I thought that space is needed for disabled people to exercise freely. I believed that if technology is used well, anyone can enjoy a healthy daily life.

Mangrove Solution, which develops smart rehabilitation exercise devices and customized exercise platforms, is breaking down barriers to exercise through technology. They are seeking ICT-based exercise solutions to change the reality of a severe lack of exercise environments for disabled people.

Since its establishment in November 2022, Mangrove Solution has been expanding its business around three main pillars: developing smart rehabilitation exercise devices, operating specialized rehabilitation centers for children and adults with disabilities, and building customized exercise platforms. They envisioned not only providing simple exercise equipment but also analyzing users' physical conditions in real time and providing tailored content.

Kim Dong-il, the CEO of Mangrove Solution

The key is the integration of exercise equipment, content, and platforms. Kim Dong-il, the CEO, has been researching disabled rehabilitation for over 10 years while serving as a professor at the University of Incheon.

He said, "I hoped that research results would not remain solely in papers," adding, "I chose to commercialize ideas that came out of the laboratory directly to be helpful in the field." He further noted, "Although the government has built sports facilities for the disabled, they are unrelated to pain or rehabilitation," and explained, "We can design programs tailored to individual characteristics of disabled people to provide high-quality services."

Reflecting CEO Kim's philosophy, Mangrove Solution has created the "Children's Dream Development Center" for disabled children and the specialized center for disabled adults, "GoFit LAB." By providing services at lower prices than other rehabilitation centers, they increased user satisfaction while also establishing a revenue model. Their advantage lies in introducing their own exercise equipment to validate scientific data and provide verified exercise programs.

The exercise equipment developed by Mangrove Solution

Along with expanding offline centers, they are also developing an application that enables personalized exercise. CEO Kim stated, "We plan to make it possible for anyone to exercise without location or time constraints through exercise content and a feedback system," adding, "This could be expanded into a subscription-based content model to induce recurring revenue."

They are also envisioning a B2B linkage model, planning to supply exercise equipment and content in collaboration with welfare institutions for individuals with developmental disabilities, hospitals, and educational institutions. They have already completed establishing networks with national organizations for the disabled and the Korea Sports Association for the Disabled.

CEO Kim and Mangrove Solution are looking beyond Korea to overseas markets. After branding the rehabilitation center next year and expanding franchise locations nationwide, they plan to broaden their service targets to include not only disabled people but also seniors and patients, and subsequently, they aim to pursue certifications and partnerships for entering the rehabilitation healthcare market in the United States and Europe. They intend to explore export possibilities utilizing Korean exercise content and technology.

CEO Kim emphasized, "Assisting people through technology, this is the mission of Mangrove Solution." He added, "Healthcare for the disabled is a scientific health management market based on technology and data, not a welfare area," stating, "We will grow into a true universal wellness corporation that protects everyone's right to exercise and health through an integrated platform that can be used by both disabled and non-disabled people."

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