Funding · Healthcare & Life Sciences

X STEP gets ₹1 crore on Shark Tank India

By Startup Enthusiast · 24 January 2026

What they do

X STEP develops a spinal cord pacemaker to help paralysis patients regain movement

Founder Parag Gad secured ₹1 crore from three sharks for 10% equity on Shark Tank India Season Five

The company plans to expand neuromodulation into diabetes and cardiovascular health

X STEP founder Parag Gad appeared on Shark Tank India Season Five.
He asked for ₹1 crore for 1% equity in his company.
Three sharks — Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, and Kunal Bahl — together invested ₹1 crore for 10% equity.
X STEP is a medical innovation company at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and healthcare.
It develops a spinal cord pacemaker (neuromodulation) for paralysis patients to regain movement.
The technology stimulates specific spinal circuits, leveraging spinal memory.
The company's work is based on decades of research, including work by Dr. Edgerton.

X STEP is described as 'born in CA, but built in Ka' — strong roots in California, with India central to its vision for scale and talent.
Parag Gad noted that deep tech healthcare innovation requires patience, credibility, regulatory approvals, and patient safety over speed.
Intellectual property is seen as foundational for deep tech — it signals seriousness and attracts global talent and investors.

X STEP is a medical innovation company at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and healthcare.
It develops a spinal cord pacemaker (neuromodulation) for paralysis patients to regain movement.
The technology stimulates specific spinal circuits, leveraging spinal memory.
Its revenue model is hybrid: device sales, structured therapy programs, and hospital partnerships.
The company is exploring neuromodulation applications for autonomic and metabolic functions: diabetes, cardiovascular health, and blood pressure.

X STEP is exploring neuromodulation applications for autonomic and metabolic functions: diabetes, cardiovascular health, and blood pressure.