Wearable Devices
Wearable devices integrate miniaturized sensors, low-power electronics, secure telemetry, and analytics to continuously capture vital signs (ECG, PPG, SpO2, temperature), motion, wound and biochemical markers. In military settings they enable early detection of hemorrhage, infection, shock and concussion, enable remote triage and support prolonged and distributed care in austere environments.
Technical Challenges
Signal artifacts and motion interference in high-activity combat environments reducing diagnostic fidelity
Power, thermal management, and battery life constraints for multi-day monitoring during delayed evacuation
Secure, resilient data transmission in contested networks and limited bandwidth environments
Sensor biocompatibility, biofouling and wound-environment robustness (biofilms, exudate)
Validation against heterogeneous polytrauma, blast, and physiological stress profiles in operational populations
Emerging Opportunities
Ruggedized, low-power sensors validated for prolonged-field-care (multi-day) continuous use
Reliable biochemical biomarkers for early infection, hemorrhage progression, and metabolic stress at the point of care
Integrated edge analytics with clinically validated decision-support and actionable alerts optimized for medics
Interoperable standards for secure data handoff to echelons of care and electronic health records
Current and Emerging Technologies in Wearable Devices
Physiological sensor suites (ECG, PPG, accelerometry, temperature)
High-fidelity, multimodal sensors capture heart rate, rhythm, perfusion, respiratory rate and motion for early hemorrhage, shock and concussion detection. Algorithms filter motion artifact common in field operations.
Biochemical and wound sensors (sweat, interstitial fluid, microneedles)
Microneedle and wearable biosensors measure lactate, glucose, inflammatory markers and pathogen-associated signatures to detect infection, metabolic compromise and tissue perfusion changes before clinical deterioration.
Smart textiles and adhesive wearable patches
Conductive fabrics and adhesive patches enable distributed sensing across the body, integrated wound monitoring, and compatibility with PPE and field gear.
Edge AI and real-time analytics
On-device or near-edge machine learning reduces bandwidth use and produces actionable alerts for medics—triage, hemorrhage risk, sepsis probability—while preserving data security.
Low-power communications and mesh networking
Bluetooth LE, tactical mesh, and delay-tolerant networking enable resilient telemetry from far-forward locations to command or telemedicine nodes despite limited infrastructure.
Closed-loop therapeutics and wearable drug delivery
Emerging systems couple biosensing with controlled drug release (hemostatic agents, analgesics, antimicrobials) to automate early interventions when evacuation is delayed.
Importance to Military Medicine
Improve combat casualty outcomes
Early physiologic detection shortens time-to-intervention for hemorrhage, tension physiology and shock—critical to survival in TCCC and prolonged care.
Enable prolonged and distributed care
Continuous remote monitoring supports medics and telemedicine in austere settings where evacuation is delayed or impossible.
Maintain force readiness and public health
Early infection surveillance and physiologic performance tracking reduce outbreaks, limit non-deployable time, and optimize operational effectiveness.
Facilitate rapid, data-driven decisions
Actionable alerts and interoperable data improve triage, casualty prioritization, and continuity of care across echelons.
Alignment with the MTEC Mission
Directly advances MTEC’s DoD-focused mission by accelerating operationally relevant medical technologies from prototype to fielded capability.
Supports MTEC portfolio areas—combat casualty care, infectious disease surveillance, prolonged and distributed care—through cross-disciplinary development.
Enables rapid transition pathways and field validation under realistic operational conditions, aligning with MTEC’s emphasis on real-world use.
Promotes dual-use civilian benefit—public health surveillance, emergency response and chronic disease monitoring—consistent with MTEC priorities.
Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications
Force health surveillance and outbreak detection in garrison and deployed nodes.
Remote triage and telemedicine support for prolonged field care and delayed evacuation scenarios.
Civilian emergency medicine and mass-casualty response integration—scalable monitoring and decision support.
Chronic disease and performance monitoring for veterans and public health applications.
Explore MTEC Members with Wearable Devices Capabilities
MTEC members bring cross-functional expertise—biomedical engineering, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, tactical communications and manufacturing scale-up—to mature wearable technologies for deployment.
Members support operationally relevant validation studies, human systems integration, and transition pipelines that shorten time-to-fielding under DoD priorities.
Explore member profiles to identify partners experienced in rugged sensor design, biosensing chemistry, edge analytics and tactical networking to accelerate wearable solutions for Warfighters and civilians.
