Novosound Unveils First Wearable Ultrasonic Blood Pressure Monitor -- Pure AI

Novosound Unveils First Wearable Ultrasonic Blood Pressure Monitor

By John K. Waters
10/28/2024

Novosound, a Glasgow-based ultrasound technology company, has unveiled what it calls the world’s first wearable ultrasonic blood pressure monitor, marking a breakthrough in blood pressure monitoring miniaturization. The device, which integrates with smartwatches and smart rings, offers accuracy comparable to conventional electronic cuffs, presenting a new option for continuous blood pressure tracking without the need for bulky equipment.

The device is built on Novosound’s proprietary Slanj platform, which leverages flexible thin-film ultrasound technology. Known for its next-generation applications in medical imaging, particularly intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), the company demonstrated the wearable blood pressure monitor in real-world trials, presenting its findings at the IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS) in Taipei last month.

In addition to blood pressure monitoring, Novosound’s Slanj platform supports various health applications, including hydration tracking, muscle health assessment, and even gesture control, expanding its utility in medical and fitness wearables.

To further its commercialization efforts, Novosound recently raised $2.6 million in a funding round led by Par Equity, with support from Kelvin Capital, the University of the West of Scotland, and Scottish Enterprise. The funds will enable the company to accelerate its ultrasound technology’s market entry.

"Scotland has long been at the forefront of ultrasound innovation, and we are proud to continue this legacy," said Novosound CEO and founder Dave Hughes, in a statement. "Monitoring blood pressure with ultrasound, and without the need for a cuff, marks a significant advancement in addressing global health and wellness issues."

As wearable health devices grow in popularity, Novosound’s innovation positions it in a promising market segment, offering more accessible and user-friendly solutions for tracking critical health metrics.

About the Author

John K. Waters is the editor in chief of a number of Converge360.com sites, with a focus on high-end development, AI and future tech. He's been writing about cutting-edge technologies and culture of Silicon Valley for more than two decades, and he's written more than a dozen books. He also co-scripted the documentary film Silicon Valley: A 100 Year Renaissance, which aired on PBS. He can be reached at jwaters@converge360.com.