Hance to Showcase AI Audio Processing at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The Challenge of Clear Communication at High Speeds

Consider the scenario of a Formula One driver navigating a racetrack at speeds reaching 200 mph. A critical message is attempted from their engineer via radio communication. However, the transmission is unclear.

Spending valuable time clarifying the message isn't an option, especially when the race – and the driver’s safety – are at stake.

Hance: A Solution for Audio Clarity

Norwegian startup Hance is addressing this type of problem with innovative audio-processing software. This technology is remarkably compact and operates with exceptional speed.

The company has already secured notable clients, including Intel and Riedel Communications, the official radio communication provider for Formula One racing.

Hance is among the 200 startups chosen to demonstrate their technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27-29 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

Expertise Behind the Innovation

The Hance team, comprised of around 10 individuals, possesses extensive experience within the audio industry.

This includes co-founder and CEO Stian Aagedal, who also leads audio editing software firm Acon Digital, and Peder Jørgensen, the head of the sound effects library Soundly.

Leveraging AI for Superior Audio Processing

Recognizing the advancements in artificial intelligence, Aagedal, Jørgensen, and the Hance team identified an opportunity to integrate these technologies into the audio-processing workflow.

Their primary focus was on enhancing noise reduction and sound isolation capabilities.

Several years ago, they initiated the training of their own models utilizing Soundly’s extensive library of high-quality recordings, encompassing sounds ranging from Formula One engines to volcanic activity in Iceland.

Compact Models, Real-Time Performance

The resulting Hance processing models have been significantly reduced in size, now measuring only 242 kB.

This allows for on-device processing, eliminating the need for cloud-based operations and conserving both time and energy.

Hance asserts that its models can effectively separate sounds, eliminate noise, echo, and reverb, and improve speech clarity with a latency of just 10 milliseconds.

Advantages Over Existing Solutions

While other companies offer comparable audio processing software, Hance distinguishes itself through its exceptionally small and energy-efficient models.

These models enable real-time audio processing on a wide range of devices.

This capability is particularly valuable for applications like the radios utilized by Riedel in Formula One and FIFA, as well as for law enforcement and defense sectors, according to CEO Joote Hika.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Growth

Hika foresees numerous potential applications for Hance’s audio processing technology, particularly with its partnership with Intel.

Hance is collaborating with the technology leader to adapt its models for compatibility with various Intel chip versions, including their latest neural processing units.

Discussions are also underway with other chip manufacturers and an unnamed smartphone producer.

Maintaining a Competitive Edge

Hika emphasized that these professional collaborations are expected to span several years and are non-exclusive.

This arrangement supports the startup’s scalability, but he acknowledged the necessity for continuous innovation to remain competitive.

The company recently appointed its first chief commercial officer, but Hika stated that Hance will prioritize research and development, focusing on recruiting “AI-capable” personnel to maintain a streamlined operation.

“We understand that we currently hold a competitive advantage, and we are committed to sustaining it through rapid development,” he stated.

Join Us at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

To discover more about Hance – and to hear pitches from many other startups and listen to speakers on four stages – attend Disrupt, taking place October 27-29 in San Francisco.

Further details regarding tickets and pricing can be found here.