SensArs Neuroprostethics is an award winning EPFL spin-off offering prosthetic limbs to upper- and lower-limb amputees and nerve-damaged persons. SensArs mission is restoring complete sensory-motor functionality, diminishing phantom limb pain and enabling them to feel the artificial limb as part of their own body.

How did SensArs Neuroprosthetics start?

Stanisa: Francesco Petrini (SensArs Neuroprosthetics co-founder) and I were involved in a research on amputees (collaboration of EPFL and two top research institutes in Italy) where we have obtained some very impressive data. We decided to make a patent on top of it and it seemed that potential application was very appealing to the people. It was an idea guided by a real need. We never thought that we want to become billionaires, we just realized how many people we could help and that pushed us forward.

Weren’t you afraid of failing?

Stanisa: We were quite realistic about the fact that many mature companies might be developing similar project, however we saw the need and we had a capability of delivering the product. And that was our motivation.

What do you think were the issues that you have underestimated when becoming an entrepreneur and founding your own company?

Stanisa: The quantity of questions you receive… (Laughing). I am joking. Probably the costs of clinical trials and neurostimulators. For instance, if you make a convincing research in rodents, you still have to show that it will work in humans, you have to perform clinical trials and those are quite pricy.

How many people are currently working in your company and do you have advisors?

Stanisa: We are currently 4 employed people in our company. We have two technical advisors, two business advisors and clinical studies advisors. If you want to go far, you need to have a good and strong team. I can’t highlight enough how important it is to have good advisors. Never pretend to do what you don’t know.

What are your plans for the next 5 years?

Stanisa: Our company has a very aggressive, however very realistic timeline. For the next 2 years we will be finalizing the development of neurostimulator implant and additional certification for the electrodes (several parts of the very advanced prosthetics developed by SN), for the further 2 years we complete the second round of extensive clinical trials and further we apply for certification in Europe.

And what do you like to do in your free time?

Stanisa: With SN is only work and no fun. (Laughing) The beautiful thing is that I am lucky to work with my friends and we travel together for work and have a lot of fun together. It is a venture, but it is also an adventure.

What would be your advice for the young entrepreneurs?

Stanisa: Ah, so we are old entrepreneurs therefore? (Laughing) Try to verify whether there is a real need for your product. Challenge your idea.