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United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development

LS Adaptive

LS Adaptive (
Private sector
)
#SDGAction61660
Description
Description

Magnetic technology for adaptive apparel through universal design.

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

We actively bridge the gap between commercial apparel technology, advanced engineering, and healthcare systems to foster cross-sector competency and universal design. We execute this through three core frameworks: Capacity-Building & Inclusive Leadership: We strengthen community competencies by educating students on the intersections of healthcare, entrepreneurship, and adaptive design through Atrium Health’s Bloomberg-funded HYPE initiative and academic lectures. Furthermore, as the founding startup leading Northeastern University Charlotte’s Innovation Nexus Hub, we provide strategic mentorship to shape this new health and science ecosystem for next-generation innovators. 

Co-Creation & Direct Community Engagement: Through our Design Council & 1:1 Co-Creation: one-on-one sessions with individuals who have physical disabilities or limited dexterity, we collaborate directly with the community to understand diverse physical requirements. Technology Transfer & Assistive Innovation: We are transferring our leadership’s 40+ years of hardware engineering and retail experience directly into the healthcare sector by introducing proprietary magnetic closures to replace restrictive, medicalized velcro or tiny snaps. As the founding startup leading Northeastern University Charlotte’s Innovation Nexus Hub and a member of Wexford Labs, we transfer technical insights between private industry, academic researchers, and healthcare networks. This collaborative exchange builds a foundation to scale our impactful regional framework into a national standard for assistive technology.

Evaluation

As an agile, bootstrapped startup, our metrics strategy focuses on pilot validation, qualitative user-testing, and localized community integration as we navigate a critical inflection point of scale. To transition from local pilots to a national blueprint, we utilize the specific cross-sector network support of the UNOP program to measure success across three core pillars: Good Health & Well-Being (SDG 3): We measure success by the tangible optimization of physical autonomy and the reduction of caregiving strain. During our monthly OrthoCarolina residency, impact is evaluated by qualitative patient follow-ups on real-world wearability, while our pending Carolinas Rehabilitation Center study will capture benchmark data on caregiver time-savings and patient morale during recovery. 

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Success is quantified by technical execution, patent-pending IP deployment, and the milestone progression of our Hana Fasteners™ from prototype to market readiness via our Design Council. We measure long-term infrastructure success by our ability to secure funding for a Northeastern University validation study to set new industry safety standards, while actively preparing to ramp up production volume with our defense-vetted partner, Lions Services. Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): We measure impact by our ability to foster economic inclusion, eliminate social stigma, and build a unified innovation ecosystem in Charlotte, NC. This is evaluated by hitting cross-sector stakeholder turnout benchmarks at The Accessibility Fest, scaling our inclusive supply chain blueprint with ZABS Place and Lions Services, and embedding disability representation into the next generation of healthcare leaders through Atrium Health’s Bloomberg-funded HYPE initiative.

Partners

Atrium Health, Advocate Health, OrthoCarolina, Northeastern University Charlotte, Connect Labs by Wexford, Lions Services, ZABS Place, UNC Greensboro, University of Alabama, Cakeable, DisAbled Life Alliance, Cicoa-Aging & In-Home Solutions, NC IDEA, ReelAbilities, and the Fashion Institute of Technology and NYC Aging in collaboration for Style is Ageless. 

Goal 3

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Goal 3

3.1

By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
3.1.1

Maternal mortality ratio

3.1.2

Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel

3.2

By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
3.2.1

Under-five mortality rate

3.2.2

Neonatal mortality rate

3.3

By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases

3.3.1

Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age and key populations

3.3.2

Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population

3.3.3

Malaria incidence per 1,000 population

3.3.4

Hepatitis B incidence per 100,000 population

3.3.5

Number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical diseases

3.4

By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
3.4.1

Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease

3.4.2

Suicide mortality rate

3.5

Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol

3.5.1

Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders

3.5.2

Alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in litres of pure alcohol

3.6

By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents
3.6.1

Death rate due to road traffic injuries

3.7

By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes

3.7.1

Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods

3.7.2

Adolescent birth rate (aged 10-14 years; aged 15-19 years) per 1,000 women in that age group

3.8

Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all

3.8.1

Coverage of essential health services

3.8.2

Proportion of population with positive out-of-pocket household expenditures on health exceeding 40 per cent of household discretionary budget

3.9

By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination
3.9.1

Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution

3.9.2

Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene (exposure to unsafe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for All (WASH) services)

3.9.3

Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning

3.a

Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate
3.a.1

Age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use among persons aged 15 years and older

