Movement reimagined - we challenge status quo.
Aufstand AG
More independence and enjoyment of life - thanks to the world's most flexible walking aid
Our mission is to break down barriers in the healthcare sector and empower people with disabilities to lead self-determined lives. Aufstand AG stands for the courage to question existing solutions and rethink them.
Our startup team combines knowledge from technology, medicine, and entrepreneurship.
Our first product? VariWalk. A height-adjustable walking aid at the touch of a button. The optimal height in every situation ensures sufficient strength and the correct posture to maintain mobility. And its compact size makes it an additional aid in everyday life for people with disabilities.
This is VariWalk
1. Getting up without letting go
At the touch of a button, you can switch between the perfect handle height for standing up and walking. The handle is never released during this process, making it as easy and safe to use as possible.
2 Compact for everyday use
When retracted, VariWalk can be stored almost anywhere – be it in the car on the passenger seat, in a shopping cart, a bicycle basket, a bag, or on a wheelchair. This means maximum flexibility for whatever comes up.
3 Ergonomic & modern
It was about time a walking aid set new standards not only in ergonomics, but in aesthetics too. Thanks to high-quality materials, a multifunctional design and elegant lines, everyone can be proud to be seen with VariWalk.
4 Sustainable & Social
By using recycled aluminum, components consistently optimized for long service life and easy repairability, and assembly in a social facility, we do our best to do justice to society and the environment.
Our team
Samuel Dutler
Founder & CEO
With a Master of Science in Engineering, Samuel built his technical expertise after completing his commercial apprenticeship. Due to his own physical disability, he understands how valuable mobility and independence are and drives the company forward with passion and vision.
Kevin Mauchle
Late Co-Founder
Kevin has expertise in business administration, finance, and the consulting industry, specializing in people business. With his startup experience, he is responsible for strategy and communication.
External Partners
Marco Walder
Engineer & Designer
As a service provider specializing in sustainable innovation, RHS Innovation GmbH is the ideal partner for developing our walking aid. With his experience as a design engineer and a degree in systems engineering, Marco brings the necessary expertise to the technical development of the walking aid.
Thanks to its outstanding expertise in the development of innovative medical products, konplan Schweiz AG is an absolute key partner and supports us both in the development of VariWalk into a series product and in obtaining MDR-compliant approval.
Brüggli Industrie
With Brüggli, a high-quality service provider and social factory for people with physical and mental disabilities, we are delighted to have found the perfect partner for the assembly and packaging of VariWalk. Together, we can make VariWalk a reality as a thoroughly responsible product.
We are supported by...
Innosuisse
We are proud to have been accepted into the Innosuisse Core Coaching Program. This gives us access to coachings from experts in the medtech and startup industries, who support us in areas such as business strategy, IP, regulatory compliance, and much more.
FRH Foundation
As part of two Innovation Booster projects, the FRH Foundation supported us in producing the first VariWalk prototypes and testing them in the motion laboratory.
Swiss Paraplegic Foundation
Since the end of 2025, we have also been proud to count the renowned Swiss Paraplegic Foundation among our supporters. They fund us through their innovation program, which focuses on projects that benefit people with spinal cord injuries.
Board members
Priska Rösli
Board member & investor
With an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and the University of Toronto, Priska brings valuable expertise as an entrepreneur. As a business angel, venture partner at Dart Ventures, and tax expert, she significantly supports Aufstand AG as a member of the board of directors.
Jonathan Hanhart
Board of Directors & Physician
As a physician and entrepreneur, Jonathan combines medical and entrepreneurial expertise. His professional assessment as a doctor, his network in the healthcare industry, and his outstanding networking skills are particularly valuable to Aufstand AG.
Difference to conventional walking aids
370,000 people...
...are dependent on a walking aid every day in Switzerland alone.
(Source: Allianz, Sicher zu Fuss – Mobilität und Sicherheit von Fussgängern, 2019)
Unlike VariWalk, existing assistive devices only provide correct support for walking. Standing up, however, is quite difficult with them. This can reduce quality of life due to:
Shoulder pain due to overuse
Increased risk of falling and fear of it
Reduced independence
Increased care needs
Roadmap
01 - Technical Feasibility Study
Different feasibility studies were built and successfully tested.
02 - Stress tests of the mechanism
The main mechanism was subjected to static measurements and passed with flying colors.
03 - Patent application
The invention was documented and submitted for a patent.
04 - Prototypes
The first fully functional prototypes have been manufactured.
05 - Tests with experts and affected individuals
Currently, tests are being conducted with physiotherapy centers and clinics, and measurements are being taken to find the best possible solution to the problem.
06 - Securing financing
We have secured initial investors and funding. For the next steps, we are proactively seeking further partners, investors, and funders.
07 - Optimization & Industrialization
Further development for series production is possible as soon as the necessary financing is secured.
08 - Approval & Market Entry
Approval as a medical device and product launch are targeted for 2027.
Join us!
Are you interested in supporting us? For example, by contributing your expertise, as a test subject, an investor or a sponsor?
We look forward to hearing from you!
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