---
title: About OptimalPSI | ETH Zürich Spine Implant Spin-off
description: Learn how OptimalPSI grew from ETH Zürich research into a spin-off building patient-specific spinal implants that aim to reduce subsidence.
image: https://optimalpsi.com/hubfs/OptimalPSI_Logo_social_media.jpg
---
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2. OptimalPSI | About
# Our Mission: Tackling Subsidence in Degenerative Spine Patients
OptimalPSI develops patient-specific, optimized, spinal fusion implants designed with the aim to reduce subsidence and improve outcomes.
## The Clinical Challenge We're Solving
Subsidence, when an implant sinks into the vertebral endplates, affects a substantial number of spinal fusion patients, potentially causing post-operative pain and extended recovery1. In worst cases, it requires revision surgery2. Off-the-shelf implants follow a one-geometry-fits-all approach that cannot account for individual bone shape and quality3.
Founder credibility
## From Academic Breakthrough to Clinical Impact
OptimalPSI's technology originated during Dr. Thijs Smit's PhD research at ETH Zürich's Laboratory for Orthopaedic Technology under Prof. Stephen Ferguson. Working alongside leading spine surgeon PD Dr. med. Daniel Haschtmann at Schulthess Klinik, the team developed a proprietary optimization algorithm that could finally address subsidence risk.
Today, the OptimalPSI team combines Dr. Smit's computational expertise with Wolfgang Rubin's 15+ years of medical device engineering experience (including multiple successful spinal implant product launches) and Bertrand Hughes' MedTech leadership, with continued scientific guidance from Prof. Ferguson and clinical advisors PD Dr. med. Haschtmann and Dr. Rahul V. Shah (Premier Orthopaedic Associates, USA).
In 2024, OptimalPSI secured an Innosuisse grant, and in 2025, won Venture Kick Stage 3, licensed the core IP from ETH Zürich, and became an official ETH Spin-off, validating both our technology and commercialization strategy.
[Meet Our Team →](https://optimalpsi.com/team?hsLang=en)
## Our Values
Three core principles guide every decision we make:
Focused Innovation
We innovate where it matters most, concentrating our efforts on solving the specific clinical problems that traditional approaches cannot address.
Entrepreneurial Energy
We act with urgency, ownership, and a builder's mindset, constantly pushing forward and embracing challenges as opportunities.
Caring
We place patients and clinicians at the center of what we do, striving to improve outcomes and experiences.
Our Vision
A future where every degenerative spine patient can benefit from patient-specific, optimized implant solutions that support living a life to the fullest.
### Meet Our Team
Learn about the scientists, engineers, and clinicians advancing OptimalPSI's technology from research to commercialization.
[View Team Bios →](https://optimalpsi.com/team?hsLang=en)
### Review the Science
See the peer-reviewed publications and biomechanical testing that validate our subsidence prevention approach.
[View Pre-Clinical Evidence →](https://optimalpsi.com/evidence?hsLang=en)
Patient-specific, optimized spinal fusion implants. An official ETH Zürich spin-off.
Quick links
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\* In-Silico medical device testing: Smit et al. (2024). Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 12, 1347961.
\*\* Pre-clinical computational modeling: Smit et al. (2024). Journal of Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 159, 106695.
\*\*\* Ex-vivo biomechanical testing: Du et al. (2026). NASSJ, 26, 100890.
¹ Parisien et al. (2022). Subsidence of Spinal Fusion Cages: A Systematic Review. Table 6. Occurrence of subsidence per TLIF method considering >2 mm migration of the cage in the endplate.
² Carlson et al. (2020). Prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia diagnosed using quantitative CT in 296 consecutive lumbar fusion patients.
³ Godolias et al. (2023). Cage subsidence — A multifactorial matter!
Published clinical literature references available upon request.
OptimalPSI's patient-specific optimized TLIF implants are investigational. They have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and do not hold CE marking. They are not available for sale in any market. Statements regarding performance are based on pre-clinical data; clinical performance has not been established.
© 2026 OptimalPSI AG. All rights reserved. Website version 2026.01.
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