TrainSmart is an innovative biotech initiative that focuses on commercializing new toilet-training technologies and methodologies for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Our product has been successfully tested and has received significant public and private sector support. Moving forward, we are passionate and committed to creating innovative products that improve the daily lives and future opportunities of children and adults with disabilities.
Our story began at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the clinic of Dr. Daniel Mruzek, an Associate Professor
in the Department of Pediatrics, Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Dr. Mruzek’s vision was to create
products that help children with Autism overcome barriers to day-to-day living e.g. toilet training. Currently,
1 in 68 children are diagnosed with ASD every year, and yet there is no universal methodology for toilet training
these children. Dr. Mruzek joined forces with Dr. Stephen McAleavey, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
at the University of Rochester. Together, they pooled their knowledge of psychology and engineering along with
their laboratory resources to create the TrainSmart product.
As development progressed, the Autism Treatment Network awarded funding to the project for Alpha testing.
The results were very encouraging. This opened the door to funding from the National Institute of Health for
further development and a much larger beta test in collaboration with the University of Rochester, Ohio State, and
Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Mruzek is the lead inventor of the TrainSmart technology and methodology. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester’s Department of Pediatrics, Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. He earned his BS degree in Psychology from the University of Toledo, followed by a Master’s and PhD from the Ohio State University. Dr. Mruzek’s primary focus is Autism Spectrum Disorders. He and his staff work closely with many children and families to develop effective solutions for the challenges they face.
Dr. McAleavey is a co-inventor of the TrainSmart technology and methodology. He is currently an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering. He earned his BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester, where he also received his PhD. He was a postdoctoral research associate in Biomedical Engineering at Duke. In 2004, he joined the faculty of the Biomedical Engineering department at Rochester. Dr. McAleavey provides valuable experience and expertise in developing new products and patents.
Entrepreneurship students in the VentureWorks incubator at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo decided to explore the market prospects of the technology. Here, under the leadership of a student management team, including David Morris, Susanna Huang, Logan Calvey, Brett Turner, and Ishtyaq Habib, the project was branded and prepared for market introduction. Under their direction, TrainSmart gained a clear direction and solid identity. Because of their efforts, the team was awarded a first prize win at the New York State Business Plan Competition to further propel the the technology towards commercialization.
Our team continues to develop highly valuable partnerships. Currently a beta test is underway both in clinical settings at three universities and commercial settings, such as regional day care centers and advocacy organizations. Full market introduction and commercial availability is expected in 2016.
The TrainSmart team would like to gratefully acknowledge the support we have received from
