Uhura Bionics builds wearable voice devices with emotional expression

After losing his voice to cancer while studying at the University of Warsaw, Konrad Zieliński set out to make a non-invasive device that lets people who have had their larynx removed speak with emotion.

He later completed a PhD focused on bionic systems for laryngectomees. In 2023, he launched Uhura Bionics, which was selected for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Battlefield 200, a group of early-stage companies chosen to showcase products at the conference.

Uhura offers two wearable devices: a basic model and a higher-end version called Whitney, named after singer Whitney Houston. Zieliński told TechCrunch that people with his condition have traditionally used handheld devices with flat, robotic voices or surgically implanted voice prostheses that need ongoing maintenance to prevent complications. He wants Whitney to be used like glasses by people with poor eyesight. The device can convey emotion; Zieliński’s own voice has a slight electronic undertone.

The company plans to add higher-pitched voice options for women and personalization features. Its products are currently sold as wellness devices, at $500 for the basic model and $1,500 for Whitney. Uhura is seeking Class I medical-device classification in Europe and later the U.S.; Zieliński says that could allow partial health-insurance reimbursement.

He estimates the market for devices serving laryngectomees at about $2 billion, potentially more if the company expands to other speech disorders. Competitors include Atos Medical and startup Laronix. Zieliński plans to demonstrate Whitney at TechCrunch Disrupt and sing onstage with it at SF Tech Week in October.