After losing his voice to cancer, Konrad Zieliński set out to assist others in similar situations to regain their ability to communicate. During his time at the University of Warsaw, he recognized the shortcomings of existing solutions for those who have undergone laryngectomy. Conventional handheld devices often produced a monotonous, robotic sound, while surgically implanted voice prostheses needed constant upkeep to avoid complications.
Motivated to find a better solution, Zieliński earned a PhD concentrating on bionic systems for laryngectomees. His aim was to create a non-invasive device that would enable users to convey emotions, laugh, shout, and even sing–capabilities that are frequently lost after losing one’s voice.
In 2023, Zieliński established Uhura Bionics, a startup that was chosen to participate in TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Battlefield 200, highlighting innovative products designed to aid those with speech difficulties. The company currently provides two wearable devices: a basic model available for $500 and a premium version called Whitney, named after Whitney Houston, priced at $1,500.
“I’m satisfied with what I’ve built because you added the emotional layer,” Zieliński remarked, his voice possessing an electronic quality yet filled with intonation. He envisions Whitney becoming as vital for laryngectomees as glasses are for individuals with poor vision.
In the future, Uhura intends to offer higher-pitched voice options tailored for women, along with personalization features to guarantee that users can have distinct voices rather than all sounding alike. At present, the company promotes its products as wellness devices, which means users need to cover the costs themselves. However, Zieliński is diligently pursuing classification of these devices as Class I medical devices in Europe, and later in the U.S. This classification would facilitate partial reimbursement through health insurance, improving accessibility for many.
Zieliński estimates the market for devices aimed at laryngectomees to be around $2 billion, but he believes there is potential for even larger expansion if Uhura branches out to support individuals with other speech disorders. Uhura is not the sole entity in this arena; competitors like Atos Medical and startups such as Laronix are also working on modern solutions. Nonetheless, Zieliński is confident that Whitney will connect with other laryngectomees.
In an exciting showcase of Whitney’s capabilities, Zieliński plans to perform onstage at SF Tech Week in October, where he will sing with the assistance of Whitney.
