OU senior named SEC Start Up finalist for gamified rehab app

University of Oklahoma senior Mohamed Elgouhari has been named a finalist in the Southeastern Conference’s Start Up competition, a prestigious pitch event spotlighting entrepreneurial student-athletes.

Elgouhari, a pre-med major and former OU wrestler, was selected for his app, Gametime Rehab, a digital tool designed to improve rehab adherence among injured athletes through gamification.

From Injury to Innovation

Elgouhari's inspiration for the app came from personal experience and observation as a college athlete.

“Injuries suck. You know, they happen all the time and they happen to every athlete at some point,” Elgouhari said. “But rehab also sucks. It’s not just the injury that happens, and that’s it. You have to go through rehab and this long process, and it’s hard to stay motivated.”

The concept behind Gametime Rehab is simple: make recovery more engaging. The app uses progress tracking, personalized support and game-like elements to encourage athletes to stick to their rehabilitation routines.

“I’ve lived it. I’ve seen my teammates live it. And it’s a problem across the board,” he said.

Support from OU Business and Athletics

Elgouhari developed the app through Start-Up OU, a 12-week accelerator program offered by the OU Price College of Business. He credits the program and mentorship from faculty and staff with helping him turn his idea into a viable business.

“I had an idea, but I didn’t know how to make it a reality or turn it into a business,” Elgouhari said. “I’m not a business student; I’m a scientist. Their guidance, mentorship and willingness to connect me to resources are why I’m here.”

The app is currently in its prototyping and testing phase, with plans for pilot testing this fall. Elgouhari is actively seeking partnerships with athletic programs and physical therapy clinics.

Interested parties can connect via www.gametimerehab.com.

Spotlight on the SEC Stage

The SEC Start Up competition was filmed at conference headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, and will air nationally on the SEC Network on July 14. Finalists will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges with awards ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.

“Really happy and grateful to be representing OU and representing OU wrestling,” Elgouhari said. “It was such a cool experience… to fly out to Birmingham… see what it’s like to film a TV show and all the things that come with live production.”

This year’s other finalists represent Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss and Texas A&M.

Looking Ahead

As he enters his final year at OU, Elgouhari is focused on both the app and his future in medicine. He recently submitted his medical school applications and plans to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery, with a continued emphasis on innovation in health care.

“I want to be an orthopedic surgeon, continue to build in medical innovation, continue to be someone who wants to push medicine forward using technology,” he said. “All these early learning experiences have been very helpful and just grateful.”