Pangaea invests in AbilityMate

Pangaea Impact Investments is excited to announce a strategic investment into AbilityMate - a 'for-purpose' technology company focused on the customisation and digital manufacture of medical devices. AbilityMate is leading innovation in the provision of Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) for children with disabilities.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there are 100 million people who need orthoses and currently only 1 in 10 receive them. Despite having a world-leading medical system, Australia is also struggling to keep up with demand. We have just 1.09 Orthotists per 100,000 population - compared to the WHO guideline of 3 Orthotists per 100,000 population.

As a result, some families will wait up to 8 months just to get an appointment with an Orthotist. From here, Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) can take up to 4-8 weeks to produce as the process involves traditional plaster casting and hand crafting using thermo-formed polypropylene.

AbilityMate aims to help solve this problem - by partnering with Orthotists to leverage advances in 3D scanning and 3D printing to dramatically increase the supply of AFOs for children with a disability. AbilityMate’s products help Orthotists achieve the clinical results they expect and deliver effective, cutting-edge options and better experiences for their patients.

Pangaea Impact Investments is excited to be a foundation investor in AbilityMate, working closely with the founders of the company to help them achieve their social mission and business objectives.

Find out more about AbilityMate here.