Jul 17
An Innovator’s Journey: Neubond
The MiNT Academy are thrilled to announce that Neubond is joining MiNT UK 2025 as Innovators, marking the latest step in our growing collaboration with them.
From developing a technology device that revolutionises healthcare for stroke and neurological rehabilitation, to trialling Neubond out on patients at Hobbs Rehabilitation as part of MiNT’s Clinical Consultancy Packages, they have been advancing the rehabilitation technology field with their innovation and real-world impact.
From developing a technology device that revolutionises healthcare for stroke and neurological rehabilitation, to trialling Neubond out on patients at Hobbs Rehabilitation as part of MiNT’s Clinical Consultancy Packages, they have been advancing the rehabilitation technology field with their innovation and real-world impact.
“Our attendance at MiNT 2024 was the first time we met MiNT. The talks covered a broad scope - from commercial and academic perspectives to startups and user-centred approaches. It was truly inspiring to gain a deeper understanding of the field, the people involved, and the importance of keeping users and clinical experts at the centre of development.
Since then, we have made great progress with user testing, acceptance studies, and pilot patient studies, all of which have contributed to the development of the next generation of our device. We gained in-depth insights into patients' journeys and pain points during the Clinical Consultancy Day.
Now, we are looking forward to MiNT UK 2025, where we plan to exhibit at the start-up booth with our MVP and value proposition, aiming to gather feedback from a wide audience to validate our hypotheses.” - Jumpei Kashiwakura, Co-founder & Director of Neubond
Since then, we have made great progress with user testing, acceptance studies, and pilot patient studies, all of which have contributed to the development of the next generation of our device. We gained in-depth insights into patients' journeys and pain points during the Clinical Consultancy Day.
Now, we are looking forward to MiNT UK 2025, where we plan to exhibit at the start-up booth with our MVP and value proposition, aiming to gather feedback from a wide audience to validate our hypotheses.” - Jumpei Kashiwakura, Co-founder & Director of Neubond
The Science Behind Neubond
Neubond is an advanced wearable device that supports motor recovery by promoting neuroplasticity.
Neubond is particularly well suited for individuals undergoing rehabilitation following stroke or neurological injury, offering a number of clinically beneficial features:
The device utilises volitional-induced paired associative stimulation (VIPAS) to deliver precise, closed-loop electrical stimulation to the targeted muscles at the exact moment of movement initiation. This carefully timed stimulation reinforces the brain-muscle connection and enhances motor relearning.
Neubond is particularly well suited for individuals undergoing rehabilitation following stroke or neurological injury, offering a number of clinically beneficial features:
- Discreet, lightweight, and comfortable, supporting routine use without disruption
- Portable and customisable, enabling consistent therapy delivery in both clinical and home environments
- High-precision targeting of individual muscles through integrated miniature sensors and stimulators
Neubond was co-founded by Jumpei, a robotics and mechanical engineer, and Patrick, a bioengineer, both of whom bring over six years of experience in neurological rehabilitation. Their journey began in the field of robotics and prosthetics research for amputee patients, where they witnessed first-hand the transformative impact that assistive technology can have on independence and movement control.
Driven by a shared passion for advancing patient outcomes, Jumpei and Patrick set out to develop a wearable device designed to support neuroplasticity in stroke rehabilitation. Their goal was to create a technology that not only delivers therapeutic benefits, but is also practical, engaging, and directly translatable to patients' everyday lives.
To ensure their innovation was clinically relevant and commercially viable, they partnered with The MiNT Academy.
Collaborating with MiNT
MiNT UK 2024:
Jumpei and Patrick were first introduced to The MiNT Academy when they attended MiNT UK 2024 last year. The conference left a resounding impression, offering them valuable insights into the broader rehabilitation technology landscape.
They were particularly inspired by hearing from other innovative neurotechnology companies and manufacturers exhibiting their solutions, and by hearing from individuals who have used the technology themselves. This exposure reinforced their commitment to creating technology that delivers tangible results for individuals post-stroke in neurorehabilitation.
MiNT Clinical Consultancy Day:
To explore the real-world application and potential of Neubond, Jumpei and Patrick chose to participate in a MiNT Clinical Consultancy Day. Their primary goals were to better understand how Neubond influences patient outcomes and to begin shaping a strategy for introducing the device into the clinical market.
The consultancy session, held over the course of half a day, allowed Jumpei and Patrick to observe Neubond in action with stroke patients and a multidisciplinary team of experienced clinicians, providing invaluable feedback.
One of the patients at the clinical consultancy day described feeling the vibrations of the device and its benefits almost immediately, and hopes to return to the next trial day.
