In the ever-evolving world of health tech, it often takes a personal story and a touch of brilliance to drive real innovation. Téa Phillips, founder of ATS Innovations and inventor of MetaFlex Gloves, joins Power Talk to share her entrepreneurial journey — from student engineer to health-tech entrepreneur — and how she’s transforming arthritis care through wearable innovation.
From College Concept to Market Innovation
While pursuing mechanical engineering at Tennessee Tech, Téa recognized a growing issue: many people suffering from arthritis couldn’t afford ongoing medical care. She dug deep into alternatives to medication and found that compression and grip strengthening were two of the most effective therapies.
Most importantly, no product combined both.
Enter MetaFlex: a patented, FDA-registered glove that merges compression with a unique finger-stretching resistance band system. Téa’s wearable offers strength training, stretching, and circulation support — all in one glove.
“Compression gloves existed. So did grip tools. But no one had put it all together… until MetaFlex.”
Challenges in Bringing an Invention to Life
From navigating FDA regulations to sourcing ethical manufacturers, Téa’s road to launch was far from smooth. A significant hurdle? Funding.
“The biggest barrier to innovation is money. You can have the best idea in the world, but getting it to market is a different story.”
Despite early missteps — like choosing the wrong manufacturer — she persevered. Through grants, investments, and her own resilience, MetaFlex eventually hit the market and is now helping people with arthritis, carpal tunnel, stroke recovery, and even Parkinson’s.
Product-Market Fit — and Surprising Use Cases
Though MetaFlex was built for arthritis management, Téa was pleasantly surprised to see it helping other conditions. Users have reported benefits for Dupuytren’s contracture, trigger finger, and more. She’s even brought on a Chief Clinical Officer to explore broader clinical applications.
Innovation on the Horizon
With new versions of MetaFlex launching soon, Téa is laser-focused on expanding utility while staying true to her mission: making therapy accessible. Her take on AI and wearables is grounded in practicality:
“Use AI to save time, not replace your brain.”
Rather than smart sensors, she’s focused on passive therapy you don’t have to think about. Gloves that work while you sleep. Wearables that strengthen instead of just measure.
Entrepreneurship as Personal Transformation
Téa’s path from engineer to entrepreneur wasn’t just about creating a product — it was about reshaping her mindset.
“Selling felt like manipulation at first. Now I realize: if you’re truly helping people, asking for support is service, not sales.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that innovation requires not just ideas — but the courage to ask, fail, and adapt.
MetaFlex is more than a glove — it’s a symbol of persistence, empathy, and creativity. Téa’s vision for accessible, affordable healthcare through wearable innovation is not only timely, it’s necessary.
“If you’re failing, you’re learning. That failure becomes your toolkit.”