Brain Fitbit: Startup Tackles Chronic Stress with Wearable Tech

Addressing Stress with Innovative Technology: The Story of Awear

Antonio Forenza, formerly the head of research and development at Rakuten Symphony – a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate – identified a personal need for effective stress management techniques.

Having previously achieved a 40-pound weight loss through the use of an Apple Watch, which monitored activity and caloric expenditure, Forenza began to consider whether a comparable device could be developed to evaluate stress levels.

“My goal was to alleviate stress, equivalent to losing 40 pounds, and I discovered a lack of existing wearable technology designed for this purpose,” Forenza explained to TechCrunch.

The Genesis of Awear

This realization sparked an idea. Leveraging his engineering expertise, Forenza resolved to create a device utilizing a well-established technology: the electroencephalogram (EEG). This method detects and measures the electrical activity occurring within the brain.

While EEG is commonly employed in clinical settings for diagnosing conditions like epilepsy and sleep disturbances, it also possesses the capability to identify psychological stress. This is achieved by measuring beta waves – high-frequency brainwaves. Prolonged, consistent beta wave activity can contribute to exhaustion, insomnia, and psychological distress.

Forenza assembled a team of data scientists and biomedical engineers to bring his vision to life, resulting in the development of Awear.

How Awear Works

Awear is a compact device designed to be worn behind the ear, enabling continuous brainwave monitoring. The collected data is then transmitted to a companion app.

This app provides users with insights into their emotional state and delivers AI-driven coaching to aid in stress management and enhance emotional fortitude.

“The human brain is remarkably adept at self-regulation, often leading individuals to underestimate their stress levels,” Forenza noted. “Occasional activation of the ‘fight or flight’ response is natural. However, chronic engagement in this state can result in persistent stress, depression, and anxiety.”

Forenza asserts that Awear empowers users to proactively address and mitigate excessive stress before it manifests into adverse health consequences.

Recognition and Future Plans

Awear was recognized as a finalist in the Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, ultimately winning the health category pitch competition.

Currently, Stanford University’s psychiatry department is evaluating the device’s potential in detecting confusion and disorientation in elderly patients following surgical procedures.

However, Forenza’s primary objective remains the direct sale of Awear to individual consumers, mirroring the strategies employed by companies like Oura ring.

The company successfully completed a pre-seed funding round earlier this year, with participation from Hustle Fund, Niremia Collective, Techstars, and The Pitch Fund. Plans are underway to secure a $5 million seed round in early 2026.

Availability and Launch Strategy

At present, Awear is accessible exclusively through its early-access program.

The device is offered to early adopters – a demographic that notably includes numerous startup founders, a group often experiencing high levels of stress – for $195. This price includes a lifetime subscription to the accompanying app.

Following the seed funding round, Awear intends to launch a Kickstarter campaign, a strategy previously utilized by companies such as Peloton and Oura. “This approach has proven successful for many other wearables, providing significant visibility and a valuable customer acquisition channel,” Forenza stated.