Loughborough University Start-Up ORB Innovations Acquired by Glidewell for Dental Wearable Technology

From left: Tom Quinn, Stephenie Goddard and Rob Paterson

(IN BRIEF) Glidewell, a global leader in custom dental solutions, has acquired ORB Innovations, a start-up founded by Loughborough University engineering alumni. ORB Innovations has developed a pioneering technology platform called ORB, which measures physiological parameters and biomechanics. Unique among wearables, ORB can be placed in the mouth, making it suitable for sports activities. Supported by Loughborough University’s entrepreneurship programs, ORB Innovations gained recognition and participated in accelerators and competitions. This acquisition marks Glidewell’s entry into smart dental products and signifies their commitment to technological innovation. The partnership between Glidewell and ORB Innovations demonstrates the power of collaboration between academia and entrepreneurship in driving cutting-edge advancements in the dental industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) LOUGHBOROUGH, 30-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  Loughborough University, a public research university and a UK top 10 University, celebrates the success of ORB Innovations, a start-up founded by engineering alumni, as it gets acquired by Glidewell, a renowned California-based company specializing in custom dental solutions. ORB Innovations has developed an exceptional technology platform that enables the measurement of physiological parameters such as heart rate, as well as biomechanics including head impacts. Notably, the ORB technology platform is the world’s only fitness tracker wearable designed specifically for the mouth, making it a unique solution for sports activities, where it can be worn during competitive events.

Since its establishment in 2017, ORB Innovations has received unwavering support from the Loughborough Enterprise Network, which has played a pivotal role in nurturing entrepreneurial ventures. Co-founders Rob Paterson (Product Design Engineering, 2017) and Tom Quinn (Electronic and Electrical Engineering, 2018) actively participated in various programs, including competitions, pre-accelerator initiatives, and accelerators within Loughborough University London’s Future Space. Their journey eventually led them to the esteemed LUinc., Loughborough University’s incubator situated at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park.

Rob Paterson, CEO and Co-founder of ORB Innovations, said: “We are thrilled to join the Glidewell family. As one of the largest dental companies in the world – with a 50-year track record of pioneering new technology – we feel we have found a natural home.

“The acquisition will allow us to accelerate the launch of our unique platform in the US and to increase the pace of our research and development in other areas. Together, ORB Innovations and Glidewell will bring to market a whole range of smart oral products that will provide flexible new options for health-conscious consumers.”

The acquisition by Glidewell represents a significant milestone for both ORB Innovations and Loughborough University. Glidewell, renowned for its remarkable record of technological innovation since its establishment in 1970, marks this acquisition as its initial foray into smart dental products, diversifying its expansive portfolio with ORB’s cutting-edge technology.

Loughborough University takes immense pride in the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation exhibited by ORB Innovations and its co-founders. This acquisition exemplifies the remarkable success that arises from the symbiotic relationship between academia and entrepreneurship. It highlights the university’s commitment to fostering and supporting groundbreaking ventures that drive advancements in various industries, including dental solutions.

As ORB Innovations embarks on this new chapter of growth under Glidewell’s ownership, Loughborough University extends its warmest congratulations to the founders, Rob Paterson and Tom Quinn, and expresses confidence in their continued success in revolutionizing the dental industry through their pioneering wearable technology.

Glidewell CEO, Stephenie Goddard said: “We see the platform the ORB team has developed as an exciting evolution for the sports market. And it’s easy to envision applications in other wellness related areas in line with Glidewell’s mission to bring innovative solutions to dental practitioners and their patients all over the world.”

Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at Loughborough, said: “This is fantastic news and further evidence of the excellent innovation ecosystem we are building here at the University – I am delighted for the team.

“Since its launch, ORB Innovations has shown outstanding potential and I am pleased that this has been recognised by Glidewell. The acquisition will stimulate further investment in innovation – enhancing employment for electrical engineers, software developers, sports and data scientists, and other technology enthusiasts in the UK and will further inspire more startups from the University’s student and graduate entrepreneur community.”

Media contact:

Public Relations Office
Loughborough University
Leicestershire
LE11 3TU
Telephone:+44 (0)1509 222224
publicrelations@lboro.ac.uk

SOURCE: Loughborough University