Innovate UK helps Amparo Prosthetics take big strides in global growth

Amparo Prosthetics‘ simple technologies make it easier and faster to achieve a prosthetic fit. Typically, amputees must wait several weeks over multiple visits to a clinical facility to obtain their prosthetic leg.

Using high-tech composites, the company creates high-quality prostheses that allow specialists to fit the product directly to the user. Its innovative toolset ensures a perfect fit anytime, anywhere—even in a patient’s home—with just one visit. The company’s newest development, the Resilience socket, is stronger, lighter and designed for greater adaptability across different prosthetic suspension types.

Priscila Vyghen, Sales Director at Amparo Prosthetics, says: “Our prosthetic solutions are changing lives, especially in regions where access to prosthetic care is limited. Being able to provide life-changing support to amputees in Ukraine and Gaza has been one of our most rewarding achievements.”

Expanding into humanitarian markets

With early success exporting to over 40 countries through national health services, distributors and prosthetic fitting specialists, Amparo sought Innovate UK Business Growth support in March 2023 to assist with international expansion after securing an Innovate UK R&D grant.

Although Amparo had a strong export presence, it had not previously considered the humanitarian sector as a key growth opportunity. Working with Innovation and Growth Specialist, Richard Butcher, to explore this market as the basis for future sales and exports the company was introduced to international and local NGOs operating in conflict zones.

With insights from Innovate UK Business Growth, Amparo identified NGOs and supply chains in conflict zones, such as Ukraine and Gaza. This led to substantial new contracts, in Gaza and Ukraine. In Gaza, funding from the British government and the Jordanian Royal Court supported the establishment of a mobile prosthetic fitting unit, enabling vital care for individuals in these conflict-affected areas.

Beyond Ukraine and Gaza, NGOs in Syria, Libya and Sudan have engaged with Amparo, positioning the humanitarian sector as a major area for growth. Resources are already being allocated to support expansion in this market.

Driving innovation with Global Explorers

Amparo continues to advance prosthetic technology. To refine the design of its Resilience socket, the company sought real-world feedback from clinicians across multiple countries. Innovate UK Business Growth recommended that it participate in Innovate UK’s Global Explorers programme to enable this objective, leading to a successful funding application that secured £21,000.

The programme is allowing Amparo to optimise its product design before full commercial rollout. Future developments include enhancements to its below-knee socket and the creation of child-specific and above-knee solutions, marking key advancements in the prosthetic industry.

Priscila explains: “The Global Explorers programme allowed us to explore international R&D opportunities and enhance our latest prosthetic solution by gathering valuable feedback from experts worldwide. This support has helped us develop a product that truly meets users’ needs.”

Scaling impact through collaboration and investment

The company has also received export advice from the Department for Business and Trade, opening new international opportunities. Additionally, Innovate UK Business Growth is helping the company pursue distribution and industry collaborations in the EU through Enterprise Europe Network.

Priscila concludes: “The support from Innovate UK Business Growth has been fundamental in helping us enter new markets, secure funding and refine our technology. Their expertise has allowed us to grow faster and with greater confidence.”

Amparo’s innovations not only enhance global access to life-changing prosthetic care but also contribute to economic growth in the UK. By expanding into new markets and securing high-value contracts, the company is driving exports and reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in advanced medical technology.

With major orders secured, a growing presence in humanitarian markets and a strong pipeline of innovations, Amparo Prosthetics is well-positioned for sustained growth and global impact.

The support from Innovate UK Business Growth has been fundamental in helping us enter new markets, secure funding and refine our technology. Their expertise has allowed us to grow faster and with greater confidence.

– Priscila Vyghen, Sales Director at Amparo Prosthetics