Adapshooz - Customized Sustainable Orthopedic Footwear.

Adapshooz aims to solve the problem of the lack of affordable orthopedic footwear for lower-income communities worldwide. Particularly, Adapshooz is designed to cater to the needs of underprivileged individuals who suffer from foot problems such as flat feet, high arches, foot injuries/disabilities that require special support, wide/narrow feet, and circulatory or diabetic foot conditions.

In many lower-income communities, people are often required to work long hours on their feet in challenging environmental conditions, causing significant stress and exertion on their feet. The lack of durable and supportive footwear designed to fit correctly often results in foot pain, discomfort, and injuries, which may also lead to long-term foot conditions and diseases.

Falls are also a significant concern, especially among older populations, with inappropriate footwear or loss of balance often being the cause. According to statistics, falls affect one in three adults over 65 annually, with 50% of adults over 80. In 2009, over 2.2 million nonfatal fall injuries occurred among the elderly in the United States, requiring treatment in emergency departments, and over 581,000 patients were hospitalized. - Risk factors for falls among older adults: A review of the literature - ScienceDirect

Many individuals have limited access to reliable physiotherapy exercises, further compounding foot problems. Social stigma towards foot ailments can also make it difficult for individuals to seek out proper treatment and care. In many cases, individuals are simply unaware of the various foot conditions that can affect them. Adapshooz aims to address this issue by building an online interface to connect people with foot doctors.

The lack of sustainability in the footwear industry is another problem Adapshooz aims to address. The chemicals used to preserve shoe materials such as leather, including chlorinated phenols, tribromophenol, chlorinated paraffins, and dimethyl fumarate, are products of petroleum. Additionally, various chemical adhesives and tanning chemicals are used to process different parts of the shoe. Dyes and spray paints containing chemicals are also used in coloring shoes. Adapshooz is an eco-friendly and sustainable product that uses natural and biodegradable materials.

Another issue is the lack of social causes behind most major footwear brands. Often, these companies prioritize profit over social responsibility, leading to unsustainable footwear production practices and a disconnect between manufacturers and the day-to-day problems faced by individuals. This lack of attention to social causes also means that there are no lucrative opportunities for local artists to contribute to the design and production of footwear.

Major shoe brands often prioritize profit over sustainability and social responsibility, failing to adhere to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They often use harmful materials, exploit workers, and contribute to environmental degradation, among other issues.

Furthermore, Adapshooz aims to bridge the gap between podiatrists and the common man, who may be susceptible to foot problems. Podiatrists are not always readily available to the public, and there is a need to create an interface to connect people with foot doctors. Adapshooz intends to build an online interface to facilitate this connection and provide access to expert foot care.

Adapshooz is an innovative, affordable, and sustainable footwear solution for underprivileged communities. The manufacturing process uses bamboo for durability, and the product is designed as a sock instead of a shoe with a biodegradable, plant-based elastic foam. 

Adapshooz is sold through permanent shops and kiosks, which are set up in specific locations by request from community leaders, particularly in rural areas. The primary objective of Adapshooz is to provide specialized orthopedic footwear to those in need.

Below is a breakdown of the Adapshooz process:

1. Customers scan their feet using our foot scanning technology, which uses computer vision/machine learning to analyze the images and provide guidance if needed.

2. The AI analyses the foot scan and uses image classification to identify any foot issues. The AI also determines the severity of the issue and recommends appropriate next steps.

3. If the foot issue is minor, the customer is directed to a nearby kiosk or store for the Adapshooz process. If no kiosks are present, one will be made available shortly. For serious issues, the customer is redirected to a podiatrist page for further evaluation and treatment.

4. At the kiosk/store, the customer chooses between small, medium, or large Adapshooz sizes. The foot’s exact dimensions will be determined through the thermo-plastic technology where the customers will be required to press their foot against the thermo-plastic, creating a mould.

   

5. Adapshooz stores customers' foot biometric data in their profile, improving their browsing experience. Foot improvements can be identified through customers' recent shoe purchases, and mobile kits are available for those who can't visit. The thermoplastic used for creating foot moulds can be re-heated and reused. The mould has attachment holes and a strip of blue LED light for foot analysis.

