What do you get when a passionate martial artist meets a scientific mind trained in anatomy and biomechanics? For Ashkan Joshghani, a Ghent University veterinary medicine graduate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, it led to the creation of Exoligamentz—a breakthrough in finger protection technology and a finalist in the Sport Innovation Challenge 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Bridging two worlds: medicine and martial arts
While studying veterinary medicine at Ghent University, Ashkan spent his free time practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a sport known for its high rate of finger injuries. “Most athletes rely on sports tape to protect their ligaments,” Ashkan explains. “But it’s inconvenient and unreliable—especially when you start sweating.”
Concerned about long-term damage to his hands, and what that might mean for his future as a veterinary surgeon, Ashkan began searching for an alternative. “I didn’t want to choose between my profession and my sport.”
That tension sparked an idea: what if there was a soft exoskeleton that protected fingers without restricting movement? Something that worked like a second skin—a glove, but reimagined.
From idea to impact: the birth of Exoligamentz
With foundational knowledge in anatomy and animal biomechanics, Ashkan drafted early concepts for the glove. But when it came to materials and production, he needed help. That’s when he turned to the Department of Textile Technology at Ghent University, where Professor Lieva Van Langenhove saw potential in his vision.
The collaboration led to something unique: Exoligamentz, a Ghent University spin-off. Ashkan became the first Ghent University student to secure Industrial Research Fund (IOF) support twice for the same project—a testament to both his determination and the innovation’s promise.
From prototype to global interest
The first prototype was built in 2014. Years of refinement followed—design tweaks, user testing, and rigorous trials. Now, the patented glove is in beta and drawing attention from athletes, physiotherapists, and medical professionals worldwide. All this, without any formal marketing.
“I kept a low profile to focus fully on development,” says Ashkan. “But clearly, this is something the sports world has been waiting for.”
Want to know more about Ashkan’s road from concept to prototype? We wrote a blog about Exoligamentz’s spin-off story.
Lausanne bound: representing Belgium in sports tech
Now, Ashkan is preparing to present Exoligamentz at the Sport Innovation Challenge 2025 finals on May 13 at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. He’s the only Belgian finalist, competing against entries from the UK, US, Switzerland, and Ireland.
The 5 selected finalists represent a wide range of disciplines — from biomechanics and wearables to AI, rehabilitation, and inclusive design — all united by a shared goal: making play and physical activity more engaging, sustainable, and future-ready.
Finalists will present their innovations to a live audience of global stakeholders, investors, and industry leaders at THE SPOT, ThinkSport’s flagship sport and innovation event. The challenge offers more than visibility — it opens doors to collaboration, scale, and real-world application.
Want to follow his journey or explore a potential collaboration? Visit www.exoligamentz.com or check out Ashkan’s YouTube channel for a behind-the-scenes look at the innovation in action.
At VICTORIS, we support pioneers like Ashkan—where passion meets purpose, and innovation meets impact. Have an idea that could change the future of sport? Let’s make it happen.
This blog is based on the HLN news article “Van dierenarts tot finalist bij innovatieprijs: Ashkan (32) vindt sporthandschoen uit die de vingers beschermt”. Cover photo by © Martin Corlazzoli