About Avionova
Avionova develops wearable earbuds for people dealing with motion sickness, dizziness and loss of balance. The inner ear helps control balance and spatial orientation. The devices are designed to apply controlled cooling to that system without medication. The company is initially focused on motion-related discomfort and vertigo. It sees uses among everyday travelers, maritime passengers and aviators. Astronauts are another intended group because disorientation and motion sickness can hinder spaceflight performance.
Avionova is based in Columbus and participated in Techstars’ 2025 program. Founder and CEO Noor Haj-Tamim leads commercialization strategy and research and development. She previously served as a NASA FedTech Technology Commercialization Fellow and executive director of JSSOAR. Commercialization and strategy partner Alan Gilbert helps with operations, product focus and team building. An Ohio State physician-scientist collaborates on research into inner-ear disorders. The team combines aerospace, medical and engineering experience as it develops the product.
Funding Rounds (SEC Form D)
| First sale | Filed with SEC | Amount sold | Investors | Avg. check | Terms | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2025 | Jan 16, 2026amended Oct 21, 2026 | $25,000of $1.0M target | 1 | $25,000 | Equity, Debt, SAFERule 506(b) | Form D/A ↗1 earlier filing |
First sale is the date the first investor in the offering committed to invest. Companies must file Form D within 15 days of that date, so filing dates run later.
Why Investors Backed Avionova
Avionova started with technology for a planned zero-gravity payload. Its founder widened the concept after learning how common balance disorders are on Earth. That origin now supports a dual-use strategy across consumer health and aerospace.
The problem it targets
Balance problems can limit travel, work and daily activities. Existing options often center on medication or rehabilitation, with surgery for severe cases. Medicines commonly manage symptoms rather than the underlying balance system. Haj-Tamim says aviators may hide spatial disorientation because they fear losing their positions. She also describes inner-ear research as underfunded, leaving few chances to advance vestibular care.
What the product does
The earbuds are designed to interact with the vestibular system, the inner-ear system responsible for balance and spatial orientation. They use precise thermal stimulation. Research behind the approach indicates cooling can influence balance without medication. The earbud design is noninvasive.
Progress so far
Avionova is initially focusing on maritime use, including expedition cruises and harsh routes such as the Drake Passage. It has an agreement to supply earbuds for Halo Space’s near-space passengers once commercial flights begin. Avionova also plans clinical research with Ohio State University. Its relationships with the university’s clinical and innovation groups may support later studies.
Who backs it
Techstars identifies Avionova as part of its 2025 program. Haj-Tamim met Alan Gilbert through Techstars, where he served as an entrepreneur in residence. Gilbert helped find engineering partners with experience in miniaturization and wearable product development. The Techstars network also connected Haj-Tamim with Ohio State physician-scientist Desi Schoo.
How the market is moving
Haj-Tamim says more than 40% of people worldwide experience balance loss. She puts related annual U.S. health-system spending at $60 billion. She also sees more activity in vestibular wearables and names Otolith Labs as another developer. Its work points to more device-based approaches alongside medication and rehabilitation.
We wrote this summary from public statements by Avionova and its investors. It is not investment advice.
Avionova in the News
Leadership Team
Executive officers and directors listed on Avionova's Form D filed Oct 21, 2026.