New Brainwave Wearable Aims to Help Users Shed 40 Pounds of Stress

A new wearable device promises to manage stress by reading your brainwaves. The device, called Awear, is worn behind the ear like a small earbud. It was developed by former telecom R&D head Antonio Forenza. He aims to bring clinical brain monitoring technology directly to consumers.

Forenza was inspired by his own experience using a fitness tracker for weight loss. He realized there was no equivalent tool for measuring mental strain. His company recently closed a pre-seed funding round and won a health pitch competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

From Clinical EEG to Consumer Wellness

The core technology is the electroencephalogram, or EEG. This method measures electrical activity in the brain. It has been used in medicine for over a century to diagnose conditions like epilepsy.

Awear repurposes this tech to detect psychological stress. It specifically monitors high-frequency beta brain waves. Persistent beta wave activity is linked to exhaustion, anxiety, and chronic stress.

The device sends data to a companion smartphone app. The app provides users with insights into their mood patterns. It also offers AI-generated coaching advice to build emotional resilience.

Targeting the Consumer Health Market

The primary goal is direct sales to individuals. This strategy mirrors successful consumer wearables like the Oura ring. An early-access program is currently running, offering the device for $195.

The company plans a Kickstarter campaign after its next funding round. According to reporting by TechCrunch, this path has proven effective for other hardware startups. It helps build visibility and acquire early customers.

Beyond general consumers, the device is being tested in clinical settings. Researchers at Stanford University are evaluating its use for detecting post-surgical confusion in elderly patients. This demonstrates the technology’s potential versatility.

The launch of this brainwave wearable marks a significant step in personalized health tech. It moves advanced neurofeedback from the clinic to the consumer’s pocket. Managing chronic stress may soon become as quantifiable as counting daily steps.

Info at your fingertips

How does the Awear device actually measure stress?

It uses a small EEG sensor placed behind the ear. This sensor detects electrical patterns from your brain. The app then analyzes these patterns, specifically looking for prolonged high-frequency beta waves associated with stress.

Is this kind of brainwave data private and secure?

The company states that user data privacy is a top priority. Processing happens with user consent, and personal data is protected. The business model is based on device sales, not data monetization.

What does the Awear app do with the information it collects?

The app provides a dashboard showing your stress and focus levels throughout the day. It uses AI to offer personalized, small coaching tips. The goal is to help users identify stress triggers and build healthier mental habits.

How is Awear different from a smartwatch that tracks heart rate for stress?

Smartwatches measure physical reactions to stress, like an elevated heart rate. Awear claims to measure the neural source of stress directly from brain activity. This could provide earlier and more precise detection.

When will Awear be available to the general public?

It is currently in an early-access phase for $195. A wider consumer launch is planned following a Kickstarter campaign in 2026. The exact public release date will depend on the success of the upcoming seed funding round.