HeadStrait Labs develops EVAC-1, a compact head-and-neck stabilization splint, and SMARTmotion, a sensor-enabled technology and analytics dashboard intended to monitor patient movement and improve stabilization during transport. EVAC-1 is designed for two-responder application and for use in ambulances, athletic settings, interfacility transport and rural response environments. The company’s work is informed by clinical research and provider testing, including pilots with UPMC, and it is advised by emergency medicine physician Dr. Leonard Weiss. Early clinical validation studies showed 79% of patients preferred EVAC-1 over a standard cervical collar. Founded in 2023 and based in Pittsburgh, HeadStrait has raised more than $680,000 in combined investments and grants following a $350,000 lead investment from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The company plans to use recent funds for manufacturing readiness, further product development, and building regional partnerships with EMS and health providers.

Total raised

$0M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jul 2026