Healium’s mental fitness wearables earn innovation award from world’s largest tech show

November 15, 2021  |  Startland News Staff

Sarah Hill Healium 2021

A Columbia-based startup’s patented technology that brings wearable biometric data to life via virtual and augmented reality apps has earned a major industry honor, announcing Healium’s selection for a 2022 Innovation Award from the Consumer Technology Association.

The awards program is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in 27 consumer technology product categories. Healium’s selection announcement was made ahead of the Jan. 5-8 CES 2022 event in Las Vegas, the world’s largest and most influential technology showcase.

[pullquote]

Healium is a patented technology and product that allows users to learn to self-regulate their focus and calm by giving them the ability to see their EEG brain patterns or heart rate in near-real-time. In five peer-reviewed journals, Healium has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood in as little as four minutes. 

[/pullquote]

A panel of industry expert judges, including members of the media, designers, engineers, and more, reviewed submissions from companies like Healium — one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2020 — based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetic, and design. Judges this year received a record-high number of more than 1,800 entries.

“Healium is the first immersive media channel for hardware-agnostic wearables,” said Sarah Hill, Healium’s CEO who developed the technology to ease her own anxiety as a former TV news reporter. “Think of Healium like a video game you play with your smartwatch or EEG headband. Mental fitness is an important way to build resilience with drugless, non-harmful coping mechanisms. We’re delighted CES has recognized our technology that is an important bridge between biometric data and XR content.”

Healium’s products are used worldwide with the US military, in schools, with elite athletes, and wellness practitioners to equip high performers with brain and heart rate training they need to excel. Healium teaches users to learn to self-regulate so they can focus faster, stress less, and perform better. 

Click here to learn more about Healium.

The company’s VR/AR products are expected to be among technology highlighted during the CES event in Las Vegas, at Healium’s booth near the entrance to the North Hall’s health pavilion. 

CES 2022 is also set to convene the tech industry digitally, giving global audiences access to major brands and startups, as well as the world’s most influential leaders and industry advocates, according to organizers. 

Click here to learn more about the in-person and virtual CES 2022 event.

[divide]

This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.

For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2021 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Five gift ideas under one roof: Snag the KC-made best-sellers inside 811 Retail

        By Tommy Felts | November 28, 2025

        Editor’s note: The following holiday feature is presented by The Porter House KC — built to bridge the gap between underrepresented small business owners and access to community-driven entrepreneurial support, education, and resources. [divide] Nearly 18 months after opening its doors, the 811 Retail incubation space in Midtown has boosted sales for the entrepreneurs inside…

        How the 2025 Kansas Citians of the Year proved ‘KC Made’ could compete against the world 

        By Tommy Felts | November 26, 2025

        They recognized Kansas City’s promise and potential early — helping usher in a new era of global sports opportunity for the region. Now Cliff Illig and Kathy Nelson are the latest community shapers crowned Kansas Citians of the Year. Honored Tuesday night during the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, the two were…

        It’s gametime for for holiday shopping: Eight gift ideas for the Kansas City sports fan on your list

        By Tommy Felts | November 26, 2025

        Editor’s note: The following holiday feature is presented by Sideline Solutions, which specializes in sideline media carts and offers customized sports equipment and services. [divide] Cleats and clutter don’t mix, said Ron Barnes, throwing a flag on the dangers and inefficiencies he’s observed on the sidelines of high school football fields for the better part…

        Mayor: Film projects roll $24M into region’s creative economy as KC productions boom

        By Tommy Felts | November 26, 2025

        When Hallmark’s “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” airs this weekend, Kansas City viewers — and audiences across the globe — will see recognizable locations from throughout the metro, where a significant portion of the movie was filmed. It’s an increasingly common showcase of KC’s versatility, said Quinton Lucas, as the region takes its place on the…