Introduction

Dr Parag Gad has dedicated 17 years to developing xStep, a breakthrough mobility device aimed at restoring movement to individuals affected by paralysis and cerebral palsy. Featured on Shark Tank India, his innovation represents a significant advancement in non-surgical rehabilitation technology, providing new hope for patients and their families.

A Long Journey to Restore Movement

For nearly two decades, Dr Parag Gad has pursued the goal of enabling patients suffering from paralysis to regain partial movement of fingers or legs. This aspiration was the driving force behind his work, which began during his PhD research and evolved into a tangible medical device.

From Research Project to Medical Device

While studying at the University of California, Los Angeles, Dr Gad initiated the project that would become xStep, a non-invasive mobility device designed for rehabilitation. Manufactured in Bengaluru through his company Vivatronix, xStep targets individuals living with paralysis and cerebral palsy. The wearable device supports movement development without requiring surgery or implants.

Bringing Technology to Indian Patients

In 2023, Dr Gad returned to India with the goal of making his innovation accessible to local patients. He officially launched Vivatronix in January 2025 to produce and distribute xStep, facilitating wider availability in rehabilitation centers across the country.

How xStep Works

Movement involves complex communication between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles, facilitating actions such as walking and gripping. Spinal injuries disrupt this communication, impairing motor functions even if muscles remain healthy.

Dr Gad’s research explored whether mild electrical stimulation could enhance the brain-spinal cord connection. xStep delivers gentle electrical pulses during therapy sessions to activate nerves and muscles, guiding and supporting movement recovery.

Remarkably, some users observe improvements rapidly, with finger or leg movements returning after just a few sessions. For certain individuals, noticeable changes occur within five minutes of device use. The device’s application extends internationally, including its use by injured soldiers in Ukraine.

“By activating nerves and muscles through mild electrical pulses, xStep helps restore broken communication pathways essential for movement, offering tangible improvements often within minutes of therapy.”

A Demonstration on National TV

During Season 5 of Shark Tank India, Dr Gad shared the story of a child with cerebral palsy struggling to achieve basic physical milestones. Presenting videos of patients using xStep, he highlighted its impact on improving mobility after prolonged immobility.

In a live demonstration, judge Vineeta Singh experienced slight involuntary finger movements once electrical pulses commenced, evidencing the device’s therapeutic potential and surprising the panel.

Cost and Business Growth

Currently, producing each xStep device costs approximately Rs 46,000, with retail pricing around Rs 3 lakh. Dr Gad aims to reduce manufacturing costs to Rs 20,000–25,000, increasing affordability over time.

Securing a deal with investors Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, and Kunal Bahl on the show, Dr Gad received Rs 1 crore for 10 percent equity. This investment will expand production capacity and widen availability in rehabilitation facilities.

A New Chapter for Rehabilitation

The extensive research underpinning xStep is now translating into meaningful therapeutic moments—finger lifts, tentative steps, and renewed hope witnessed by families. If xStep continues to deliver such outcomes, it has the potential to revolutionize rehabilitation practices for paralysis and cerebral palsy patients.

Sources

  • Indian Express, “Namita Thapar Calls Shark Tank India 5 Pitcher ‘Magical’ After He Demonstrates Device That Can Help Cerebral Palsy Patients,” January 16, 2026.
  • Museum of Science, “Can We Restore Mobility to Spinal Injury Patients?”, December 14, 2020.
  • ABP Live, “Shark Tank India 5: Bengaluru Entrepreneur’s Mobility Device xStep Leaves Sharks Amazed,” January 17, 2026.
  • UCLA Newsroom, “Noninvasive Spinal Stimulation Method Enables Paralyzed People to Regain Use of Hands, Study Finds,” April 25, 2018.