The Ohio-raised CEO behind the startup is raising a $1 million pre-seed round as passive-cooling earbuds enter early manufacturing. Maritime evaluations are next, along with an expanded controlled study with Reykjavik University after initial human feasibility testing in Iceland.
Avionova, a startup developing ear-cooling technology for motion sickness and balance problems, won $24,980 in prize funding and services at the Dublin Pitch competition Oct. 15 at COhatch Dublin.
Noor Haj-Tamim, CEO of Avionova, explained that the prize arrives as the company scales product development and prepares for several customer pilots. The money will support product development, manufacturing refinement and preparation for those evaluations.
“Nearly everyone I’ve spoken with has either experienced some form of balance dysfunction themselves or knows someone who has,” Haj-Tamim said. She added that the judges responded to how relatable the problem is.
By the numbers
- $24,980 in prize funding and services from the competition
- $1 million pre-seed round now being raised
- Two product lines, Asterra and Gravitone
A non-drug approach to motion sickness
Haj-Tamim described the vestibular system in the inner ear as having evolved to help people keep their balance and sense their orientation. Cars, ships, aircraft and virtual reality have changed the environments people move through, while that system has stayed the same.
Available options remain limited and often rely on medications that can cause drowsiness or other side effects, she noted. Avionova is developing ear-cooling technology to explore a non-drug approach to motion sickness and vestibular discomfort.
The company has two product lines. Asterra uses passive cooling and is designed to support comfort where motion and everyday balance challenges interfere with daily activities. Gravitone, an investigational device, uses active temperature control and is being developed with the intention of pursuing future clinical applications in vestibular healthcare.
Maritime pilots come first
Avionova’s first commercial focus is the maritime industry, particularly seafarers and offshore personnel who need to stay alert and functional in motion-intensive environments. Over the longer term, Haj-Tamim sees opportunities in vestibular healthcare, aviation, aerospace and defense.
The passive-cooling earbuds are entering early manufacturing and commercial field evaluations, while the active device remains in research and development. Avionova is coordinating business-to-business pilots across expedition operations, offshore services and maritime healthcare, with signed agreements and additional programs in development.
On the research side, the company has completed initial human feasibility testing in Iceland and is preparing an expanded controlled study with Reykjavik University. Its next milestones are completing the maritime evaluations, refining manufacturing and advancing controlled research toward a future medical-device regulatory pathway.
Building in her home state
Alongside the $1 million pre-seed round, Avionova plans to grow its team across clinical development and commercial operations. Haj-Tamim hopes the win opens doors to clinical collaborators, industry partners and investors.
Haj-Tamim was born and raised in Ohio. She credited Techstars Columbus Powered by Ohio State, JumpStart Trailblazer and individual mentors with supporting the company.
“I think there’s something really exciting about demonstrating that technologies with applications in medicine, aviation, and even space can be developed and commercialized right here in Ohio,” Haj-Tamim said.
Source: www.ohiotechnews.com
