IRAP impacts: Stoko Design

December 03, 2025 - Vancouver, British Columbia

Building the future of mobility through innovation and impact

An injury can be a major setback—especially for athletes, who rely on their strength and mobility. After experiencing these challenges first-hand, the founders of Vancouver-based apparel company Stoko Design set out to help people get back to being active again, and staying active for as long as possible. They've built medical-grade knee-braces right into performance apparel, creating a whole new category of supportive apparel. Designed to help minimize pain, overcome injuries and increase confidence, the products Stoko creates are designed to get people back to doing what they love —and feeling stronger and more supported every step of the way.

The challenge

Stoko's initial concept was sparked by the founders' frustration with the limitations of traditional knee braces and their desire for something better. Founder and CEO Zack Eberwein teamed up with 2 friends to invent a completely new type of joint support. What began as a simple mission to build a better knee brace quickly evolved into something much bigger: creating an entirely new consumer category. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, they faced early challenges due to limited knowledge in product development, commercialization, and how to navigate the path from concept to market.

How we helped

Support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) helped Stoko successfully transition from concept to commercialization. While obtaining funding to design and develop their innovative product was essential, bringing it to market presented an entirely different set of challenges. Their NRC IRAP industrial technology advisor brought together expert guidance on critical aspects such as market research, manufacturing, regulatory requirements and sales strategies—guidance that proved invaluable. This enabled Stoko to establish a dedicated R&D facility and assemble a skilled team, allowing them to launch the first generation of their product.

Early R&D funding

Since 2017, NRC IRAP has provided Stoko with advisory services and funding to support research and development projects that have helped make it possible for them to develop and successfully commercialize their innovative products. In this time, Stoko has grown significantly, from 3 founders in 2017 to 25 staff in 2023, with a 4,300 square foot office, warehouse and R&D facility in Vancouver.

Advice and connections

NRC IRAP helped Stoko carry out a market analysis, develop a strategy for commercial expansion and make key contacts in the industry.

Business innovation

NRC IRAP funding helped Stoko improve its go-to-market strategy by testing new ways to reach customers, increase year-round demand, and strengthen multi-channel outreach – building a repeatable, scalable system to support future growth.

Fresh ideas and perspectives

Funding through the NRC IRAP Youth Employment Program made it possible for Stoko to bring in new talent to work on business development activities and technical projects. One of these activities included the development of an innovative marketing and brand strategy to support their product launch.

Safeguarding IP

Through its IP Assist initiative, NRC IRAP helped Stoko connect with experts in intellectual property. This support helped the company construct a robust IP portfolio and build stronger safeguards arounds its inventions.

Exploring expansion to new markets

Stoko's participation in NRC IRAP's international co-innovation action program allowed them to develop an international expansion strategy and benefit from expert advice on how to engage with and enter new global markets.

"The support from our industrial technology advisor was one of the most crucial factors in Stoko's early growth. As a young company, we lacked the expertise and funding necessary to commercialize a new technology and bring our vision to life. Our advisor's deep understanding of our business and clear direction encouraged us to focus our efforts and make informed, confident decisions in the early stages."
— Zack Eberwein, CEO, Stoko Design