Meet Jessica Anziano, Razan Abu-Shaera, Amr El-Zawaway, and Rawaan Abu-Shaera, creators of PalmFree. This innovative team came together during their first year of the iBioMed program at McMaster University when they collaborated in a health solutions and design course. The course provided them with the opportunity to work with a client who has multiple sclerosis, a condition that severely affects her dominant right hand, making everyday tasks challenging. Inspired by this experience, the team developed an innovative solution to improve fine motor deficits.
PalmFree is an interactive software that allows individuals with reduced hand dexterity, resulting from conditions such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases, to enhance hand dexterity in their non-dominant hand, thereby regaining independence in everyday tasks.
The team’s idea received recognition and acclaim, winning the best prototype award at the iBioMed Design Showcase. Encouraged by their success, the team decided to take their health innovation to the next level and applied to Residency @ The Clinic. The residency program has been a pivotal experience for the team and their continued development of PalmFree, providing them with invaluable opportunities to network with industry professionals, and receive feedback and support for their project. The PalmFree team appreciates the supportive staff and the opportunity to improve their pitching skills, while gaining confidence to effectively communicate their innovative idea.
Looking ahead, Jessica, Razan, Amr, and Rawaan have ambitious aspirations for their health innovation. They aim to collaborate with professionals and experts, further refining their solution. This group of health innovators intends to dedicate themselves to the continuous growth and expansion of PalmFree, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with similar challenges.