Antonio Forenza, the former head of research and development at Rakuten Symphony, a telecom subsidiary of a Japanese conglomerate, found himself in need of a solution to manage his stress levels. After successfully losing weight with the help of an Apple Watch, he began searching for a similar device to monitor his stress levels.
Realizing the absence of a wearable device specifically designed for stress management, Forenza decided to take matters into his own hands. Leveraging his engineering background, he set out to create a device that could assess and track stress using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. EEG, typically used in clinical settings for diagnosing conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders, can also detect psychological stress through the measurement of beta waves in the brain.
Collaborating with data scientists and biomedical engineers, Forenza developed Awear, a discreet device worn behind the ear for continuous monitoring of brainwave activity. The device syncs with an app that provides real-time feedback on the wearer’s mood and offers AI-driven coaching to help manage stress and enhance emotional resilience.
Forenza emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing chronic stress, which can lead to a range of negative health effects like exhaustion, insomnia, and mental distress. Awear aims to empower users to proactively intervene before stress escalates to detrimental levels.
The efficacy of Awear has garnered attention, leading the device to be named a finalist in the health category pitch competition at JS Disrupt 2025. While ongoing testing at Stanford University focuses on detecting cognitive issues in elderly patients, Forenza’s primary focus remains on making Awear accessible to individual consumers.
Securing pre-seed funding from prominent investors like Hustle Fund and Techstars, Awear plans to launch a $5 million seed round in early 2026. Currently available through an early-access program, Awear is priced at $195 for early adopters, including a complimentary lifetime subscription to the app.
Following a Kickstarter campaign post seed funding, Awear aims to expand its reach and acquire more customers. This strategy, proven successful by other wearable devices like Peloton and Oura, offers visibility and a direct connection to potential users.
In conclusion, Awear represents a promising solution for individuals seeking to manage stress and improve their overall well-being. With a focus on innovation and user-centric design, the device is poised to make a significant impact in the consumer health market.
