Brainwaves to Bliss: Wearable Tames Stress

Antonio Forenza, formerly head of research and development at Rakuten Symphony, has created Awear, a groundbreaking wearable designed to measure and manage stress levels. Leveraging electroencephalogram (EEG) technology, the small device, worn behind the ear, monitors brainwave activity to detect elevated stress signals.

This data is transmitted to a mobile app that provides insights into the wearer's emotional state and delivers AI-driven coaching for enhanced stress management and emotional resilience. Forenza's motivation stemmed from a personal need to quantify and control stress, recognizing a market gap for such a device.

Awear, a Startup Battlefield 200 finalist, has secured pre-seed funding and is preparing for a $5 million seed round in early 2026. While currently available through an early-access program for $195, the company plans a Kickstarter campaign post-seed funding to broaden its reach and customer acquisition.