Augmented Bionics

About

Augmented Bionics develops a non-invasive, headphone-like bionic ear that stimulates the auditory nerve with external magnetic fields for severe-to-profound hearing loss, fitted by audiologists and undergoing proof-of-concept human research.

Mission

Augmented Bionics is an Australian startup building a non-invasive bionic ear worn like headphones that aims to activate the auditory nerve through external magnetic waves. The device is fitted by a hearing audiologist and seeks to enable users with severe to profound hearing loss to comprehend speech and hear environmental sounds without surgery. The team demonstrated prototype effectiveness and has received ethical clearance to begin proof-of-concept human research using commercially available magnetic stimulation devices. The company joined the MedTech Actuator program in 2018 and credits the accelerator with support in medical device commercialisation and investor access. Its leadership includes CEO Viraj Agnihotri and cofounders Mahanthesh Chandra and Nicholas Jabbour. The startup says its approach aims to offer a safer, more affordable, and accessible alternative to costly surgical options.

Quick Facts