Technology has been unveiled that enables a person to monitor their blood pressure from a wearable device.
Delivered via smartwatches and smart rings, it achieves accuracy levels comparable to conventional electronic cuff devices.
The technology, developed by Scottish firm Novosound, follows the company’s previous collaboration at the Texas Medical Centre in Houston and is now poised to revolutionise blood pressure monitoring in wearables.
Unlike academic institutions that have focused primarily on laboratory-based development, Novosound has already demonstrated the system in real-world settings, including public spaces.
The results, including accuracy data, were presented at the IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS) in Taipei in September, further strengthening the credibility of the system.
Dave Hughes, CEO and founder of Novosound, said: “Scotland has long been at the forefront of ultrasound innovation, and we are proud to continue this legacy. Monitoring blood pressure with ultrasound, and without the need for a cuff, marks a significant advancement in how we can address global health and wellness issues.”
Cardiovascular diseases continue to affect over half a billion people globally, with more than 20 million deaths in 2021, according to the World Heart Federation.
In addition to blood pressure monitoring, the Slanj platform extends to other applications including hydration tracking, muscle health assessment, and gesture recognition. Novsound will be showcasing these innovations at CES 2025, Las Vegas in January, reinforcing its position in the global wearable tech market.
Novosound recently completed a £2 million funding round, led by Par Equity with participation from Kelvin Capital, University of the West of Scotland, and Scottish Enterprise. This funding will accelerate the commercialisation of Novosound’s innovative ultrasound technology.
Paul Munn, managing partner, Par Equity, said: “We can see the traction the company is gaining with some of the world’s largest corporate brands, with considerable commercial opportunities ahead in digital health and industrial monitoring markets.”
John McNicol, founder and director, Kelvin Capital, said: “This follow-on investment underscores our confidence in the [Novosound] team, technology, and vision for the future. We believe that Novosound is poised to achieve even greater milestones.”
Professor James Miller, principal & vice-chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, commented: “This latest investment ensures that our first high-value spinout will continue its growth trajectory as it enters an exciting new phase with many opportunities on the horizon.”
