Ann Arbor startup celebrates statewide collaboration that helped bring a first-of-its-kind vehicle assistive mobility solution to market.
Cargility, an Ann Arbor-based mobility startup developing a patented portable assistive device for vehicle entry and exit, today announced the public reveal of its product and the opening of pre-sale orders at the Ann Arbor SPARK Startup Spotlight the evening of August 18th.
Cargility’s patented assistive mobility device provides continuous door-to-floor support during vehicle entry and exit without vehicle modifications. This portable weight bearing device deploys easily, folds compactly for storage, and fits most passenger vehicles. This innovative mechanical technology helps older adults, people recovering from injury or surgery, people with mobility or disabilities that impact their balance enter and exit vehicles with greater confidence and independence. Cargility also helps reduce the physical strain experienced by family and professional caregivers and assisting drivers that support them.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to approach 80 million by 2040, increasing the demand for solutions that help people remain independent and mobile. One of the most overlooked mobility challenges remains getting into and out of a vehicle. Today, many people rely on vehicle door frames, canes, walkers, or the arm of a caregiver or loved one to get into and out of a vehicle. As America’s population continues to age and more people choose to age in place, the need for practical mobility solutions continues to grow. Helping people get from their driveway to their destination supports independence, access to everyday essentials, and the freedom to stay connected to the people and places that matter most.
To celebrate the launch, Cargility will officially unveil its patented assistive mobility device during the Ann Arbor SPARK Startup Spotlight on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Attendees will hear the company’s journey from family inspiration to patented innovation, experience live product demonstrations, meet the founders and partners behind the technology, connect with leaders from Michigan’s mobility, healthcare, accessibility, startup, and economic development communities, and have the opportunity to pre-order the device before its general release.
“This milestone represents far more than the launch of a new product,” said Praveena Ramaswami, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cargility. “Southeast Michigan’s economic development and mobility innovation ecosystem helped us transform an idea into a company and now a product ready for market. Ann Arbor SPARK has played a pivotal role in that journey, connecting us with the resources, partnerships, and entrepreneurial guidance that helped move our invention from concept to commercialization. This product is the result of an entire community believing that accessible mobility matters.”
Through the highly competitive Michigan Office of Future Mobility & Electrification (OFME) Testing and Validation Grant, Cargility partnered with the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, Detroit Disability Power, Spark Access, NextEnergy, Escalent and numerous community organizations to conduct comprehensive real-world testing with people representing a diverse range of mobility needs and lived experiences.
“OFME’s grant programs help innovative companies develop, test and deploy technologies that have the potential to improve transportation while growing Michigan’s economy,” said Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer at the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. “Supporting Cargility through independent testing and validation helped the company gather valuable data and user insights to strengthen its product and move toward commercialization. It’s a great example of how Michigan can support mobility innovation from development through deployment.”
Participants evaluated the device across multiple vehicle types with varying mobility needs during a third-party product evaluation of usability, functionality, comfort, and overall user experience conducted by Escalent, an independent, global, market research and advisory firm headquartered in Michigan. The findings validated both the technology, and the market need while informing final design refinements ahead of production launch.
“Testing the engineering behind the product is important, but the people’s responses were the real validation,” said Meera Ramaswami, Founder, Inventor, and Chief Technology Officer of Cargility. “Hearing older adults, caregivers, rehabilitation professionals, and people with disabilities tell us this could make a meaningful difference gives us the confidence to move from development to commercialization. Their experiences and feedback helped shape the final product every step of the way.”
Join Cargility and its partners for a public event showcasing innovation and collaboration. Advance registration is required, and space is limited.
Event Details
Ann Arbor SPARK Startup Spotlight featuring Cargility
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Ann Arbor SPARK Central Innovation Center
330 E. Liberty Street, Lower Level, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Registration: https://annarborusa.org/event/ann-arbor-spark-startup-spotlight-cargility/
About Cargility
Cargility is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based startup developing a patented portable door-to-floor assistive mobility device that provides greater stability during vehicle entry and exit. Designed for older adults, people recovering from injury or surgery, individuals with mobility or balance challenges, and the caregivers who support them, Cargility helps people move with greater confidence, independence, and dignity. The company’s mission is to make transportation more accessible through innovative mobility solutions that help people stay connected to the people, places, and experiences that matter most. Step Into Stability with Cargility. Follow on social media @Cargility Pre-order and Learn more at Cargility.com.
