A company founded by a University of Cincinnati graduate is one of six finalists for $50,000 in grants, but its owner doesn't plan to just pocket the cash if the company wins, according to a story on Local12.com.
The company, IncludeHealth, was founded by UC alum Ryan Eder (DAAP '06). Eder created an inclusive trainer that provides people with functional limitations and impairments the ability to perform hundreds of exercises for his senior design thesis while studying at the UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.
"I just happened to be at a club and saw a guy in a wheelchair struggling and thought, 'This is a great opportunity to help that guy,'" Eder told Local 12.
The equipment, now branded as IncludeStrength, is in the running for one of three Orgain Grants for the Greater Good. Each of the three winners will receive a $50,000 grant from Orgain, a manufacturer of nutritious, organic shakes.
"Orgain Grants for Greater Good exists to enable small businesses working to support healthy, vibrant lives," according to Orgain's website. "The program will award three deserving small businesses with a $50,000 grant each to help take their businesses to the next level."
Eder doesn't want to help his own business with the money if IncludeHealth wins. Instead, he wants to pay it forward.
"If we do win, we are actually donating our technology to a neuroscience facility, so the money is not really going to us," Eder told Local 12. "It's going to help others and fulfill this mission of keeping other people active."
Featured image: The DAAP building.
