Award recognition for CoMoveIT and its “groundbreaking” wheelchair control system
Medical equipment supplier CoMoveIT, a specialist in pioneering products for people with severe motor disabilities, has received the prestigious KU Leuven Medal of Honour for Societal Impact in Rehabilitation.
The award was presented on 9 May during the university’s 600th anniversary celebration at Concertgebouw Brugge, following the anniversary concert Beyond the Horizon of Thought.
Professor Luc Sels, Rector at KU Leuven University, praised CoMoveIT for its transformative contributions to assistive mobility and inclusive innovation, commenting: “KU Leuven honours CoMoveIT for its groundbreaking wheelchair control system, developed in close collaboration with engineers, clinicians, researchers, and end users.
“Their participatory development model is unique — empowering users not only through the end product but also throughout the creation process. As a spin-off, CoMoveIT exemplifies how academic excellence can be translated into global social impact.”
Levi Rijsbrack, a long-time user who played an essential role in both product development and public representation, accepted the award alongside his father Carl Rijsbrack and co-founders Frederik Vervenne and Elegast Monbaliu. The moment underscored the deeply personal and inclusive mission that defines CoMoveIT’s approach.
Frederik Vervenne, CEO of CoMoveIT, commented: “We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from KU Leuven. This medal affirms the journey we’ve taken — from academic research to an international mission of empowerment.
“Our goal has always been to turn innovation into autonomy for people with disabilities, and this recognition inspires us to accelerate that mission globally.”
With its flagship product, CoMoveIT Smart, now gaining traction across Europe, the company states that it is preparing for further international expansion.
The system uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to translate head and foot movements into a smooth and intuitive driving experience. It continuously adapts to each individual, compensates for involuntary movements, and maximizes user autonomy.
Uniquely designed for people with severe motor disorders — including cerebral palsy, MS, and ALS — it enables independent mobility by overcoming the limitations of traditional joysticks.
The company’s vision for global scaling is supported by multiple international accolades, including the EACD Technology & Innovation Award, the Silver Henry van de Velde Award, and Best Innovative Product Award at the UK Occupational Therapy Show.
Named by Bloovi as one of Flanders’ 30 most innovative start-ups, CoMoveIT is now forging new distribution partnerships and exploring collaborative projects in the United States and Asia-Pacific.
Based in Bruges, Belgium, CoMoveIT is a mission-driven company developing intelligent mobility solutions for individuals with complex motor disabilities.
