EXtrive Innovations, a student-led startup from Mahindra University, is redefining workplace ergonomics with its affordable exosuit technology. Their breakthrough solution, the Kanglei BackEX, earned them top honours at the Boeing BUILD Challenge 2024–25. Built on interdisciplinary collaboration and deep user research, the team is on a mission to make industrial work safer, one exosuit at a time.
Q: Congratulations on your win! How has this recognition influenced your journey as a startup?
Winning the Boeing BUILD Challenge validated our mission of creating accessible ergonomic solutions for the industrial workforce. It’s helped us gain credibility with manufacturers, potential partners, and investors. As a student-led startup, this recognition has reinforced our confidence and energised us to push forward. It wasn’t easy—we had to overcome technical challenges and stand out among 2,000+ competitors—but the win was worth every effort.
Q: Can you tell us more about the product that earned you this honour?
Our flagship innovation is the Kanglei BackEX, a passive, fabric-based exosuit designed to reduce lower back strain. It’s lightweight, motor-free, and relies purely on biomechanics. It helps industrial workers maintain proper posture and minimises fatigue. The simplicity and affordability make it scalable for Indian workplaces without expensive automation.
Q: What do you think helped your solution stand out from thousands of others?
Our focus on real-world usability. While many teams leaned into high-tech, we concentrated on what workers actually need: comfort, durability, affordability, and ease of use. We field-tested the suit in factories and airports, gathered data, and refined it accordingly. That level of validation helped distinguish our pitch.
Q: You’ve received support from Maruti Suzuki, Babson, and NIDHI PRAYAS. Which support proved most critical?
The Maruti Suzuki Nurture Programme was a turning point. It’s enabling us to test the suit in actual factory settings, providing real-time feedback from engineers and workers. That’s been invaluable for further product refinement.
Q: What role did AIC Mahindra and Mahindra University play in your development?
AIC Mahindra offered us more than just infrastructure. It gave us mentorship, seed funding, prototyping help, and a platform to showcase our work. Mahindra University’s interdisciplinary focus allowed us to merge engineering, design, and business knowledge into a robust, market-ready product.
Q: Can you elaborate on the mentorship experience?
Mentorship at AIC Mahindra was comprehensive. Faculty guided us on technical aspects, while startup mentors helped shape our business model using design thinking and lean methods. We were also coached on pitching, compliance, and team-building—everything a young startup needs.
Q: You’re piloting with Imphal Airport and Maruti Suzuki. What’s the feedback so far?
At Imphal Airport, workers reported reduced fatigue and improved comfort during long baggage-handling shifts. At Maruti Suzuki, we’re preparing for a pilot in high-strain departments like die and press shops. These collaborations are helping us test durability and usability on a wider scale.
Q: How exactly does your solution benefit industrial workers?
It’s passive, so there’s no need for charging or tech training. It fits like a harness, supports the back, and encourages better posture. Workers feel less fatigue, fewer aches, and greater freedom of movement, which can boost both health and productivity.
Q: How vital is campus-based innovation in addressing national issues like worker safety?
Incredibly vital. Students bring fresh thinking. With the right mentorship and exposure, they can solve deeply rooted issues. Our journey shows how campus-born ideas can scale nationally and even globally.
Q: How did your diverse academic backgrounds contribute to your success?
We divided tasks by skill—engineering, design, business—but all decisions were collaborative. Mutual respect and shared vision helped us blend strengths and grow together. Interdisciplinary collaboration is our core strength.
Q: What major hurdles did you face as a student startup, and how did you overcome them?
Industrial users were initially sceptical of a fabric-based solution. We won them over with pilot testing and data. Balancing studies with startup work was also tough, but clear roles and open communication helped us manage.
Q: Where do you see EXtrive in 3–5 years?
We want to lead India in affordable industrial exosuits. We’re developing new products like LegEX and ShoulderEX for logistics, construction, and healthcare. We’re also exploring global outreach, aiming to make workplace ergonomics accessible everywhere.
Q: What should be done to strengthen industry-academia ties for innovation?
Give students access to live environments. Real-world testing, shared R&D, and active alumni networks can accelerate development. Grants are great, but practical exposure is essential.
Q: Lastly, what advice would you offer aspiring student entrepreneurs?
Start with a real problem. Don’t wait for perfect conditions—build, test, learn. Team up with people who complement your skills, and use all available resources. Embrace failure—it’s the best teacher. Stay humble, stay curious, and keep building.
From ideation on campus to real-world deployment, EXtrive Innovations exemplifies how student-led initiatives can address national challenges with practical, scalable solutions. As they gear up for wider impact across industries, their journey reflects the power of purpose-driven innovation rooted in empathy, design, and collaboration.
