Interview with Alex Kosik of Gravitonus

Gravitonus is a small Russian technology startup that is now seeking to expand into the US. It has developed a proprietary technology called the “Alternative Computer Control System” (ACCS). This is a computer control peripheral that gives hands free access in operating computers. Gravitonus has a strong team that includes 2 medical doctors and 2 PhDs. They have won the Russian BIT Business Plan competition and the “Humanitarian Project of the Year 2006” award at the Intel Berkeley Technology Entrepreneurship Challenge (IBTEC).

Company president and founder Alex Kosik is a spinal cord surgeon in Russia. Alex has spent much of his career treating people with spinal cord injuries. Being troubled by how invasive depression was for his patients, he invented this most user-friendly and hands-free mouse.

I have met Alex Kosik and worked with him for a short period of time. Alex recently also participated at the Grubstake forum. I had the opportunity to conduct an online interview with Alex. Below is the Q&A session.

Q1. How did you come about becoming an Entrepreneur? Where you always one?

For more than 5 years, I was a spinal surgeon in the Central Scientific Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics – the leading Russian institution in the field of Spinal Cord Injury research and orthopedic treatment where I helped handicapped people to eliminate the distinction between disability and active life. Then we created some excellent hardware and software technologies for handicapped, I started the company and become entrepreneur.

Q2. If you could choose again on whether to pursue Gravitonus as a business, would you?

There is just one answer - unambiguously yes. It's fun after all.

Q3. What made you decide to bring your technology to the US?

The US market is "ready" for assistive technologies. Direct contact with customers is a primary source of information about customer satisfaction and quality of the product, essential for further development and sales. In addition, the best way to reach this target audience is to market ACCS devices to medical professionals and institutions evolved in treatment and rehabilitation of severely disabled. They can be reached through different associations (American Spinal Injury Association, National Spinal Cord Injury Association, American Paraplegia Society, to name a few), and are located in the USA.

Q4. Has the CRDF and George Mason University been supportive? In what ways?

http://www.crdf.org/newsroom/newsroom_show.htm?doc_id=579486 Please have a look.

Excerpt from the link:

“CRDF and the Mason Enterprise Center also provided Gravitonus with market validation research, business consultation and assistance with creating a strong business plan and presentation...”

And also:

“Gravitonus is receiving additional help in establishing a presence in the United States from George Mason University’s Mason Enterprise Center, which is dedicated to assisting non-U.S. companies establish a market for their products and services in the United States. Through the International Business Development Program, the Center is providing Gravitonus with temporary office space, assistance in tackling the diverse American market with a help of an onsite advisor and helpful seminars, and easy accessibility to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan resources...”

Q5. What made you choose the DC Metro region? What made you choose Virginia?

Significant share of our marketplace is projected to be through government sales, reimbursement and grants, D.C. is the right place to be in the vicinity. In addition, I like friendly atmosphere, I used to live in capital, and there is a direct flights to Moscow.

Q6. How has your experience been of applying for funding? Do VCs work in a similar manner in Russia?

It's a tough question. Look over here http://www.news.com/2100-11398_3-6217705.html I'd avoid sharing my own experience yet.

Q7. How did you come to know of the Grubstake?

From CRDF

Q8. What was your experience of the process?

I was there twice myself - good event, good presentations, always something new to learn.

Q9. Do you think you would apply again?

Quite possible - for Series B

Q10. Personally, how does the US compare with Russia? If given a choice, would you like to settle here? Why or why not?

Personally, it's pretty much the same with one exception - We are talking about Moscow, not Russia. Moscow is a big country itself, with 16 Millions people (incl. nearby areas). This country is very rich, it is second to London, with the most expensive real estates and cars. I would not settle yet, At least - not now.

Q11. If things do not work out, is there a possibility that Gravitonus might go back to Russia? (Particularly given the improving economic conditions there).

Failure is not an option.

Q12. What was personally your single biggest achievement?

http://gravitonus.com/2007/04/imaginecup.html

I made this presentation, but people were applauding to Eugene, and I figured out that at this moment something changed in my perception of the world as I managed to show this little girl (who was born without hands), that she could be the queen. And the biggest achievement - there was no one objecting...