MiNT are delighted to run a series of consultancy sessions with Neubond to allow clinicians and patients to contribute to the device’s continuous development, helping to refine its use and maximise its impact in neurological rehabilitation.
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The Future of Neubond and MiNT UK 2025
Building on the momentum from their inspiring experience at MiNT UK 2024, Neubond is proud to return to MiNT UK 2025 as part of the newly launched Innovator Hub, a dedicated space designed specifically for emerging tech companies in the rehabilitation and neurotechnology space. Neubond will be showcasing their device to an audience of over 100 professionals, including clinicians, researchers, industry leaders, and fellow innovators.
For early-stage companies, the Innovator Hub represents a significant step forward. Running in parallel to the main exhibition halls, this new feature provides a tailored platform for start-ups to:
- Showcase cutting-edge innovations
- Connect with industry leaders, clinicians, and peers
- Gain expert insights to support development and refinement
- Boost visibility within a focused and supportive ecosystem
- Explore potential investment and partnership opportunities
Neubond are particularly excited to be part of this environment fostering meaningful collaboration, and are looking forward to connecting with other like-minded individuals.
With the launch of the Innovator Hub, MiNT UK 2025 is setting the stage for the next generation of rehabilitation technologies to gain the exposure, support, and momentum they need to succeed.
Connect with us
Copyright© 2022 Hobbs Rehabilitation LTD
Alison Watt
Head of Clinical Operations
Alison is Head of Clinical Operations for The MiNT Academy. With over 10 years of clinical experience within specialist neurological services, Alison previously worked in the NHS specialising in stroke and neurorehabilitation.
As a previous NHS AHP Ward Manager, Alison has always worked within innovative therapy roles. This continues at The MiNT Academy, a growing neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development.
As a previous NHS AHP Ward Manager, Alison has always worked within innovative therapy roles. This continues at The MiNT Academy, a growing neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development.
Alison coordinates research, development and education activities to enable increased accessibility to clinically effective devices.
As Principle Investigator in technology trials, she has aided the development of devices from concept to market, with recent focusses on Virtual Reality and Exoskeletons. Alison has presented at and organised numerous national and international conferences, including as MiNT Chair at RehabWeek 2022. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and lectures at multiple UK academic institutions.
Alongside this, Alison works clinically at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol, combining the use of therapy devices with conventional hands-on treatment, for outpatients with a variety of neurological conditions. Alison uses all of her roles to passionately drive forward the use of neurotechnology in clinical practice to optimise opportunities and outcomes for patients.
As Principle Investigator in technology trials, she has aided the development of devices from concept to market, with recent focusses on Virtual Reality and Exoskeletons. Alison has presented at and organised numerous national and international conferences, including as MiNT Chair at RehabWeek 2022. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and lectures at multiple UK academic institutions.
Alongside this, Alison works clinically at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol, combining the use of therapy devices with conventional hands-on treatment, for outpatients with a variety of neurological conditions. Alison uses all of her roles to passionately drive forward the use of neurotechnology in clinical practice to optimise opportunities and outcomes for patients.
Helen Hobbs
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Helen is a specialist neurological physiotherapist with over 25 years of specialist clinical experience and extensive clinical skills including advanced Bobath training. She has a special interest inclinical education, training and research. Helen has held postgraduate clinical training roles at both Kings College NHS Hospital London Neuroscience Centre and Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust before establishing Hobbs Rehabilitation in 2005.
Helen's teaching and leadership skills resulted in international scholarships and fellowships taking Helen to the USA and South Africa. She has presented both nationally and internationally. Helen has close links with several academic institutions including Southampton, Imperial College, Loughborough , Portsmouth and Winchester Universities to provide clinical leadership for the design of future healthcare technologies and research projects.
Her publications have included the effects of robotic assisted gait training on vascular health in strokes and spinal cord injured patients and the European rehabilitation guidelines for MS patients post stem cell transplant.
Amy Dennis-Jones
The MiNT Academy Research Lead
Amy has over 20 years experience working within the field of Neurological rehabilitation. She has worked with a variety of settings capturing the full rehabilitation pathway from acute through to the community.
Since working for Hobbs Rehabilitation in 2015, Amy has worked with an array of neurotechnologies and is a trained Rewalk exoskeleton clinician. She has presented at varying conference and study days, and is on the local committee for ACPIN, a specialist interest group for physiotherapists working in Neurology.
Amy's position within Hobbs Rehabilitation has evolved into a split clinical and research role. She is part of the core development team working on MiNT, an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development as well as leading on research projects and further collaborations.
Outside of physiotherapy, Amy is a qualified yoga teacher and combines her experience with rehabilitation to teach chair/adaptive yoga classes.