6. Different attachments made of the same material can be snapped onto the mould for additional support. Plexiglass is a type of material with the optical clarity of glass that is commonly used in manufacturing. In this case, it is being used to create various support attachments that can be added to the Adapshooz mould. These attachments might include things like arch supports or additional cushioning, depending on the customer's specific needs. By offering these customizable attachments, Adapshooz can provide a personalized fit and support system that is tailored to the customer's unique foot shape and issues.

   

7. The customer wears a stretchable inner foam sock that comes up to ankle length. If additional support is required, pieces of mycelium foam are glued onto the sock.

8. The customer selects an outer sock made of hemp or bamboo fibers with a design created by a local artist. 

9. A UV-curing, plant-based, biodegradable resin is applied to the base of the outer sock. The customer is asked to stand on the mould, and the blue LED light cures the resin to create a hard base. The base is then covered with a rubber mesh-like grip sole, which is attached using biodegradable glue.

   

10. And the pair of Adapshooz is complete!

11. The average cost of a pair of Adapshooz is ₹100 ($1.22)(€ 1.11198)
    

Adapshooz is a social enterprise that is committed to addressing the needs of lower-income communities around the world who lack access to proper footwear. Millions of people living in poverty suffer from foot problems due to the absence of orthopedic footwear. Unfortunately, foot conditions are often ignored by underprivileged communities until they become a significant burden. 

However, Adapshooz aims to change this scenario by providing an affordable footwear solution that can be tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Our shoes are designed to be molded to the shape of the wearer's foot, providing a comfortable and well-fitting shoe that can help prevent foot pain and injury. Additionally, our shoes can be customized to provide additional support for individuals with specific foot problems, such as flat feet, bunions, or plantar fasciitis. We can cater to the needs of athletes through our modular approach. 

By providing access to proper footwear, Adapshooz can have a significant impact on the lives of individuals. It can help reduce or even prevent foot health problems, which can lead to improved overall health and well-being. Adapshooz aims to nip foot problems in the bud, helping lower-income individuals avoid paying heavy bills to cure their foot conditions. By reducing the risk of foot problems, Adapshooz can help lower-income individuals susceptible to foot problems continue to work and earn a living, ultimately improving their economic situation and quality of life.

Our impact extends beyond the individuals who wear our shoes. We also have a strong social and economic impact as we aim to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. By making footwear affordable for all, Adapshooz helps all sections of society stand on an equal footing. (Pun intended!) We aim to bridge the economic gap between the rich and the poor by reducing the cost that the poor have to pay for footwear. Along with this, we aim to start a giving program in the future, providing footwear to the underprivileged for free.

Moreover, Adapshooz aims to revolutionize the footwear industry by making it environmentally sustainable. Since the materials used are natural and biodegradable, Adapshooz is a sustainable product. In addition to this, we limit the use of chemicals, making it more sustainable than other footwear products that use petrochemicals. We believe that it is our responsibility to create products that are environmentally sustainable and contribute to a healthier planet.

Overall, Adapshooz aims to empower individuals in underprivileged communities by providing a simple but effective solution to a basic need - proper footwear. We bring about a change in the footwear industry by making it more affordable and sustainable. The underprivileged will benefit from Adapshooz as they gain access to durable footwear that is specialized for orthopedic purposes. Furthermore, we are committed to giving back to society and the environment by creating sustainable and socially responsible products. By supporting us, you are not just buying a pair of shoes but are also contributing to a better and more equitable world.

Our team has a unique combination of expertise and proximity to the underprivileged communities we aim to serve with Adapshooz. Moreover, some members of our team have personal connections to these communities and have witnessed firsthand the impact of inadequate footwear on individuals' health and well-being. We are also working under the mentorship of some leading experts in AI and podiatry.  We are in touch with social organizations and have assessed the situation on the ground leading us to believe that we are adequately equipped to tackle any grievances that might arise. 

We are currently applying for grants and are positive to receive a certain amount of monetary sum to begin the pilot testing of our project. We have with us a clear framework and multiple designs and unique methods which can be patented at the earliest to ensure that we stay ahead of the competition. We have members that have participated in similar contests and have cleared multiple rounds of the same. Some of us had also applied to this year's MIT Youth Challenges and we are positive that their experience would be a valuable tool in this successive startup.

