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When third-year computer science student Sanjay Thiyagarajan suffered a sports injury that ended his playing days, he didn’t see it as the end of his athletic journey—he saw an opportunity to prevent others from experiencing the same thing. What began as a personal setback soon evolved into : an artificial intelligence startup dedicated to injury prevention and smarter training.

“I realized my injury wasn’t spontaneous, it developed over time,” recalled Thiyagarajan, who now serves as Smartan’s co-founder and chief technology officer. “I noticed the same thing happening to my teammates, and I started thinking: Why not find a way to analyze your form so you can prevent serious injuries before they happen?”

Smartan’s AI system uses visual sensors to monitor a user’s workout, analyzing posture, repetitions and weight metrics to provide instant feedback on form. Over time, the system also accounts for factors such as prior injuries or medical conditions—like high blood pressure or diabetes—tailoring recommendations to each person’s needs.

At CWRU, Thiyagarajan found both inspiration and support to refine Smartan’s vision. Conversations with medical students helped him recognize that the technology could benefit not only athletes who are training, but also those recovering from injuries. That realization expanded Smartan’s focus to include rehabilitation—a development strengthened by CWRU’s proximity to the Cleveland Clinic, where Thiyagarajan connected with healthcare professionals and researchers working on similar challenges.

Today, Smartan is developing a user-friendly app designed for athletes, patients and fitness enthusiasts alike. “It’s going to be easy to navigate,” he explained. “Anyone can use it—whether you’re in a gym, at home or in a rehab center.”

In just a few years, Thiyagarajan—along with Smartan co-founder and CEO Arunesh Raja—have raised seed funding, built a team of 12 engineers across India and the U.S., and filed for a patent. 

Though he’s quick to acknowledge he’s still learning, Thiyagarajan believes being a student while building a business gives him a unique advantage. “Being a student is actually a strength,” he said. “I get to apply what I’m learning in class to my company in real time. It’s the perfect balance between theory and practice.”

In addition to what he’s learned through his courses, Thiyagarajan credits much of his growth to the support and guidance he’s received from faculty, staff and other students at the university. 

"When I started off, I think I lacked a lot of knowledge and wisdom,” he said. “People like Michael Goldberg at the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, my advisor Steven Scherger and even conversations with medical students have helped me so much. Being at CWRU has been pivotal."

While the company’s roots are in India, where it will launch first, Thiyagarajan hopes to expand globally, with a goal of democratizing advanced training typically reserved for elite athletes or those who can afford personal trainers.
 
“If you’re privileged enough to have a personal trainer, you already get this kind of feedback,” he said. “But for millions of people who can’t afford that level of support, Smartan can provide professional-grade insights that help them train safely and effectively.”

Over the next several years, Smartan plans to expand into thousands of gyms, sports academies and rehabilitation centers, and to become a trusted resource that can guide users through every stage of physical health—from preventing injuries to supporting recovery. 

“Our goal is not just to help people recover,” Thiyagarajan said, “but to help them never get hurt in the first place.”