Chrissy Bibby
The MiNT Academy Events Lead
Chrissy has worked in the field of adult acquired neurological speech and language therapy for over 15 years, initially in the NHS before joining Hobbs Rehabilitation, where she leads the Speech & Language therapy team. Clinically, she has a special interest in motor speech disorders and rehabilitation of the facial nerve.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Outside of speech and language therapy, Chrissy enjoys swimming, singing with her local rock choir, baking, sewing, and camping with her family.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Outside of speech and language therapy, Chrissy enjoys swimming, singing with her local rock choir, baking, sewing, and camping with her family.
Laura Marriott
The MiNT Academy Education Lead
Laura is a specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience, over 12 years of which is in the neurological sector. Laura has worked in the NHS from acute care through to community rehabilitation and outpatients and now works in the private sector where she is the lead Occupational Therapist for Hobbs Intensive outpatient rehabilitation service, coordinating intensive rehabilitation packages and treating patients with complex neurological requirements.
Her role within Hobbs has evolved and she has split clinical and research responsibilities. She is part of the MiNT Academy Development Team who have delivered an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development. Her role also involves leading on research projects and further collaborations. Laura has expert clinical skills used to implement neuro assistive and rehabilitation technology into functional contexts building the links between the companies and the patients. Laura presented at Virtual RehabWeek 2021 and is excited to be presenting at RehabWeek 2022 in Rotterdam, showcasing the merits and application of collaboration between skilled clinicians and engineers to create a device that has longevity with both clinicians and patients alike.
Outside of Hobbs Laura enjoys a busy family life, hiking, roller skating and painting.
Lizzie Williams
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Lizzie is a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist working at Hobbs Rehabilitation since May 2020. She also has a background in orthopaedics, frailty and inpatient rehabilitation. Lizzie jumped at the opportunity to be involved in The MiNT Academy to combine her interest in technology and love for providing high quality rehabilitation for patients. Lizzie brings the perspective of a physiotherapist who routinely utilises neurotechnology with patients as well as teaching and supporting other clinicians in embedding it into practice.
Rachael Edwards
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Rachael Edwards developed a specialist interest in the role of technology in upper limb neurorehabilitation, whilst working as an Occupational Therapist on the upper limb program at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square.
Rachael has relocated to Bristol and is setting up an Occupational Therapy service at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre, where she continues to explore the use of technology to support delivering intensive upper limb rehabilitation.
Louis Martinelli
The MiNT Academy Development Team
With degrees in Sport & Exercise Science
(BSc) and Physiotherapy (MSc pre-registration), Louis has over ten years’ experience of working in neurological rehabilitation and 15 years in the exercise industry.
Trained in both the Ekso GT and ReWalk, Louis has been using exoskeletons on a daily basis with a variety of medical conditions at Hobbs Rehabilitation for seven years. He has also experienced many patient trials/assessments in a variety of other exoskeleton manufactures.
Louis has helped establish a research partnership between Hobbs Rehabilitation and The University of Winchester, which in 2019 published an article on the effects exoskeleton rehabilitation can have on the vascular system in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine.
(BSc) and Physiotherapy (MSc pre-registration), Louis has over ten years’ experience of working in neurological rehabilitation and 15 years in the exercise industry.
Trained in both the Ekso GT and ReWalk, Louis has been using exoskeletons on a daily basis with a variety of medical conditions at Hobbs Rehabilitation for seven years. He has also experienced many patient trials/assessments in a variety of other exoskeleton manufactures.
Louis has helped establish a research partnership between Hobbs Rehabilitation and The University of Winchester, which in 2019 published an article on the effects exoskeleton rehabilitation can have on the vascular system in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine.
Barry Richards
Head of Commercial Operations
Barry brings extensive expertise in the medical device industry and healthcare markets from across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. Renowned as a subject matter expert, he possesses deep knowledge of exoskeleton technology and the neurological MedTech rehabilitation sector.
With over a decade of commercial experience, Barry has worked with leading neurological rehabilitation MedTech companies in various roles, including clinical, business development, market access, and commercial operations. He has successfully assisted multiple organisations in shaping their business development, sales, marketing, and clinical strategy plans at different stages of commercialisation.
With over a decade of commercial experience, Barry has worked with leading neurological rehabilitation MedTech companies in various roles, including clinical, business development, market access, and commercial operations. He has successfully assisted multiple organisations in shaping their business development, sales, marketing, and clinical strategy plans at different stages of commercialisation.
Barry has held director-level and senior management positions at both global and European levels. He also has a strong clinical background in physiotherapy, with significant experience in the neurological rehabilitation field, and demonstrates a high level of competency in operating advanced technologies.
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