Meet Ryan Ahmed | Co-Founder & CEO, Niura

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Ahmed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I was in high school, my father suffered a sudden and severe brain aneurysm—a brain bleed without any prior signs or symptoms. Later, while working at Mass General/Harvard Medical, I observed patients monitoring their heart health using Apple Watches, which inspired me. I recognized the potential for similar technology but focused on the brain. My goal became to pioneer in the brain-computer interface space by integrating this technology into everyday wireless audio earbuds, allowing people everywhere to better understand and monitor their brainwave activity.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our business, Niura, stands at the forefront of brain-computer interface technology, integrating EEG capabilities into everyday wireless earbuds. This innovation allows users to monitor and understand their cognitive patterns, transforming everyday audio devices into powerful tools for mental wellness. What sets us apart is not just our commitment to cutting-edge technology but also our focus on making sophisticated health monitoring accessible to everyone.

Starting Niura was inspired by personal experiences and a profound realization of the potential impact of accessible brain health monitoring. My journey began in the wake of a family health crisis—a brain aneurysm that struck without warning. This event, coupled with my observations of patients at Mass General/Harvard Medical leveraging wearable technology for heart monitoring, sparked the idea to apply similar technology for the brain.

The path to where we are today was by no means easy. We faced immense challenges, from technological hurdles in integrating EEG sensors into small, wearable devices to securing funding and building a consumer trust in a new type of health technology. Overcoming these obstacles required persistence, intense research, and an unwavering belief in our vision. Key to navigating these challenges was building a strong team and fostering partnerships with institutions like NYIT, which provided invaluable support and resources. Through this journey, we’ve learned that innovation isn’t just about having a groundbreaking idea but also about the resilience and adaptability required to bring that idea to fruition. We’ve learned the importance of listening to our users and continuously evolving based on their feedback. We want the world to know that Niura is more than a tech company; we are a movement towards proactive mental health management. Our brand story is about empowerment, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of innovation for the betterment of everyday lives. We are proud to pave the way for a future where monitoring mental wellness is as normal and easy as listening to your favorite song.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My closest buddy and I will start our week-long trip to Los Angeles with a relaxing breakfast at The Griddle Cafe in West Hollywood, noted for its huge, creative pancakes. We’ll then go into the Getty Center to admire the art and city vistas. The next day, we’ll visit LACMA in the morning and Venice Beach in the afternoon to explore its distinctive stores and dynamic environment. Another day of thrills and adventure will include trekking Griffith Park’s paths and seeing the sunset from Griffith Observatory. As our week winds down, we’ll dine at Bestia in the Arts District and drink at The Rooftop at The Standard in Downtown for a nighttime perspective of the city. We’ll end our trip with a contemporary art exhibition at The Broad Museum and a goodbye lunch at Guelaguetza, known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine. To taste local flavor and find hidden gems, we’ll visit The Last Bookstore throughout the week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Dr. Michael Nizich, Director of the NYIT Entrepreneurship & Technology Innovation Center (ETIC). Dr. Nizich not only recognized potential in me that I had yet to see in myself, but he also opened countless doors for me, helping me build a supportive network that continues to bolster my journey today. He taught me the essence of being a founder and how to recognize and seize opportunities that I previously overlooked.

Website: https://niura.io

Instagram: https://niura.io