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Uhura Bionics develops wearable voice prosthetics for laryngectomees
Key points
- Uhura Bionics launched by Konrad Zieliński, a laryngectomee.
- Developed non-invasive wearable devices for emotional speech.
- Offers a basic model and a high-end Whitney model.
- Seeking Class I medical device classification for insurance reimbursement.
Addressing Voice Loss
Konrad Zieliński, who lost his voice due to cancer, founded Uhura Bionics. Traditional solutions for laryngectomees, individuals who have had their voice boxes removed, include robotic-sounding handheld devices or surgically implanted prostheses requiring maintenance. Zieliński's goal was to create a non-invasive device that enables emotional speech, including laughing, shouting, and singing.
Uhura Bionics and its Products
Uhura Bionics, launched in 2023, was selected for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Battlefield 200. The company offers two wearable devices: a basic model priced at $500 and a high-end version called Whitney, costing $1,500. The Whitney device is intended to function similarly to corrective eyewear, providing users with a more natural and emotionally expressive voice.
Future Development and Market
Uhura Bionics plans to add higher-pitched voice options for women and personalization features to its devices. Currently, the products are sold as wellness devices, requiring out-of-pocket payment. The company is pursuing Class I medical device classification in Europe and the U.S. to enable partial health insurance reimbursement. Zieliński estimates the market for laryngectomee devices at $2 billion, with potential for expansion to other speech disorders.
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Reporting from
Konrad Zieliński, a founder who lost his voice to cancer, launched Uhura Bionics to create non-invasive wearable devices that allow laryngectomees to speak with emotion. The company offers two devices, including the Whitney model, aiming to provide a more natural voice than traditional options.