105 Members with Wearable Devices capabilities.
IQVIA is a global leader in advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services for the life sciences industry. With a mission to accelerate innovation for a healthier world and a vision to power smarter healthcare for everyone, everywhere, IQVIA leverages unparalleled data, transformative technology, and deep healthcare expertise to drive better patient outcomes. Operating in over 100 countries with approximately 88,000 employees, IQVIA supports pharmaceutical, biotech, medtech, public health, and government organizations with a comprehensive portfolio of services and solutions. The company is recognized for its Connected Intelligence™, healthcare-grade AI, and commitment to sustainability, innovation, and evidence-based insights that shape the future of healthcare globally. IQVIA is also dedicated to reducing health inequities and driving sustainable change through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven solutions, partnering with organizations worldwide to address complex healthcare challenges.
LumenAstra, Inc. is at the forefront of developing innovative, wearable, non-invasive sensors for accurately measuring internal body temperatures. Originating from a need identified by DARPA to protect troops from heat stress, the company collaborates with the University of Colorado's Radio Frequency Lab to commercialize a patented technology. This technology, initially used for astronomical measurements, is now being adapted to monitor critical health parameters such as brain and tumor temperatures, promising to revolutionize medical monitoring and treatment.
Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) is an employee-owned company dedicated to inventing, demonstrating, and translating technologies that address critical national needs in defense, security, healthcare, and environmental stewardship. With over 50 years of experience, PSI combines extensive research and development capabilities with a commitment to innovation and customer focus.
Pradazka, by Integrative Mechanical Medical Devices LLC, is dedicated to revolutionizing in-patient care through innovative wireless and continuous patient monitoring technology. Their mission is to empower patients and healthcare professionals with advanced, AI-driven wearable devices that enable continuous tracking of vital signs, enhancing patient mobility, safety, and care outcomes. The company is committed to driving progress in digital health and seeks partnerships and funding to further its impact on healthcare.
Aware Custom Biometric Wearables, is a leading innovator in cutting-edge in-ear technology, specializing in superior custom hearing protection solutions and biometric hearables. Our groundbreaking in-ear solutions feature enhanced hearing capabilities, continuous monitoring, and the collection of medical-grade biometric data, all designed to enhance human performance and safeguard lives. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our meticulously crafted in-ear devices. Thanks to our patented 3D Ear Scanner technology, we provide a custom fit tailored to the unique shape of each individual's ear which optimizes the performance of sensors. Aware is transforming the ear into a dynamic platform for health and human performance by collecting medical-grade data, delivering actionable AI-driven insights, and enabling precision therapeutics within devices we wear in our everyday lives. Our technology serves a diverse range of sectors within healthcare, military, and industrial. Proudly U.S.-based, offices in Atlanta, GA and San Diego, CA. www.AwareCBW.com.
STAT Therapeutics is focused on developing a drug- device combination for easy, rapid administration of intramuscular, life-saving medications by users in any setting, aiming to improve access and usability for acute emergency treatments such as pain, anaphylaxis, and seizures.
cosinuss° is a medical technology company based in Munich, Germany, that is pioneering an ultralight monitoring solution in Europe for situations and use cases where the currently available monitoring solutions fail. The company specializes in in-ear biosensor technology connected to mobile devices for local application, and/or additional cloud-based analytics, supporting real-time local and remote patient monitoring for medical care in challenging operations, in remote environments, clinical trials, remote patient monitoring, and telemedicine. The solution is currently only available for sale in Europe.
From Rapid Innovation to Breakthrough Impact, Bessel Helps Startups and Scaling Teams Move Faster, Smarter, and Together with Fewer Missteps. Experience Bessel Rapid Innovation: We embed with your team to rescue stalled projects or fill critical gaps. From R&D to Quality Systems to Regulatory Affairs, we drive rapid progress to reduce your burn rate and improve profitability. We help your team deliver measurable results: reduced COGS, decreased complaints, improved performance. Our Powered by Bessel™ Accelerator is an Intensive, fixed-duration programs to refine your technology strategy, align teams, and prepare for fundraising—perfect for startups seeking clarity and velocity. Save months in development, find your sweet spot with investors, build and support your team. The Bessel Origin™ workforce development program, born in the classroom, trains emerging medtech teams in design thinking and agile teamwork, fueling innovation. Boost team performance and identify, develop, and retain your emerging leaders.
Harmac is a global contract design and manufacturing organization specializing in single-use medical devices. With over four decades of experience, Harmac provides comprehensive services including product design and development, advanced manufacturing, automation, value engineering, quality assurance, and packaging and sterilization. The company is known for its operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Harmac operates facilities across the United States, Ireland, and Mexico, supporting customers worldwide and across a range of clinical applications. ISO 13485 Certified and FDA Registered.
