GearEx - Your Digital Guardian, Powered by AI : Ivan Grishkin

Today, we sit with Mr. Ivan Grishkin, founder and CEO of GearEx. Along with his co-founder and CTO, Mr. Sergey Ivanov, and COO, Mr. Vyacheslav Svalov, Ivan leads a team dedicated to enhancing workplace safety through innovative AI-powered wearable technology. Together, they are committed to developing solutions that monitor well-being and prevent accidents in high-risk environments.
TFS: Welcome to TFS, Ivan! We are eager to learn more about GearEx and how it is enhancing workplace safety.
Ivan Grishkin: Thank you for having me! I am excited to share our work with you.
TFS: Let’s discuss the early days. What was the inspiration behind GearEx, and how did it all come together?
Ivan Grishkin: Of course. The inspiration for GearEx came from a deeply personal experience. I lost a colleague who was also a close friend. Despite all the advanced safety measures in place, he did not make it. For years, I could not shake off the feeling that more could have been done. This was when I realised the need for a personal “guardian angel” for every worker—an AI solution that could actively monitor their wellbeing, alert them to potential dangers, and call for help when necessary.
This vision, coupled with my own experiences in high-risk environments, drove the creation of GearEx. I saw the opportunity to merge wearable technology with AI to address the gaps in real-time safety measures. What began as a distant dream is now becoming a reality, thanks to advancements in biometrics, stress monitoring, and AI. This mission is very close to my heart, and I am dedicated to ensuring no one else has to experience such a loss. Together with my co-founder and CTO, Sergey Ivanov, we set out to make GearEx a life-saving tool for those who need it most.
TFS: Can you elaborate on the specific features and functionalities of the GearEx Health and Safety IoT Platform, and how it proactively addresses workplace safety risks?
Ivan Grishkin: Absolutely. Imagine being able to monitor the health and safety of employees in real-time, especially during their day-to-day routine activities and mission-critical duties. GearEx allows for the measurement of vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and stress levels, along with monitoring for any heart dysfunction.
One of the standout aspects of GearEx is its proactive approach to safety. It is designed not just to monitor but to predict and prevent potentially unsafe situations, enabling rapid response to incidents when they occur. This all-in-one wearable device was created to significantly reduce the risks associated with health and safety-related incidents.
Drawing from a wealth of industry knowledge, proven expertise in health and safety, artificial intelligence, and electronics R&D, GearEx represents an innovative solution in this space. It aims to enhance business production uptime, improve operational efficiency, and boost employee productivity and satisfaction—all while reducing workers’ compensation insurance costs. It truly is the future of the digital health and safety market, and it is available now.
At its core, the GearEx Health and Safety IoT Platform features a biometric wristband that focuses on early prevention and mitigation of health and safety risks. This wristband can monitor heart rate and its variability, blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, physical activity patterns, and even the location of employees on-site.
Additionally, it is equipped with a SoS alarm button, allowing for voice communication with a dispatcher. The embedded algorithms and machine learning models within the device are designed to differentiate and assess various conditions and circumstances. For instance, they can identify fatigue, distress, intoxication, fluctuations in blood pressure, myocardial infarctions, falls, and impacts.
In essence, GearEx acts like a safety buddy—always with you, taking care and looking after your wellbeing.
TFS: I am sure you might have faced some challenges, particularly in overcoming the challenge of developing on-chip AI models for health assessment. Could you share what those challenges were and how you addressed them?
Ivan Grishkin: You are right; we did face significant technical challenges in integrating pre-trained health models into a compact wearable device. One of the main obstacles was achieving the computational power required for real-time analysis while keeping power consumption low. To tackle this, we optimised our AI algorithms for edge computing, which helped reduce their memory footprint and processing needs. We also collaborated closely with hardware designers to develop a custom chip that could support AI-driven health assessments without relying on a constant cloud connection. It was quite a journey, but it all came together in the end.
TFS: How does GearEx manage the challenge of balancing immediate response and privacy while minimising cloud reliance?
