Bengaluru innovator’s xStep device stuns sharks with non-invasive mobility breakthrough
January 17, 2026: Shark Tank India Season 5 witnessed an emotionally charged and science-backed pitch as Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Dr. Parag Gad introduced xStep, a non-invasive mobility device designed to help people affected by paralysis and cerebral palsy. Seeking ₹1 crore for 1 per cent equity, Dr. Gad impressed the panel with the depth of his work, which is rooted in 17 years of research and is now being manufactured in India. The episode featured sharks Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, Varun Alagh, Viraj Bahl and Kunal Bahl.
Dr. Gad began his pitch with a powerful story of a two-year-old girl living with cerebral palsy, highlighting the challenges faced by nearly 25 lakh children in India. He explained that xStep, developed during his research journey that began at UCLA, helps stimulate movement without surgery and has already shown impact internationally, including among injured soldiers in Ukraine. Calling it the “next step” in mobility treatment, he emphasised the device’s potential to change lives at scale.
The highlight of the pitch came during a live demonstration, when Vineeta Singh volunteered to try the device and experienced involuntary finger movement, leaving the sharks stunned. While the panel praised the innovation as “magical” and impactful, Namita Thapar raised questions around cost, scalability and process efficiency. The episode stood out as a reminder of how long-term scientific commitment and purpose-driven innovation can create meaningful healthcare solutions.