A new startup affiliated with Cornell University is pioneering a non-invasive method to monitor heart and lung health using innovative technology that relies on radio waves. SensVita aims to create a clinical-grade sensing platform that can track vital health metrics without any physical contact, providing a groundbreaking alternative to traditional wearable devices and hospital monitors.
Founded by Thomas Conroy, a graduate student in electrical engineering, and his father, James Conroy, SensVita was accepted into the Praxis Center for Venture Development this fall. This on-campus incubator supports startups in engineering and science, helping them become self-sufficient. According to Bob Scharf, the academic administrative director at Praxis, “SensVita has a non-contact, passive way of monitoring cardiac activity and breath activity.” The startup’s first target application focuses on patients who are challenging to monitor, such as those in memory care or neonatal units.
SensVita’s approach employs near-field radio frequency sensing to detect subtle physiological movements within the body. The technology enables sensors to be placed in various locations, such as in furniture or clothing, allowing for continuous monitoring of respiratory and cardiac metrics. This innovation promises to deliver real-time data to patients and clinicians without the need for complex devices or invasive procedures.
The underlying technology was developed in the lab of Edwin Kan, a professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell Engineering. Over five years, Conroy transformed this research into SensVita, launching the company in 2023. He credits Scharf with guiding him through the entrepreneurial process, including connecting him with legal resources to incorporate the business.
SensVita is currently in the process of transitioning its technology from prototype to a commercial product. The company recently received a significant boost from the National Science Foundation, which awarded them a $305,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant to advance their technology towards pilot studies and commercialization.
The startup is concentrating on chronic disease management, particularly targeting conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnea. Conroy emphasizes the importance of continuous data collection, stating, “We believe that continuous data can catch subtle declines in function before they escalate into costly hospitalizations.”
The market for remote health monitoring is substantial, as frequent hospital readmissions incur significant costs and contribute to the challenges faced by chronic care systems. Conroy explains, “We are focused on people at high risk for going back to the hospital. That’s the group we want to monitor.” SensVita’s technology is designed to complement existing monitoring tools, such as ECGs and imaging, filling a gap in baseline continuous monitoring.
Investors are increasingly interested in health technology that is passive, non-invasive, and easily scalable. SensVita’s zero-contact model could appeal particularly to home settings, assisted living facilities, and patients who may resist traditional wearable devices. Before employing their technology in human subjects, the startup plans to conduct animal testing to observe vital sign changes related to heart and lung health.
Scharf notes that the access to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell facilitates SensVita’s animal testing efforts. If successful, SensVita could emerge as a significant player in the expanding remote patient monitoring (RPM) sector, especially as many health care systems are beginning to reimburse for RPM services.
Scharf highlights the uniqueness of SensVita’s approach, stating, “This is technology covered by multiple Cornell patents. Everyone acknowledges Cornell is the leader in this concept.” With the resources available through the Praxis center, SensVita has access to advanced instrumentation, enhancing its potential for success in the competitive health technology landscape.
