Konrad Zieliński’s Uhura Bionics restores speech with wearable tech

Zieliński pursued a PhD in bionic systems to solve the limitations of existing prostheses, which often require surgery or produce monotone output. The resulting hardware aims to replicate natural vocal qualities, allowing users to laugh, shout, or sing. The company currently offers two wearable models: a standard version and the Whitney, a premium device named in honor of Whitney Houston that Zieliński likens to corrective eyewear for the voice.

While the devices currently retail as wellness products for $500 and $1,500 respectively, the startup is pursuing Class I medical device certification in Europe and the U.S. This shift aims to unlock health insurance reimbursement for users. Beyond the current clinical focus, Zieliński plans to expand the technology to address a broader range of speech disorders, targeting a market he estimates at $2 billion. He will showcase the system’s capabilities, including a live singing demonstration, at SF Tech Week this October.