19-Year-Old CTO Leads Smartan.ai’s Global Debut at CES 2026

SUMMARY
At CES 2026, held in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9, the Indian sports technology startup Smartan.ai made a remarkable impression by unveiling its AI-powered platform aimed at injury prevention and rehabilitation. With the support of former Indian cricket coach and commentator Ravi Shastri, the company demonstrated how artificial intelligence can revolutionise sports medicine and enhance athlete performance on a global scale.
A highlight of the event was the participation of 19-year-old Sanjay Thiyagarajan, Co Founder and CTO of Smartan.ai, who emerged as one of the youngest Indian entrepreneurs to present at this prestigious technology exhibition.
CES: A Premier Stage for Innovative Breakthroughs
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is renowned as the most influential global technology showcase, attracting over 130,000 attendees from more than 150 countries. The event features top executives, investors, policymakers, and media representatives, alongside technology giants like Nvidia, Samsung, Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Intel.
With over 4,000 exhibitors and business deals amounting to nearly $300 billion annually, CES provides startups with a unique opportunity to showcase their innovations alongside established global tech leaders. For Smartan.ai, participating in CES 2026 marked a significant milestone in its international journey.
AI in Sports Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Smartan.ai’s platform leverages advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence to analyse athletes’ movements in real time. By examining biomechanics, the system
identifies improper techniques, predicts injury risks, and optimises performance before injuries can occur.
A standout feature at CES was the introduction of the company’s AI-driven rehabilitation module, designed to enhance post-injury recovery. This solution allows doctors and physiotherapists to monitor patient progress objectively and tailor recovery plans based on real-time data, moving away from subjective evaluations.
Smartan.ai asserts that this technology can greatly improve recovery outcomes while minimising the risks of re-injury.
Highlighting Indian Innovation on a Global Stage
During the event, Arunesh Raja, Co-Founder and CEO of Smartan.ai, expressed pride in being selected to showcase at CES, emphasising the significance for both the company and Indian innovation as a whole.
He remarked that presenting at CES provides an opportunity for Smartan.ai to illustrate how Indian startups can tackle global challenges in sports medicine and healthcare. The company aims to make top-tier injury prevention and training tools accessible to all, from grassroots athletes to professionals.
Addressing a Major Global Challenge
Sports injuries pose a significant global issue, with over 8.6 million injuries reported each year, leading to healthcare costs nearing $33 billion. Research indicates that nearly 80% of these injuries could be prevented through proper technique, monitoring, and training.
Smartan.ai seeks to tackle this challenge by offering real-time feedback using standard cameras, thus eliminating the need for costly wearable devices. The platform is also designed to work effectively in low-connectivity environments, a vital consideration for emerging markets like India, while ensuring ultra-low latency for real-time coaching.
Indian Technology Making Global Waves
Sanjay Thiyagarajan emphasised that Smartan.ai’s solutions were developed and tested in India before their global launch. He expressed pride in bringing Indian-engineered technology to address the challenges faced by athletes worldwide.
With its participation at CES 2026, Smartan.ai has underscored India’s expanding role in AI-driven healthcare and sports innovation, positioning itself as a key player in the swiftly evolving sports technology landscape.
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