Katie Michaels
Play-based physiotherapy for children with disabilities.
Play-based physiotherapy for children with disabilities
Katie Michaels is the founder of East Midlands-based Moti Me Ltd, a company developing innovative physiotherapy products for children with developmental disabilities. A Loughborough University industrial design graduate, Katie’s career path was inspired by her cousin’s cerebral palsy diagnosis, highlighting the challenges families face in maintaining regular physiotherapy routines.
Children with developmental disabilities often see healthcare professionals every few weeks, despite daily therapy being crucial for their development, especially in early years. Moti Me bridges this gap between clinical settings and home, making physiotherapy engaging and fun. Their innovative product encourages consistent practice between sessions, helping children reach developmental milestones while reducing pressure on healthcare systems including the NHS.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. At Moti Me, we aim to make physiotherapy fun and engaging, empowering children with developmental disabilities to thrive through playful, consistent therapy,” says Katie.
Katie’s achievements include securing the Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst grant, the Leicestershire Innovation Award, and support from multiple entrepreneurship programmes including the Loughborough Incubator and Nottingham University’s Ingenuity Impact awards.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have won the Women in Innovation Award,” says Katie. “It feels like a huge validation of the work I’ve put into Moti Me and the potential it has.”
“The biggest barrier I’ve had to overcome has been securing funding,” Katie reflects. “I stayed persistent and leaned on support from accelerator programmes, which helped me navigate the complexities of the grant application process.” Looking ahead, Katie aims to expand Moti Me’s range to create more physiotherapy tools supporting both children and elderly people in care homes with their rehabilitation needs.
Her advice to aspiring women innovators? “Work hard – dedication shows real belief in what you’re doing. Never say ‘no’ to a good opportunity, and always believe in yourself.”
For more information on Women in Innovation
Find out more about the Women in Innovation Award and other support available across the Innovate UK ecosystem on the Women in Innovation programme page.