 To ensure that our solution is designed with the needs of the target population in mind, we have taken a participatory approach to development. We have engaged with local organizations, community leaders, and individuals in underprivileged communities to understand their needs, preferences, and challenges related to footwear. This has included conducting surveys, focus groups, and individual interviews to gather insights and feedback. We have also made an effort to involve community members in the design process by soliciting their input on various aspects of the shoes, such as the style, color, and level of support.

Through this process, we have gained a deep understanding of the unique needs and preferences of the communities we aim to serve. For example, we have learned that many individuals in these communities have wider feet or high arches, which can make it difficult to find comfortable and supportive footwear. We have also learned that many individuals in these communities prioritize affordability and durability when it comes to footwear, as they may not have the resources to replace shoes frequently.

Our team is committed to using this feedback to guide the design and implementation of Adapshooz. We have already made adjustments to the design based on community feedback, such as incorporating additional support for high arches. We plan to continue engaging with the target population throughout the development process, seeking feedback and input to ensure that Adapshooz meets their needs and preferences.

Overall, our team's proximity to and engagement with the target population, coupled with our interdisciplinary expertise, uniquely positions us to design and deliver Adapshooz in a sustainable, effective, and meaningful way for underprivileged communities. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals living in poverty by providing access to proper footwear and improving their overall health, well-being, and economic opportunities.

Our solution is still in the stage of Prototype. We have completed the initial design and are currently testing our footwear on a small scale. We aim to refine the product and optimize the manufacturing process to ensure that we can produce our footwear at scale while maintaining the same level of sustainability, quality, and customization.

Adapshooz is a prototype rather than a concept because we have already developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and conducted multiple computer analyses. Our MVP is a web-based application and product design as well as a small-scale proof of concept. Additionally, we have received interest from potential investors.

Overall, our prototype has moved beyond the conceptual stage and has demonstrated proof of concept. We are now focused on scaling our product and business model to reach a wider market and create a greater impact.

Since our solution is in the prototype stage, we are currently not serving anyone but will shortly begin testing on a small scale. 

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration to address global challenges. We are also eager to connect with like-minded partners and impact-oriented leaders who can offer us inspiration and guidance. With the help of MIT Solve, we wish to advance our solution to the next level.

• Technical Expertise - We require technical expertise and resources to refine the footwear production process and AI technology to ensure accuracy and growth. We are confident that by applying to Solve, we will be able to connect with technology industry leaders, engineers, and other experts in this field who can provide us with the necessary mentorship and resources to refine our product.
• Legal and Financial Guidance - To navigate the complex regulatory landscape associated with manufacturing and selling our product, we will need the guidance of Solve in financial and regulatory matters. We hope that Solve can connect us with legal and financial experts who can show us the necessary steps to ensure compliance and facilitation of partnerships with healthcare providers, technology companies, and other bodies that may help us achieve our goal of making orthopedic footwear affordable to all. We will also be able to gain in-kind resources from Solve that will help us expand our reach,
• Funding and Market Resources - We require access to monetary and market resources to scale our solution and reach a larger section of our target audience. We believe that Solve can provide us with access to a network of investors and other funding opportunities, as well as market research and insights to help us better understand our target audience and reach them more effectively.
• Join and Collaborate with Other Individuals - To grow our solution, we must gain the perspective of like-minded individuals who have a similar vision to us. Through the MIT Solve program, we wish to interact with impact-minded leaders and experts who may offer guidance and support to us so that we can build a good strategy for manufacturing, sales, and expansion of our company. We also seek inspiration and valuable insights on leadership and other aspects from the network of MIT Solve. 
• Receiving Feedback - Accepting feedback is one of the most crucial steps towards building and growing our solution. We believe that the network of experts which MIT and Solve can expose us to will certainly give us valuable advice, and so will the partners and peers who have applied to this program. The feedback received by us may also help us to monitor and evaluate our progress.

Overall, we are not solely focused on fundraising, but instead see Solve as an opportunity to connect with a diverse community of experts and partners who can help us overcome the specific barriers we face in building, refining, and scaling our solution. We are excited to work collaboratively to make Adapshooz a reality and improve the lives of millions of people affected by foot health issues worldwide.