PinMed, Inc., is a National Innovation Award-winning bioinformatics/medical-device company that develops high-fidelity cardiovascular monitoring systems, personalized (adaptive) software, and integrated systems and custom solutions for tracking cardiovascular data in the most challenging environments (e.g., intensive activity, extreme electromagnetic interference, and interventional cardiovascular procedures) and identifying subtle but clinically important indicators of cardiovascular events. PinMed’s award-winning solutions include versatile, multisensor, high-fidelity monitoring systems for various hospital and ambulatory settings. The company has extensive experience in electronic and mechanical engineering, development of software and firmware for various processors, computational modeling, and cardiovascular physiology. PinMed’s flagship mobile platform, PELEX, provides unparalleled versatility in physiological monitoring and has been cleared by the FDA for diagnostic 12-lead ECG testing and various types of ambulatory monitoring.
Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Military Operational Medicine funded for PTSD, Adjustment Disorder and Pain and Sleep (over $5m). 3 trials in progress. Sana Health is an FDA Breakthrough Designated Device, currently in front of the FDA for Neuropathic Pain as a de novo - expecting to be on market Q4 2025. Sana is a wearable audiovisual neuromodulation device, that provides anxiety and pain relief, and sleep on demand. $25m raised to date, and in the middle of a Series A extension SAFE note round.
TIMSER S.A.P.I. de C.V. is a biomedical company in Mexico developing accessible and non-invasive blood-based screening solutions for early detection of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions. The company leverages more than a decade of research to advance clinically validated molecular diagnostics using protein biomarkers identified through proteomics and molecular biology approaches. These technologies address barriers to traditional screening and are backed by extensive national and international patent coverage and clinical trial validation involving hundreds of participants.
Omedus LLC develops technologies to improve real-time triage and emergency response in healthcare and crisis environments. Their solutions focus on automated, wireless patient assessment systems that provide dynamic prioritization for first responders, medics, and emergency teams. The company collaborates with defense, technology, and academic partners to drive innovation in data-driven emergency care.
Sibel Health is dedicated to delivering Better Health Data for All®, utilizing advanced wireless monitoring technologies to improve healthcare outcomes globally. Founded by leading engineers and scientists, the company focuses on transforming clinical trials and care through innovative wearable sensors and data integration.
Ease Healthcare (a registered DBA of MPS Medical, Inc.) is committed to advancing next-generation military medicine by accelerating access to clinically validated diagnostic tools, monitoring devices, and health and wellness technologies. As a trusted commercialization partner and distributor, the company empowers providers, organizations, and individuals with advanced solutions that support early detection, timely intervention, and improved health outcomes in both civilian and military settings. With a mission to make cutting-edge science and technology accessible to all, Ease Healthcare focuses on addressing critical health challenges such as 02 delivery, cancer, and cardiovascular disease —areas that directly impact force readiness and resilience. The company’s vision is to break barriers in healthcare by delivering innovative medical solutions that are affordable, accessible, and simple to use, regardless of economic or geographic limitations. In addition to bringing transformative technologies to market, Ease Healthcare provides turnkey services for medical device manufacturing and distribution, guiding partners from product development through regulatory compliance and successful deployment. By combining technical expertise with a dedication to accessibility, Ease Healthcare supports the Department of Defense’s priorities in preparing and protecting service members with next-generation healthcare solutions.

University of California San Francisco
TemPredict: AI-Driven Wearable Monitoring for Early Illness Detection and Warfighter Readiness
TemPredict: AI wearables detect early illness and health risks to support warfighter readiness.
Arizona State University
ASU Crosscutting Technologies to Enhance Military Medical Readiness and Resilience
Dr. Rachel Cassalia leads MTEC-supported efforts at ASU to shift military health from reactive care to proactive readiness through data-driven prevention.
University of Pittsburgh
Topical Metformin Lotion for Tendinopathy Prevention
University of Pittsburgh study shows topical metformin prevents overuse tendon injury. This work was sponsored through MTEC project 22-02-MPAI-014.
Theradaptive
Theradaptive’s RESTORE Trial Initiation for OsteoAdapt™ DE
Theradaptive launches RESTORE Phase I/II trial of OsteoAdapt™ DE for faster, precision bone healing in craniofacial injuries. MTEC-funded study targets improved recovery for military and civilian patients.