When Dr. Cathy Off, a professor in the School of Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences at the University of Montana, and her team joined I-Corps, they had a clear vision but were still discovering how to develop and market a technology that would enhance the lives of stroke survivors with aphasia. Aphasia is a communication disorder often resulting from a stroke, affecting patients’ ability to access and use language, even when their motor skills remain intact. Through her research and experience as a healthcare provider, Dr. Off saw an opportunity to leverage AI to aid these patients in their everyday conversations.
The journey began with a dual approach: combining a deep understanding of patient needs with emerging technology. Dr. Off shared that her team was “exploring a digital technology that supports stroke survivors who have a communication disorder called aphasia. The project was intended to look at how some technology can support their everyday conversation.” This technology, she explained, helps stroke survivors engage in real-time interactions, enabling them to participate actively without needing a caregiver’s assistance—a huge step towards independence.
Identifying the Need
The inspiration for the project came from a blend of clinical experience and a passion for improving patient outcomes. Dr. Off’s research collaborators “are interested in improving patient outcomes across the rehabilitation process post-stroke,” she shared. Working closely with patients allowed her to see how technology could make a significant impact. “More and more patients are using technology to support their communication skills,” she observed, noting the shift in perception around assistive devices due to advancements in AI and the accessibility of mobile technology. With her team, she began brainstorming ways to make a solution that would be both practical and non-intrusive.
The Value of I-Corps Training in Customer Discovery
For Dr. Off, I-Corps was transformative in how her team approached the project’s development and commercialization. Reflecting on the customer discovery process, she said, “We started to frame our questions to the family systems differently. We started to ask clinical providers different questions than I think we would have asked without the support of I-Corps.” By understanding the specific needs and pain points of both patients and caregivers, the team was able to refine their tool in ways they hadn’t initially considered.
Gaining Confidence to Push Forward
One of the biggest breakthroughs for Dr. Off’s team was the confidence they gained through the I-Corps training. “This process made us confident enough to apply for another funding source,” she shared. They successfully secured a $50,000 award from the Rocky Mountain Reach commercialization program, which will support further prototype development. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed gratitude for the foundational skills and knowledge they acquired, noting, “I am a hundred percent certain we would not have applied for that grant without this.”
What’s Next for Cathy and Her Team
Currently, Dr. Off’s team is working to fine-tune the components of the technology, ensuring it can cater to users with different levels of aphasia. “We need more users that are sufficiently different from one another,” Cathy explained, adding that they are in a long phase of beta testing and refinement.
With the support of I-Corps, this innovative project is moving closer to becoming a tool for stroke survivors and others who may benefit from assistive communication technology. The team’s journey is a testament to the power of combining clinical insight with entrepreneurial training to create meaningful change in people’s lives.