Adapshooz is an innovative solution that addresses several problems in the footwear industry. One of the most significant innovations of Adapshooz is the use of sustainable materials such as bamboo fibers, hemp, and mycelium foam. These materials are not commonly used in the footwear industry, and they offer several benefits over traditional materials. For instance, bamboo is highly sustainable and grows quickly, making it an excellent alternative to more traditional materials like leather. Similarly, mycelium foam is a highly sustainable material that can be used to create highly durable and comfortable footwear. - Mycelium Fibers as New Resource for Environmental Sustainability - ScienceDirect

Another innovation of Adapshooz is the use of UV resin spray to harden the Adapshooz sock once worn on the foot. This unique hardening process not only reduces costs significantly but also creates a highly durable and well-fitting shoe that is tailored to the individual's foot. Since the hardening process takes place after the Adapshooz sock is worn, the shoe created is highly personalized and provides excellent support and cushioning.

We are undertaking the development of a biopolymer-based compound to facilitate the hardening process by simply introducing water. The way this will work is that we plan to replace the UV resin with this proposed polymer and hence allow further mobility and flexibility of our setup. 

The current setup is limited to having a well-ventilated facility, but using the proposed technology, we are capable of making a pair of Adapshooz anywhere!

Adapshooz is also highly affordable, making it accessible to lower-income communities who cannot afford expensive custom orthotics or specialized shoes. Our solution addresses a critical need for those who lack access to quality foot care professionals and suffer from foot problems due to inadequate footwear. Furthermore, Adapshooz serves the purpose of a low-cost orthopedic shoe, providing support and cushioning to those who need it most.

Adapshooz uses innovative image classification technology to accurately identify any foot conditions, diseases or problems in the user's foot. By simply taking a photo of their foot and uploading it to the Adapshooz app, users can receive a personalized diagnosis of their foot health status. The AI-powered app can then suggest customized footwear that is tailored to the individual's needs, providing the necessary support and cushioning to alleviate any foot problems. This innovative use of AI technology is a key differentiator for Adapshooz, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about their footwear choices and foot health.

Adapshooz's innovative solution combines sustainable manufacturing, affordability, personalized fitting, and orthotics, making it a unique product in the footwear industry. By addressing the significant global problem of inadequate footwear, Adapshooz has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people, particularly those in lower-income communities.

Next Year:

Increase the Aspect of Feet Health - Our shoes promote foot health with breathable, moisture-wicking materials, arch support, and cushioning to reduce the risk of injuries, pain, odor, and fungal infections. We prioritize foot health in our designs to contribute to our customers' well-being.

1. Increase Employment Opportunities - We aim to employ 100 individuals from underprivileged and indigenous communities at each facility. By collaborating with NGOs and increasing production capacity, we provide job opportunities and training to empower marginalized communities and make a positive impact on their lives.

2. Reduce Environmental Impact - Adapshooz aims to be a leading sustainable footwear company by adopting eco-friendly practices. We use biodegradable, natural materials in our products and target a 30% reduction in environmental impact. We implement effective waste management practices to achieve net-zero and promote eco-friendly practices among our staff. - 

3. Community Impact - Adapshooz is a social impact company that supports local and low-income artists by inviting them to make designs for our shoes. This approach promotes art and empowers the community.

4. Spreading Awareness and Collecting Data - We aim to raise awareness about the importance of foot health, as foot problems can have a significant impact on one's health and daily life. To address this issue, we have included an online survey on our website to gather data about foot problems, which will help improve our shoes and increase efficiency.

Next Five Years:

Expand Employment Opportunities - Adapshooz has a five-year goal to create job opportunities for 1000 individuals from marginalized communities by opening more production units and collaborating with organizations that can help us reach our target. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of people from underprivileged and indigenous communities.

Scale-up Sustainability Efforts - Our goal is to become a zero-waste company and reduce our carbon footprint by 50% in 5 years by implementing sustainable practices and waste management policies, setting an example for other footwear companies.

Confirm Efficacy of our Footwear - Orthopedic footwear has proven to treat foot and even spinal diseases. Some of the problems that orthopedic footwear can help in are:

1. Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

2. Spina bifida

3. Chronic lower back pain 

4. Plantar fasciitis 

5. Lower extremity complaints (symptomatic relief)

6. Foot pain and foot/plantar pressure

7. Pain, speed of ambulation, and functional ability levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

8. Patellofemoral osteoarthritis

Since Adapshooz serves as a customized orthopedic footwear, it is necessary for us to see how many of these conditions can be treated by our shoes and to which level. Thus, by researching the impact of Adapshooz on people with these problems, we aim to understand how  Adapshooz can serve people with such problems.