3.b

Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all

3.b.1

Proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in their national programme

3.b.2

Total net official development assistance to medical research and basic health sectors

3.b.3

Health product access index

3.c

Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
3.c.1

Health worker density and distribution

3.d

Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks

3.d.1

International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health emergency preparedness

3.d.2

Percentage of bloodstream infections due to selected antimicrobial-resistant organisms

Goal 9

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Goal 9

9.1

Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.1.1

Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road

9.1.2

Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport

9.2

Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries

9.2.1

Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita

9.2.2

Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment

9.3

Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
9.3.1

Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added, based on (a) international classification and (b) national classifications

9.3.2

Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit

9.4

By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

9.4.1

CO2 emission per unit of value added

9.5

Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending
9.5.1

Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP

9.5.2

Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants

9.a

Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States
9.a.1

Total official international support (official development assistance plus other official flows) to infrastructure

9.b

Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities
9.b.1

Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added

9.c

Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020

9.c.1

Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology

Goal 10

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Goal 10

10.1

By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average

10.1.1

Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40 per cent of the population and the total population

10.2

By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

10.2.1

Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities

10.3

Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard

10.3.1

Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed within the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law

10.4

Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality

10.4.1

Labour share of GDP

10.4.2

Redistributive impact of fiscal policy on the Gini index

10.5

Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations

10.5.1

Financial Soundness Indicators

10.6

Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions in order to deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate institutions
10.6.1

Proportion of members and voting rights of developing countries in international organizations

10.7

Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies

10.7.1

Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of montlhy income earned in country of destination

10.7.2

Number of countries with migration policies that facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people

10.7.3

Number of people who died or disappeared in the process of migration towards an international destination

10.7.4

Proportion of the population who are refugees, by country of origin

10.a

Implement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreements
10.a.1

Proportion of tariff lines applied to imports from least developed countries and developing countries with zero-tariff

10.b

Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to States where the need is greatest, in particular least developed countries, African countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their national plans and programmes
10.b.1

Total resource flows for development (e.g. official development assistance, foreign direct investment and other flows)

10.c

By 2030, reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per cent

10.c.1

Remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted

The Accessibility Fest A Partnership between LS Adaptive x Northeastern University Charlotte Building a Foundation for Economic Mobility and Inclusive Technology Timeline: November 6–7, 2026 Location: Northeastern University Charlotte Campus The Accessi

Staff / Technical expertise
Day 1: The Focus: Corporate Capital, Inclusive Design, and Systemic Economic Mobility The Dynamic: An exclusive, curated room gathering leaders from every layer of the business ecosystem—including wealth advisors, corporate executives, innovators, advoca
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Timeline
22 June 2026 (start date)
22 June 2029 (date of completion)
Entity
N/A
SDGs
3 9 10
Region
  1. North America
Geographical coverage
Charlotte, NC USA
Other beneficiaries

Our work bridges the gap between daily human dignity and systemic healthcare innovation, creating a cascading positive impact across three key sectors: Direct Beneficiaries (Diverse Physical, Cognitive, & Sensory Needs): We provide immediate independence and physical comfort to individuals navigating cognitive disabilities (like aphasia), limited dexterity, or post-operative surgical recovery through self-guiding, pain-free closures. Our self-aligning technology also empowers individuals who are blind, amputees, aging, or use wheelchairs, including wounded veterans within the VA networks to manage daily dressing autonomously and with confidence.

Indirect Beneficiaries (The Care Circle & Healthcare System): By simplifying dressing, we significantly reduce physical burnout, emotional stress, and daily time constraints for family caregivers. Furthermore, our designs protect healthcare professionals (OTs, PTs, and nurses) from repetitive strain injuries while driving clinical efficiency across acute hospital post-surgery settings, outpatient networks, and rehabilitation partners like OrthoCarolina and Carolinas Rehabilitation. Ecosystem Beneficiaries (Next-Gen Innovators & Underserved Workers): We build an inclusive supply chain by partnering with ZABS Place to offer dignified fulfillment employment to neurodivergent young adults, while ramping up production with Lions Services to create fair-wage manufacturing jobs for blind and low-vision workers. 

Finally, through initiatives like Atrium Health’s HYPE program, we mentor diverse students to embed universal design thinking and deep empathy into the next generation of leaders, exposing them directly to disability awareness and the profound resilience these communities possess.

More information
Countries
United States of America
United States of America
Contact Information

Emily Gerhardstein, Co-Founder and CEO

emily@lsadaptive.com