Aktiia: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Aktiia, now rebranded as Hilo, has quickly emerged as a pioneer in the field of wearable blood pressure monitoring technology. Founded in 2018 in Neuchatel, Switzerland, Aktiia was established with the aim to revolutionize traditional blood pressure monitoring by reducing reliance on cumbersome cuff-based devices. The company offers a cuffless monitoring solution that measures blood pressure continuously throughout the day, providing users with comprehensive insights into their cardiovascular health. The innovation lies in its ability to provide medical-grade data by utilizing optical sensors and integrating AI for superior predictive capabilities. In a world where hypertension affects millions, Aktiia stands as a beacon of innovation, offering hope for better health management.

1. Foundational Technology

Aktiia has developed a groundbreaking optical blood pressure monitoring technology known as CALFREE™, which eliminates the need for calibration with a traditional blood pressure cuff. Utilizing optical sensors found in wearables or smartphones, this technology offers a seamless way to monitor blood pressure continuously, marking a significant leap forward from conventional methods.

2. Recent Rebranding

In 2025, Aktiia underwent a rebranding to Hilo, reflecting its expanding global reach and mission. This rebranding coincided with a $42 million Series B funding round aimed at further developing its platform and penetrating new markets. The transition to Hilo represents more than a name change—it signifies a commitment to scaling their innovative blood pressure monitoring solutions worldwide.

3. Global Recognition

Aktiia’s innovative approach has been recognized worldwide with notable regulatory approvals. The company has secured CE marks in Europe, along with approvals in Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, facilitating broad market access. These regulatory achievements underscore the device’s reliability and effectiveness in blood pressure management as acknowledged by international health bodies.

4. Extensive Data Comprehension

The company boasts a vast dataset, with more than 10 billion signals from over 70,000 users. This rich data collection has allowed Aktiia to build advanced machine learning models, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of its blood pressure readings. Such comprehensive data enables predictive insights, offering profound implications for global hypertension management.

5. Integration with Consumer Devices

Aktiia’s core technology is designed to integrate with a variety of consumer devices such as smartwatches and smartphones, transforming them into medical-grade health monitoring tools. This integration not only makes continuous health monitoring more accessible but also minimizes user intervention, simplifying the management of blood pressure in daily life.

6. Addressing a Silent Killer

Hypertension, often called a "silent killer," remains a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases globally. Aktiia, through its innovative solutions, aims to provide a more consistent and unobtrusive way of monitoring blood pressure, thus transforming hypertension care from sporadic measurements to continuous monitoring.

7. Market Competition

Despite its innovations, Aktiia faces competition from other tech giants and startups like Omron and Withings, which have also developed wearable blood pressure technologies. However, Aktiia's unique approach of using optical sensors offers a differentiation by providing continuous monitoring without the need of a cuff.

8. Innovative AI Algorithms

Central to Aktiia’s innovation is the application of advanced AI algorithms. These algorithms process vast amounts of optical data to deliver accurate real-time blood pressure readings. The machine learning models enhance understanding of blood pressure patterns, aiding in proactive health management.

9. Patents and Publications

Aktiia’s leadership in blood pressure monitoring is cemented by its contribution to over 120 peer-reviewed publications and holding more than 35 patents. These patents underline the proprietary nature of its technology and the company's dedication to research and development.

10. Future Prospects

As Aktiia expands its presence under the Hilo brand, it continues to focus on the integration of its technology with healthcare solutions globally. With an increasing trend towards digital health and remote monitoring, Aktiia is well-positioned to shape the future of personalized health care and hypertension management, potentially influencing treatment protocols and patient outcomes worldwide.

Conclusion

Aktiia, now known as Hilo, stands as an innovator in the domain of wearable health technology. Through its groundbreaking optical blood pressure monitoring systems, it challenges traditional methodologies, offering a non-invasive, continuous, and more accessible means of hypertension management. As the company grows, Hilo could become a vital player in global health initiatives, particularly in the fight against chronic cardiovascular conditions. Such advancements prompt us to consider the potential of technology in redefining healthcare, inviting us to envision a future where health data is seamlessly integrated with daily life for better global health outcomes.