Ivan Grishkin: That is a great question. Privacy is incredibly important to us, as we understand the sensitivity of health information. By minimising our reliance on the cloud, we can enhance that privacy even further. At GearEx, we utilise edge computing to analyse data directly on the device, significantly reducing the need to transmit sensitive information to external servers. We only send critical alerts or aggregated, anonymised data when absolutely necessary. This on-device analysis not only keeps our users’ data secure but also allows for rapid responses in emergencies.
TFS: Your commitment to privacy is commendable. Could you elaborate on how you collaborated with medical experts to create life-saving features for GearEx?
Ivan Grishkin: At GearEx, we teamed up with cardiologists, neurologists, and stress management specialists to enhance our health monitoring features. We focused on understanding the signs of stress and cardiovascular issues through in-depth research. By merging their expertise with our AI technology, we developed a system that can identify early warning signs of serious health problems, ensuring timely alerts for quick responses.

TFS: How does GearEx ensure accuracy and timeliness of hazard alerts in dynamic environments, particularly in high-risk situations?
Ivan Grishkin: GearEx combines sensors, AI, and machine learning to monitor both environmental and physiological data in real time. The system learns from new data continuously, helping to improve the accuracy of its predictions. In high-risk environments, such as construction sites and mines, GearEx can swiftly detect and alert workers to potential dangers. It is designed to process data rapidly, ensuring that alerts are timely, even in unpredictable situations.
TFS: How do the innovations in GearEx enable it to operate autonomously in mission-critical scenarios, particularly in areas with limited connectivity?
Ivan Grishkin: The autonomous operation of GearEx in areas with limited connectivity is possible thanks to the combination of advanced AI and smart battery management. The device’s AI is capable of making decisions on its own without relying on external inputs. We have also focused on making the device energy efficient so it can operate for long periods, even in challenging conditions. Moreover, we have developed a unique communication protocol that allows GearEx devices to form a mesh network, enabling them to communicate with each other directly. This makes the system far more reliable, even in remote or unpredictable environments.
TFS: That is great. How does GearEx ensure clear two-way communication in challenging environments, especially when connectivity may be difficult to maintain?
Ivan Grishkin: GearEx relies on a combination of communication channels, such as long-range radio frequencies and satellite connections, to maintain two-way communication in places where signal is usually a problem, like remote or underground environments. You see, we have also added noise cancellation technology and adaptive transmission protocols. This means that even in areas with high interference or a lot of background noise, communication stays clear and reliable. It is all about making sure, no matter the conditions, that the message gets through, right?
TFS: Of course. Could you explain how GearEx is enhancing safety with indoor navigation precision?
Ivan Grishkin: Absolutely. You see, GearEx’s indoor navigation achieves an impressive 1–2-meter accuracy thanks to ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. This kind of precision is really important in complex spaces, like multi-level construction sites or even underground facilities, where knowing exactly where workers are can make a life-saving difference. The system does more than just track locations, though. It also ties into safety protocols, so in an emergency, it can guide workers straight to the nearest exit or safe zone. It is all about keeping everyone safe and informed.
TFS: How does GearEx utilise AI for real-time stress and fatigue assessment?
Ivan Grishkin: GearEx’s AI monitors several important biomarkers, like heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and movement patterns, all in real-time. This way, it can keep track of stress and fatigue levels effectively. When it picks up on early signs of these issues, it can send alerts to both the worker and their supervisors. This is really beneficial because it allows for preventive actions, such as rotating tasks, offering breaks, or even suggesting relaxation techniques. The ultimate goal is to prevent accidents caused by exhaustion. By doing so, we help ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy on the job.
TFS: Can you provide a real-life example of how the SOS button works in action?
Ivan Grishkin: Of course. I will never forget an incident involving a worker in a remote mining site who activated the SOS button after sustaining an injury. With no cellular coverage available, the signal was sent through GearEx’s mesh network to the nearest hub. This quick action prompted an immediate response from the emergency team. Thanks to the rapid alert, they were able to reach the worker in time and provide critical care, which ultimately prevented a potential fatality. It really shows how vital this system can be in emergency situations.

TFS: How does GearEx provide flexibility in integrating with external systems?
