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V O L . X X I X N O. V ยง 2 M A R C H 6 , 2 0 2 3 10 S TA R T U P S F O C U S M edRhythms is a Port- land-based digital health startup that uses sensors, software and music to help restore ner vous system functioning and walking ability. e founders wanted to find a way to improve people's quality of life. How it started Brian Harris, the co-founder and CEO of MedRhythms, is a cer- tified neurologic music therapist. He created and implemented the first full-time, inpatient neurologic music therapy program at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, specializing in traumatic brain injury, stroke and neurologic disease. He also co-founded the arts and neurosci- ence group at the American Con- gress of Rehabilitation Medicine. "I have always loved music and knew that it would be a big part of my life, but I knew that music educa- tion or focusing just on performance was not for me," says Harris. In 2015, the business was founded by Harris and Owen McCarthy. e MedRhythms platform is based on neuroscience and clinical research indi- cating that music improves functional outcomes in neurologic rehabilitation by globally engaging the brain. Specif- ically, rhythm can engage the auditory system, generating motor responses and aiding in structural changes in the brain through neuroplasticity. In 2016, the company moved its headquarters from Boston to Port- land. It is located at 183 Middle St. " We cared about Maine and wanted to build an iconic company here. We had great support from the ecosystem and from the state of Maine to do so," says Harris. Early on, the MedRhythms was helped by grants from the Maine Technology Institute, investment from Maine Venture Fund and Finance Authority of Maine programming. "It is a great place to live and work," says Harris. "It also attracts great people wanting to work here." A recent breakthrough MedRhythms recently completed a study that revealed music could have an enhanced quality of life for those with Parkinson's disease. e feasibil- ity study showed positive results in treating changes in regular walking patterns, also known as gait deficits, which are often related to a disease The healing power of music MedRhythms helps people using sensors, neuroscience, and music B y A l e x i s W e l l s F I L E P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R Brian Harris, co-founder of MedRhythms, is a certified neurologic music therapist.