Secretary Blinken Announces USAID Grant to Ukrainian Prosthetic Producer Esper Bionics

During his visit to Kyiv on May 15, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is awarding a $150,000 grant to Esper Bionics, a Kyiv-based company specializing in the development and production of innovative robotic limbs. This funding is projected to create 20 new jobs, increase sales by $2 million over the next year, and fuel the company’s continued growth.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a significant rise in upper limb amputations, driving a substantial increase in the demand for prosthetics. Esper Bionics, with its headquarters in New York and R&D and manufacturing based in Kyiv, is a recognized engineering company that has been at the forefront of developing advanced bionic prosthetics, including the world’s first AI-powered prosthetic hand. The USAID grant will enable the company to enhance its manufacturing capabilities by integrating new accounting software and high-precision manufacturing equipment, such as lathe machines and measurement devices. These upgrades will allow Esper Bionics to better meet the growing demand for their life-changing products.

The USAID grant exemplifies the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery and aiding individuals directly affected by the conflict. By investing in small and medium-sized businesses like Esper Bionics, the US is not only contributing to the Ukrainian economy but also fostering technological advancements that have the potential to benefit people with limb differences worldwide.