Ivan Grishkin: GearEx has an open architecture that makes it easy to integrate with existing safety management platforms and IoT systems. This flexibility allows companies to tailor their safety protocols to fit specific needs, such as connecting with smart helmets or automated emergency response systems. We are also looking forward to potential partnerships with medical institutions, which could facilitate continuous health monitoring and early intervention systems on a larger scale. The goal is to create a safer and more responsive environment for everyone involved.
TFS: What were some of the early challenges you faced when founding GearEx, and how did you overcome them?
Ivan Grishkin: One of the biggest early obstacles was securing the right talent and funding. Building a team with expertise in AI, hardware, and medical technology took time, and convincing investors of the need for such a specialised product was no easy task. We overcame this by demonstrating the potential impact through pilot programs and collaborating closely with early adopters to refine the product. Having a strong leadership team, including our COO, Mr. Vyacheslav Svalov, was essential for navigating these challenges effectively.
TFS: What were the major milestones that shaped GearEx’s success?
Ivan Grishkin: The first big breakthrough for us was when we signed a partnership with a leading construction firm. This gave us the opportunity to test our device in real-world environments, which was incredibly valuable. Then, another significant moment came when we received FDA approval for our health monitoring features. That really validated our technology and opened up new avenues for partnerships, especially in healthcare and industrial safety. It has been an exciting journey so far.
TFS: How do you stay motivated in the face of challenges while working on GearEx?
You know, every setback is really just a learning opportunity in disguise. I often hear from our users about how GearEx has saved lives or helped prevent accidents, and that genuinely keeps me going. When you focus on the mission of making workplaces safer, it is easier to tackle the technical or logistical challenges that come your way. After all, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
TFS: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the safety and technology sectors?
Ivan Grishkin: My advice is simple: stay passionate about tackling real-world problems and be patient during the development journey. The safety industry is quite regulated, so getting a product to market can take a while. It is all about building partnerships with experts, conducting thorough testing, and keeping your approach flexible. You see, even the best ideas need time to mature. Remember, Rome was not built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour!
TFS: Could you describe a typical day in your life as an entrepreneur?
Ivan Grishkin: A typical day as an entrepreneur begins early; as I like to say, “the early bird gets the deals.” I always check in with my team, whether that involves discussing progress or tackling issues we are facing in product development. Much of my day consists of meetings, planning, and revisiting the technological and safety standards we aim to advance. I also set aside time to think about our customers—how to make their work safer and how to keep improving our product. By the end of the day, I find myself constantly re-evaluating our goals to ensure we are on track to achieve them. After all, progress is just another name for ‘refining the plan.
TFS: How do you stay motivated and driven in your entrepreneurial journey, especially during tough times?
Ivan Grishkin: During tough times, I remind myself of why I started this journey: to prevent tragedies like the one I went through with my colleague. I know that for every hurdle we face, the outcome could save lives, protect workers, and bring peace to their families. That mission alone keeps me motivated. Plus, the rapid progress in technology inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
TFS: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own business?
Ivan Grishkin: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs would be finding a mission that you deeply care about, something that will keep you going even when times are tough. Always be prepared to pivot when needed, but never lose sight of your core vision. Surround yourself with a team that believes in your mission as much as you do, and don’t be afraid of scepticism—if you’re committed to your goal, you can prove the doubters wrong over time.
TFS: What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur for you?
Ivan Grishkin: The most rewarding aspect has been seeing the tangible progress toward our goal of improving worker safety. Knowing that one day no worker will enter a dangerous environment without their own AI-powered guardian buddy gives me immense satisfaction. While I can’t bring my colleague back, I can help ensure thousands of others return home safely to their loved ones.
TFS: Suppose one of our readers is interested in your product by GearEx. How can they get in touch with you or your team?
Ivan Grishkin: Anyone wanting to learn more about our product can easily reach us through our website or via email at https://www.gearex.ae/#contacts. We are also active on social media, where we share updates about our progress and product innovations. You can find us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearex/?viewAsMember=true. We welcome collaboration, feedback, and any questions. Do not hesitate to get in touch anytime!
TFS: Thank you, Ivan, for sharing your insights with us today. It has been enlightening to hear about GearEx and its impact on safety.
Ivan Grishkin: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our mission at GearEx. It is always exciting to share how we are making a difference.