Konrad Zieliński lost his voice to cancer years ago while he was a student at the University of Warsaw. People with his condition have traditionally relied on handheld speaking devices that sound flat and robotic, or on surgically implanted voice prostheses, which require ongoing maintenance to prevent complications, Zieliński told TechCrunch.
He went on to complete a PhD focusing on bionic systems for laryngectomees, people who’ve had their voice boxes (larynxes) removed. While working on his thesis, he set out to build a non-invasive device, one requiring no surgery, that would allow people like him to speak with emotion, laugh, shout, and even sing.
In 2023, Zieliński launched Uhura Bionics, a startup selected as one of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Battlefield 200, a group of early-stage companies chosen to showcase their products at the conference next month. The company offers two wearable devices: a more basic model and a high-end version called Whitney, named after the singer Whitney Houston.
Zieliński says he hopes laryngectomees will use Whitney just like people with poor eyesight use glasses.
“I’m satisfied with what I’ve built because you added the emotional layer,” he said in a voice that indeed carries plenty of intonation, though with a slight electronic undertone.
The next step in Uhura’s development is adding higher-pitched voice options for women, as well as personalization features so users don’t all sound alike.
For now, Uhura sells its products as wellness devices, which means users must pay out of pocket: $500 for the basic option and $1,500 for Whitney. But the startup is in the process of getting them classified as Class I medical devices, the lowest-risk category, in Europe and, later, the U.S. That classification would allow for partial reimbursement through health insurance.
Zieliński estimates the market size for devices serving laryngectomees at about $2 billion, but says it could be larger if Uhura expands to serve people with other speech disorders.
Uhura is not alone in offering modern solutions for people who have lost their voices. Competitors include Atos Medical, a medical device company with products in the space, and startups like Laronix.
Still, Zieliński is certain Whitney will resonate with other laryngectomees. He will be demonstrating its capabilities not only at TechCrunch Disrupt, but also at SF Tech Week in October, where he will sing onstage with the help of Whitney.
Join us next month to see Bionics in person, along with the rest of our Battlefield competitors.