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Aadeel Akhtar, PhD

CEO, Founder at PSYONIC | Shark Tank Alum | 2021 MIT TR35 Innovator

Aadeel Akhtar, PhD, is a neuroscientist, electrical engineer, and entrepreneur known for founding PSYONIC, a company developing advanced bionic limbs. He serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UC San Diego’s Department of Bioengineering, where he mentors students and delivers guest lectures.146 His LinkedIn profile can be found under the username aadeelakhtar.1

Key Roles and Achievements

  • CEO & Founder of PSYONIC: Launched in 2015, the company’s flagship product, the Ability Hand, is the fastest multiarticulated prosthetic hand on the market, offering touch feedback and impact resistance. It is covered by Medicare and used by organizations like NASA and Meta.137
  • Academic Background: Holds a PhD in Neuroscience and an MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2016), alongside a BS in Biology and MS in Computer Science from Loyola University Chicago.136
  • Recognition: Named a 2021 MIT TR35 Innovator and featured in Newsweek’s “America’s 50 Greatest Disruptors”.34

Inspiration and Impact

Akhtar’s work stems from a childhood encounter with a limb-different individual in Pakistan, driving his mission to make prosthetics affordable and accessible.27 PSYONIC has raised over $4 million in funding and appeared on Shark Tank in 2024, securing a $1 million investment.35

His research focuses on motor control and sensory feedback for prosthetics, collaborating with institutions like Northwestern University and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.7

Highlights

Jan 10 · ivy.fm
Challenged Athletes Foundation podcasts - Ivy.fm
Jan 1 · 6g.ucsd.edu
Aadeel Akhtar | San Diego Wireless Summit
Dec 28 · en.wikipedia.org
Aadeel Akhtar - Wikipedia
Aadeel Akhtar - Wikipedia
Dec 12 · sdvoyager.com
Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Aadeel Akhtar of PSYONIC - San Diego
Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Aadeel Akhtar of PSYONIC - San Diego
Jun 23 · profiles.ucsd.edu
Aadeel Akhtar - UCSD Profiles
Feb 1 · be.ucsd.edu
Aadeel Akhtar | Shu Chien - Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering

Related Questions

What inspired Aadeel Akhtar to pursue a career in prosthetic technology?
How does PSYONIC's bionic hand compare to other prosthetic limbs on the market?
What challenges did Aadeel Akhtar face when founding PSYONIC?
How has Aadeel Akhtar's work at UC San Diego influenced his work at PSYONIC?
What are the key advancements made by PSYONIC since its inception?
Aadeel Akhtar, PhD
Aadeel Akhtar, PhD, photo 1
Aadeel Akhtar, PhD, photo 2
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Location

San Diego, California, United States