In general, to achieve our impact goals, we plan to:

1. Invest in research and development to increase efficiency.

2. Increase our reach and improve marketing and manufacturing policies.

3. Employ more members from marginalized communities.

4. Scale-up sustainability efforts to achieve net zero.

5. Take feedback from consumers and experts.

At Adapshooz, we use a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess our progress towards our impact goals. Here are some specific indicators that we will use to measure our progress:

1. Employment Rates and Satisfaction - We aim to track the number of people that we have hired from marginalized, underprivileged and indigenous communities. By using employee feedback surveys, we also track their job satisfaction and skill development. We aim to create a meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunity for our workers.
2. Environmental impact - We track our carbon footprint, waste production, and water usage. We also track our use of sustainable materials and our adoption of eco-friendly practices. These indicators help us assess whether we are reducing our environmental impact as we aim to become a zero-waste company.
3. Community Response and Impact - We have prepared an online survey on our website wherein individuals can tell us about their foot problems. This data can be used to increase efficiency and may also help in upgrading many other aspects of our shoes as well.
4. We have also decided to take physical surveys in places where crowds gather. An optimal example would be Indian temples, where each and every visitor must remove their footwear. These physical surveys will help us to connect with the individuals and just like the online surveys, help in increasing the efficiency of our footwear.
5. We track our consumer feedback to analyze the impact on the target audience. We also gather data from the feedback on whether or not we are meeting the needs of our target audience - the lower-income communities. The feedback that we receive in the survey can help us improve our products too.
6. Collaboration and Valuable Inputs - We aim to collaborate with field leaders and experts to take their valuable advice on what limitations are there in our product and how to improve them. We also wish to collaborate with certain competitors from whom we may gain experience. We also wish to team up with podiatry associations. By doing so, we will gain the feedback of experienced people to achieve our goal.
7. Research on Impact - To find out about the impact that Adapshooz causes on people with foot problems, we will conduct studies in which participants will be people with a specific type of foot problem. Adapshooz aims to collect data on the efficacy of its footwear, by which we can continuously improve our solution. We are already conducting surveys to establish a solid foundation for our methods.

The most important factor we consider is to see people from lower income communities being able to afford such footwear and we feel that our greatest achievement will be watching people wear our shoes as they walk by on the streets. 

Adapshooz's theory of change is based on the following premises:

• A significant proportion of the population, particularly those from marginalized, underprivileged and indigenous communities, suffer from foot-related health issues due to lack of proper footwear and limited access to healthcare. The study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research estimates that 1.5 billion people worldwide have foot health problems, and approximately 20% of these problems require professional treatment. Foot problems are more common in low-income countries and among low-income populations within higher-income countries.

• These foot problems negatively impact the individual's quality of life, preventing them from participating fully in economic and social activities. A study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that people with foot problems had a lower quality of life in several areas, including physical function, social function, and emotional health. The study also found that foot problems were associated with increased healthcare utilization and costs. - Impact of quality of life-related to foot problems: a case-control study | Scientific Reports

• Adapshooz aims to address this issue by providing affordable, comfortable, and durable footwear that is specifically designed to alleviate common foot problems. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), foot problems such as fungal infections, foot ulcers, and neuropathy are common among people with diabetes, and can lead to serious complications such as amputation. Proper footwear is a key component of diabetes management and can prevent foot problems from developing or worsening. A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that foot pain can significantly impact quality of life, with 77% of respondents reporting that foot pain limits their ability to exercise, and 39% reporting that it limits their ability to work. Providing high-quality footwear that alleviates foot pain can enable individuals to engage more fully in physical activity and work, which can have positive economic and social impacts. - Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain | Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)

• By providing high-quality footwear, Adapshooz aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals with foot problems, which will allow them to engage more fully in economic and social activities. A survey conducted by the College of Podiatry in the UK found that 42% of people with foot problems reported that their condition had prevented them from participating in leisure activities, while 23% reported that it had affected their ability to work.

