Summary
Stanford University’s Professor Zhenan Bao developed a skin-like, wearable pressure sensor capable of non-invasively measuring vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse. To bring this innovation from lab to market, she co-founded PyrAmes Inc. with Dr. Xina Quan, who enhanced the device using machine learning algorithms and optimized its design for clinical use. Collaborating with neonatologist Dr. Anoop Rao, they validated the sensor’s effectiveness in critically ill infants. In September 2023, their Boppli® platform received FDA clearance for continuous, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring in neonates. This journey highlights how Stanford’s eWEAR initiative fosters collaboration between engineers and clinicians to transform lab innovations into commercial medical devices.