NeurGear (ZenBud)
| ISIN | 🆔 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Biotechnology, Neurotechnology, Consumer Health Technology |
| Founded 📆 | 2022 |
| Founder 👔 | Jon Hacker |
| Headquarters 🏙️ | Rochester, New York, U.S. |
Area served 🗺️ | |
Key people | Jonathan Hacker (Founder & CEO) |
| Products 📟 | ZenBud (Ultrasound Vagus Nerve Stimulator) |
| Members | |
Number of employees | |
| 🌐 Website | zenbud.health |
| 📇 Address | |
| 📞 telephone | |
NeurGear (ZenBud)
NeurGear is a U.S.-based biotechnology company specializing in non-invasive neuromodulation technologies. The company focuses on developing wearable devices that utilize low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to stimulate the vagus nerve, aiming to promote relaxation, improve mental health, and reduce symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and related conditions.
History
NeurGear was founded in 2022 by biomedical engineer Jonathan Hacker. Originating from a multidisciplinary project at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the company was formed to create accessible neurotechnology solutions for mental health and human performance enhancement. NeurGear has showcased its innovations at events including Maker Faire Rochester, Imagine RIT, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, and the Biohacking Day of Consciousness hosted by Dave Asprey.[1]
In 2023, NeurGear introduced its first product, ZenBud, which gained recognition among emerging wearable neurotechnologies at CES 2024.[2]
Products
ZenBud
ZenBud is NeurGear's flagship product, a non-invasive wearable device designed to deliver low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Unlike traditional electrical stimulation devices, ZenBud employs targeted acoustic energy to stimulate vagal pathways through the skin without requiring implanted hardware.
ZenBud is worn similarly to an earbud and is intended for general wellness purposes, including stress reduction, sleep improvement, cognitive resilience, and emotional regulation. It is not approved for the medical treatment of any specific conditions.
ZenBud is available for direct consumer purchase through NeurGear's website, Caputron,[3] and major online retailers including Walmart.[4]
Clinical Research
A preliminary clinical study investigating the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the ZenBud device was conducted and posted as a preprint with JMIR Neurotechnology.[5]
The study enrolled 28 participants with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory score ≥16). Participants used the device daily for five minutes over four weeks. Reported outcomes included:
- A 14.9-point average reduction in Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores (from 26.5 to 11.5, p<.001).
- A 10.3-point reduction in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores (p<.001).
- A 20-point reduction in PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) scores (p<.001).
- 79% of participants achieved remission from moderate or severe anxiety symptoms.
- 77.8% of participants who initially met criteria for provisional PTSD no longer met the threshold after four weeks.
- Only one mild, temporary adverse event was reported.
The study concluded that LIFU targeting the vagus nerve with ZenBud was well tolerated and provided significant preliminary reductions in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, warranting further investigation.
Technology and Approach
NeurGear’s ZenBud utilizes low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) targeted at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Unlike electrical stimulation devices (such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or tVNS), ultrasound stimulation offers potential advantages in precision, comfort, and depth of tissue penetration.[6]
ZenBud is part of a broader trend toward non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) devices aimed at modulating the autonomic nervous system to enhance parasympathetic ("rest and digest") activity and reduce sympathetic ("fight or flight") dominance.
Recognition and Public Engagement
In addition to CES 2024 and Maker Faire appearances, NeurGear has engaged in public speaking, workshops, and collaborations with mental health and wellness organizations to promote broader adoption of neuromodulation technologies.
NeurGear’s technology and business model have been featured in publications covering biohacking, wellness technology, and consumer neuroscience innovation.[7]
See Also
- Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices
- Vagus nerve stimulation
- Neuromodulation
- Ultrasound therapy
- Biohacking
References
- ↑ "ZenBud Debuts at Biohacking Day of Consciousness". ZenBud Health.
- ↑ "CES 2024: Innovative Wearables on Display". Cerebral Overload.
- ↑ "ZenBud - Caputron". Caputron.
- ↑ "ZenBud - Walmart Listing". Walmart.
- ↑ Kohler I, Hacker J, Martin E (2024). "Reduction of Anxiety Related Symptoms Using Low Intensity Ultrasound Neuromodulation on the Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve: A Preliminary Study". JMIR Preprints.
- ↑ Yap JY, Keatch C, Lambert E, Woods W, Stoddart PR, Kameneva T (2020). "Critical Review of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Challenges for Translation to Clinical Practice". Frontiers in Neuroscience. 14: 284. doi:10.3389/fnins.2020.00284. PMC 7199464 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32410932 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ "Top Emerging Neurotech Companies to Watch". Tech Reviewed.
References
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