• Through this increased participation, individuals can improve their economic circumstances, access healthcare more easily, and contribute more fully to their communities.

• Adapshooz's solution will have a broader impact on society by reducing the burden on the healthcare system, increasing productivity and economic growth, and promoting social inclusion and equality.

Adapshooz provides innovative, affordable footwear and partners with healthcare providers and community organizations to improve foot health and increase economic and social participation. This results in new product development, job opportunities, and education, leading to better access to quality footwear and improved quality of life.

The core technology that powers Adapshooz, which allows it to be affordable, orthopedic, durable, and sustainable - all at the same instance is the liquid resin-based hardening technology and the low-cost sustainable/eco-friendly materials used in the manufacturing of the Adapshooz sock.

The materials used in the manufacturing of the Adapshooz sock are bamboo (forming the outer layer) and mycelium foam (forming the inner layer). The bamboo is obtained from the bamboo plant, which is very tough. It is this bamboo obtained that makes the sock naturally hard without having to use some other synthetic technology. The mycelium foam used is made from the mycelia (in simple terms, roots of fungi). This foam serves as an alternative to other petroleum-based synthetic foam that harms the environment at its disposal. The other components of the shoe - such as the adhesive applied between both layers, and the sole of the shoe - are also made from natural materials, and are hence, biodegradable and sustainable.

The resin used to harden the sock and make it a shoe is one of the main technologies used in Adapshooz. We, at Adapshooz, manufacture sustainable and natural socks that can be hardened using resin by the consumer after wearing them. This resin is usually provided by us to them while they are still at the shop so that they can immediately form a shoe from the sock upon buying it. This solves the problem of ill-fitting shoes, as by hardening the sock on their feet, the shoes mould in the shape of a perfect fit. This also helps in reducing costs and bringing down the price of the shoe to a minimal cost.

Along with this, we also use modern technology to complete many of our activities. Our solution is powered by a combination of technologies, including web and mobile applications, cloud computing, and machine learning. We leverage these technologies to provide a comprehensive platform that helps users to detect, diagnose and defenestrate foot ailments. 

Our web and mobile applications are built using modern web development frameworks and are designed to be responsive and user-friendly, making it easy for our users to manage their data on the go. 

Adapshooz provides a connection between podiatrists and the common man, which is facilitated through our website. We have also built an AI app that can scan the foot of its users and tell the foot conditions and diseases that the user may have. The AI app also suggests podiatrists with whom the user can connect to resolve the foot problem and also suggests a few shoes of Adapshooz that may tackle this problem for the user. This app has been built with the assistance of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

At Adapshooz, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusivity are not only important values but are critical to our success as an organization. We strive to incorporate these values into every aspect of our work, from our team composition to our product development to our community outreach.

1. Diversity - Our leadership team is intentionally diverse and includes individuals with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and identities. We recognize the importance of having diverse perspectives at the table when making decisions and shaping our strategy, and we actively seek out and encourage a range of voices to contribute to our work.
2. Equity - Our work aims to create products that are accessible, affordable, and equitable for all individuals, especially low-income individuals. We believe that our product, which provides orthopedic support and comfort at an affordable price, can make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged individuals who may not have had access to quality footwear before.
3. Inclusivity - To ensure that our products are inclusive, we are continuously seeking feedback from our customers and working to incorporate their needs and preferences into our design and development process. We also prioritize working with local communities and organizations to understand the unique challenges and needs of different groups and to ensure that our products are meeting their needs.

In addition to our current team composition, we have set clear goals for becoming even more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. These goals include increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in our workforce, improving our recruitment and hiring processes to reduce bias and increase access to opportunities, and implementing training and development programs to promote cultural competency and inclusivity.

We aim to achieve these goals by partnering with local organizations that support underrepresented groups to promote job opportunities and internships and providing training and resources to our team members on topics such as cultural competency, unconscious bias, and inclusion.

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, developing products that are accessible and equitable for all, and partnering with local communities and organizations to promote equity and inclusion. We believe that by incorporating these values into our work, we can make a positive impact on individuals and communities around the world.

