Preventing injuries with data: SpineWise joins the FTI Community

We believe innovation and data could make a tangible difference for people at work. That’s why we’re excited to welcome SpineWise to our community. This young Belgian startup uses intelligent wearables and data to prevent back and shoulder injuries on the job.

SpineWise monitors posture and movement of the lower back and shoulders via small, easy-to-wear sensors. The system turns high-frequency motion data into actionable insights and on-the-job coaching: when a risky bend or lift is detected, workers receive a subtle vibration signal to correct their movement in real time.

From measurement to prevention

Work-related musculoskeletal issues are a major driver of absenteeism. Did you know that one in three absences is linked to physical complaints? SpineWise tackles this head-on in environments where people move most: retail, logistics, industry, and increasingly home care.

Their approach goes beyond counting movements. By combining task analysis with ergonomics coaching, they help teams decide what to change and how to change it. The goal: fewer injuries, fewer sick days, and more sustainable energy at work.

“People often call us a wearable company, but the real value is in the data,” says founder and physiotherapist Liesbeth Van Hauwermeiren. “Sensors are just how we listen. The insight is what helps teams act - through coaching on a daily basis, and with predictive models for the future.”

A shared mission with FTI

Flanders Technology and Innovation (FTI) and SpineWise meet in the same ambition: move from reacting to preventing with data as the common language. That thinking also underpins Elli, FTI’s first use case on workplace wellbeing, where insights help HR teams act before absence strikes.

Frank Hamerlinck, CEO of FTI:
“Prevention works when insight meets action. SpineWise turns precise motion data into practical coaching on the workfloor - exactly the kind of human-centered, data-driven innovation we want to enable. Together, we can lower barriers to responsible data use and help more organizations make work safer and more sustainable.”

What’s next

Within the FTI Community, we’ll explore opportunities for co-creation, validation in diverse sectors, and trusted data collaboration - from ergonomics dashboards to privacy-preserving benchmarks, and from frontline coaching to better job and workspace design.

We’re glad that SpineWise will be part of this. Welcome to the FTI Community!

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