Health Gauge: Going Beyond Personal Health Monitoring
“It’s about a shift from a sickness-oriented system to a proactive, knowledge-driven model.” Randy Duguay
Wearable tech has gone beyond the simple step counters and activity trackers, to allow us to easily measure a host of biometric data, giving us much more insight into important personal health markers. Health Gauge is on a mission to revolutionize personal health monitoring through a combination of cutting-edge sensors, artificial intelligence, and a user-centric approach.
The company emerged through the shared vision of co-founders Randy Duguay and Bruce Matichuk, both seasoned innovators with a history in entrepreneurship. Duguay, who had a background at TELUS Health Solutions, noticed a gap in the market for seamless health information capture using wearable tech. The early days of wearable technologies were marked by basic functionalities, and relied on the assumption that users would proactively input their health data into records.
The turning point for Health Gauge came with the convergence of advanced health sensors, artificial intelligence, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.This convergence created a unique opportunity, notes Duguay, which allowed the company to showcase the potential for its solutions in real-time health monitoring. The focus shifted towards non-invasive blood pressure measurement, combining electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) for a comprehensive understanding of a user’s health.
One of Health Gauge's key differentiators is its commitment to capturing raw signals at an impressive 250 hertz, a feat not commonly found in mainstream wearables. Duguay emphasized that while established companies like Apple and Garmin provide ECG capabilities, the emphasis on non-invasive blood pressure remains a holy grail in wearable technology, setting Health Gauge apart in the market.
“We're really one of a very small number of companies that focus exclusively on the application of these techniques,” says Duguay.
The company's ethos extends beyond data collection. Health Gauge aims to empower users with actionable insights derived from their biometrics. The company actively collaborates with health professionals, offering a bridge between personal health data and expert analysis.
“It’s about a shift from a sickness-oriented system to a proactive, knowledge-driven model where users can take charge of their health with real-time insights and guidance,” says Duguay.
As the world transitions towards a more holistic approach to health, Health Gauge is positioned as a trailblazer, providing not just data but a comprehensive solution that empowers individuals to actively manage their well-being. The company's commitment to advancing research, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and fostering a deeper understanding of personal health makes it a key player in digital health.