborated with UCLan’s business support team to develop Slider, a smart-technology product designed to assist patients undergoing knee and hip surgery in both pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery. Drawing on his extensive experience in the field, he has created a device aimed at improving patient outcomes and mobility. Now, with the backing of UCLan, he is ready to introduce Slider to the market.
In 2018, Shameem Sampath sought support from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to develop his business idea. Through the Health MATTERS programme—a three-year collaboration with the Innovation Agency, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)—he established AI Rehab Ltd and is now preparing to launch Slider, a smart physiotherapy device that has recently received CE Mark approval.
Initially trained as a surgeon, Sampath had no prior experience in business development. UCLan provided essential guidance, helping him refine the early designs of Slider, connect with potential investors, and secure funding. His experience with the university’s business support team helped him navigate challenges and move forward with confidence.
UCLan offers a range of expert-led programmes designed to support businesses at various stages of growth. The Idea to Scale-Up programme helps companies with product development, market validation, intellectual property protection, investment opportunities, and commercial strategy. Peter Leather, Head of IP and Commercialisation at UCLan, highlighted the university’s ability to provide streamlined, multi-disciplinary support to businesses looking to accelerate development and expand market reach.
Sampath is currently using the Idea to Scale-Up programme to validate Slider in real-world clinical environments. Through the Health MATTERS initiative, he is also engaging with NHS professionals, clinical staff, and commissioners to assess the device’s effectiveness. The product uses artificial intelligence to monitor a patient’s knee or hip rehabilitation progress and shares the data with a physiotherapist, with the long-term goal of widespread NHS adoption.
Chris Wynne, Investment Manager at UCLan’s Idea to Scale-Up programme, recognised Sampath’s progress, noting how both the entrepreneur and his product have evolved over the past two years. AI Rehab Ltd serves as an example of how start-ups can benefit from tailored business support to successfully bring innovative ideas to market.
For further information, businesses can contact ideatoscaleup@uclan.ac.uk.
Text source: University of Central Lancashire'swebsite
