Kalogon: Engineering the Future of Smart Seating to Transform Lives

Kalogon’s story begins with an act of ​community​​ ​that ignited a lifelong mission. In high school, Tim Balz noticed a classmate struggling to pull recycling behind his ​manual ​wheelchair. Seeing the limitations his friend faced, Tim traded his moped for a wheelchair on Craigslist, then modified it with an automatic system to meet his friend’s needs. “I realized there were so many others like him, just needing a bit of help to get by,” he recalls. This experience led Tim to start a nonprofit that refurbished and donated wheelchairs in high school, which he still operates today.

Tim’s passion for engineering took him to SpaceX, where he learned the art of disrupting established industries. However, he couldn’t shake his desire to improve lives through innovative mobility solutions. He began reaching out to top engineers he’d worked with over the years, assembling a talented team to co-found Kalogon. “I kept a list of the best engineers I’d met in my career, and when the time came, I called them up and convinced them to move to Florida to help build this,” he says. Operating out of a shared startup house, they began their work—balancing day jobs and engineering a technology that would soon change lives.

At Kalogon, every team member is deeply invested in the company’s mission to transform seating and enhance lives. “Our company culture is extremely collaborative and, above all, mission-driven,” says Tim. Kalogon’s approach is unique in that each employee has equity in the company, reflecting a shared commitment to creating products that truly serve their customers. This focus has fostered a dedicated, customer-centered environment, where employees are motivated by the impact they’re making rather than just financial outcomes.

Engineering Seating Solutions That Go Beyond Wheelchairs

Kalogon’s technology combines adaptive seating with software, allowing for tailored​, dynamic​ pressure relief and ​clinically proven to​ improv​e​ blood flow. This innovation has helped wheelchair users ​improve comfort​, and its applications extend beyond healthcare. Kalogon has secured contracts with the Air Force and is exploring opportunities in commercial aviation, automotive, and even motorcycle seating. “We’re changing the way people sit, from wheelchair users to fighter pilots,” Tim explains. This adaptability, along with a relentless focus on the needs of ​underserved​ populations, positions Kalogon at the forefront of seating innovation.

Building Kalogon has been a journey of resilience and resourcefulness. Initially operating out of a shared startup house, Tim and his co-founders bootstrapped the company while working day jobs. “I read 300 pages of local zoning laws to find a loophole that allowed us to run our business from the house,” Tim recalls. This commitment allowed Kalogon to grow on limited resources, enabling the team to secure revenue and a letter of intent from the VA. ​With support from Florida investors, ​Kalogon has ​continued to invest in its community, ​buil​ding​ its manufacturing facility in ​Melbourne​ ​and hiring from local colleges like FIT and Rollins. ​

Kalogon’s commitment to community extends beyond its innovative products. Tim Balz continues to operate the nonprofit he founded in high school, refurbishing and donating wheelchairs to those in need. Additionally, Kalogon works closely with universities and independent labs, hiring interns and collaborating with emerging talent. “We stay connected to the latest research and try to bring great minds into our team whenever possible,” Tim shares. Through active community engagement​ and a continuous feedback loop with customers​, Kalogon advances its mission to improve lives and empower those facing mobility challenges.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For Tim and his team, being selected as a GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch 2024 honoree is a testament to their hard work and impact. “This recognition means a lot—it’s external validation for the team that their work is truly making a difference,” says Tim. GrowFL’s acknowledgment provides a morale boost for the team, reaffirming the importance of Kalogon’s mission to bring life-changing technology to those who need it most. Tim’s advice to new entrepreneurs is grounded in both courage and practicality. “You have to jump in, even if you’re unsure,” he says. “Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Build a fallback plan you’re comfortable with, but don’t let fear hold you back. Even if you don’t succeed on the first try, the learning and experience are worth it—you’ll come out of it stronger and more prepared.” This perspective has helped Tim navigate Kalogon’s journey, and he encourages future entrepreneurs to embrace the unknown with confidence.