Adapshooz's business model is centered around providing affordable and sustainable orthopedics to customers who require support for their feet and preventing foot ailments which are major causes of disability worldwide. We aim to provide value to our customers by offering a range of products and services, including setting up kiosks, providing mobile kits for customers unable to visit our shop or kiosk, charging per patient to a podiatrist, offering courses and newsletters, and consultations.

To set up our kiosks, we charge a fee for the setup, which includes the necessary equipment, marketing material, and training of the staff. The kiosks are strategically placed in areas with high foot traffic, such as malls, hospitals, and community centers and can also be installed in areas likely to contribute to a social cause such as low-income regions where this can benefit an entire part of the society. We have considered slums to be a primary target zone.

For customers who are unable to visit our kiosks, we provide mobile kits that include all the necessary equipment and instructions for customers to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes. This service is particularly beneficial for elderly and disabled customers who find it difficult to travel to our kiosks.

We also offer podiatrist services, where local and expert podiatrists are connected to our customers and a small fee is charged to them per patient. 

In addition, we expect to offer courses and newsletters that educate our customers on foot health and how to prevent common foot problems. Our courses will cover a range of topics, including proper footwear selection, foot care, and exercises to improve foot health.

Finally, we also provide consultations to customers who require customized solutions, such as athletes or people with unique foot shapes. Our consultations involve a detailed examination of the customer's foot and the development of customized orthotics or footwear.

In addition to our current business model, we also work with local artists to design unique shoe styles, giving our customers more options to choose from. We take a royalty from the additional revenue generated by these designs and pay the rest to the artists. This helps support the local community and encourages creativity in the fashion industry.

One thing we're thinking about is diversifying our product line. While we're proud of the orthopedic shoes we offer, we understand that there are other foot health products that our customers may be interested in. That's why we're considering adding items like insoles, compression socks, and foot creams to our product offerings. We believe this will help us reach a wider audience and provide even more value to our customers.

In conclusion, Adapshooz's business model is centered around providing affordable and sustainable orthopaedic solutions to customers in need. We offer a range of products and services, including setting up kiosks, mobile kits, podiatrist services, courses and newsletters, consultations, and secondary equipment. Our aim is to become a leading brand in the industry by expanding our network and increasing brand awareness.

To become financially sustainable, we plan to use a combination of revenue models to fund our work. We will employ a market intermediary model, where we will provide services to our clients to help them access markets. This will involve partnering with supply cooperatives and fair-trade organizations to connect our products to a larger market. We believe this will be a low start-up cost model that will allow our clients to stay and work in their community while accessing larger markets. The target audience here would be local orthopedic footwear dealers and will include connecting podiatrists with our consumers. 

Additionally, we plan to use a service subsidization model, where we will sell products or services to an external market to help fund other social programs. This model will be integrated with our non-profit organization, where our business activities and social programs overlap. We can leverage our tangible assets, such as buildings, land, and employees, or intangible assets, such as expertise, methodologies, or relationships, to help fund our programs.

In terms of revenue streams, we will generate income through sales of our products and services, as well as donations from individuals and organizations that support our mission.

One of our primary revenue streams will be through the sale of our orthopedic shoes, insoles, and other foot health products. We will set up kiosks in strategic locations, charge a fee for setting up the kiosk, and charge customers a fee for consultations with our podiatrists. We will also offer "mobile kits" for customers who are unable to visit our shop or kiosks.

 We will also seek grant funding from foundations and government agencies that are aligned with our goals.

We have applied/are planning to apply to the below grants/platforms: 

1. Action For India (AFI)

2. Echoing Green Fellowship

3. Global Innovation Fund

4. SEED Replicator

5. Ashoka Venture and Fellowship

6. DBS Foundation Grant Award

7. SOW Asia

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foot and ankle problems are among the most common reasons for medical consultations, affecting around 20% of the world's population. This indicates a high demand for foot health products and services, which Adapshooz can potentially capitalize on. Additionally, the global footwear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2028, indicating a growing market for shoes and related products. We believe that by adopting a sustainable revenue model, we can continue to drive social impact and achieve financial stability for the long-term.

Currently we are in the prototyping phase and are yet to generate revenue. Keeping this in mind, we have applied to multiple grants and platforms and that process is still undergoing. Considering the reach of our survey and talks with possible future investors, we are confident that we will be able to gather funding for pilot testing.