Background and Inspiration
Antonio Forenza, formerly the head of research and development at Rakuten Symphony, recognized early on that managing stress required a novel approach. After shedding 40 pounds with the help of an Apple Watch that meticulously tracked his steps and calorie burn, Forenza began contemplating whether a similar wearable could be developed to monitor stress levels.
The Birth of a New Health Solution
Confronted with the absence of a device dedicated to stress measurement, Forenza leveraged his engineering expertise to bridge this gap in the consumer health market. His breakthrough came with the decision to adapt the century-old technology of the electroencephalogram (EEG)—traditionally used in clinical settings for diagnosing conditions such as epilepsy and sleep disorders—to track stress-inducing high-frequency beta brainwaves. Prolonged exposure to these rapid beta waves has been linked to exhaustion, insomnia, and mental strain.
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Introducing Awear
In collaboration with leading data scientists and biomedical engineers, Forenza developed Awear, a compact device designed for continuous monitoring of brainwave activity. According to Forenza, the device acts as an early warning system, alerting users before prolonged stress transitions into more serious health issues. The accompanying app not only details mood trends based on real-time data but also delivers AI-enhanced coaching to bolster emotional resilience.
Clinical Testing and Market Strategy
While preliminary trials, such as those conducted by Stanford University’s psychiatry department, are assessing Awear’s efficacy in detecting post-surgical confusion in elderly patients, Forenza’s primary goal remains to market the device to individual consumers. This approach mirrors the strategy employed by other popular wearables like the Oura Ring.
Funding and Future Growth
Awear’s innovation has already attracted significant attention in the startup ecosystem. The company recently secured a pre-seed funding round led by Hustle Fund, Niremia Collective, Techstars, and The Pitch Fund, and is preparing for a $5 million seed round in early 2026. Currently available through an early-access program, Awear is priced at $195 for early adopters—many of whom are startup founders familiar with the pressures of high-stress environments—and includes a complimentary lifetime subscription to the app. Following the seed round, Forenza plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign, a move that has proven effective for other leading wearable brands such as Peloton and Oura.
Looking Ahead
Forenza’s innovative use of EEG technology in a consumer-facing product not only offers a proactive solution for stress management but also signals a broader shift in how personal health monitoring devices can evolve. By merging traditional diagnostic technology with modern AI-driven coaching, Awear is positioned to redefine the landscape of stress management and consumer health monitoring for years to come.
