A new health technology startup founded by two Georgia Tech graduates is using principles from NASA's data systems to create an at-home biochemical monitoring device. The system, developed by Deleon, analyzes daily urine samples to provide insights into stress, physical recovery, and overtraining, aiming to shift healthcare toward a more preventive model.
Cofounders Chad Pozarycki and José Andrade adapted technology originally designed for sending complex chemical data from space to develop a tool that tracks personal metabolic information. Their goal is to make sophisticated health monitoring accessible to everyone, with future plans to expand into early disease detection.
Key Takeaways
- Deleon is a new startup using NASA-inspired technology for personal health monitoring.
- The system analyzes metabolites in urine to track stress, recovery, and overtraining.
- The company was founded by Georgia Tech graduates Chad Pozarycki and José Andrade.
- Initial funding and mentorship came from Georgia Tech's CREATE-X entrepreneurship program, which led to a $200,000 investment.
From Space Missions to Personal Wellness
The technology behind Deleon’s monitoring system has its roots in a challenge faced by space agencies: how to transmit vast amounts of complex scientific data over immense distances. Pozarycki and Andrade saw an opportunity to apply these advanced data transmission concepts to the field of metabolomics, the study of small molecules within cells and tissues.
Their device is designed to analyze metabolites in urine, which can reveal detailed information about a person's physical state. By tracking these biochemical markers, users can get a clearer picture of how their body is responding to exercise, stress, and lifestyle choices. This data can help identify patterns related to overtraining or heightened stress levels before they lead to more significant health issues.
What is Metabolomics?
Metabolomics is the large-scale study of small molecules, known as metabolites, within biological systems. These molecules are the end products of cellular processes. Analyzing them can provide a direct snapshot of a person's physiological state, offering insights into health, disease, and the body's response to various factors like diet and exercise.
The founders believe this approach can fill a critical gap in modern healthcare. "Something that always frustrated me about metabolomics was its lack of focus on preventive care," said Chad Pozarycki. "We created Deleon by combining these ideas and tracking the human metabolome to optimize for healthy lifestyles."
The Challenges of a Startup Journey
The path from a novel idea to a functioning company was not straightforward for Pozarycki and Andrade. They launched Deleon shortly after finishing their graduate studies at Georgia Tech, balancing the demands of the new venture with part-time jobs to stay financially afloat.
Securing initial funding proved to be a major obstacle. "I finished my Ph.D. and didn’t have any income," Pozarycki explained. A crucial turning point came when they were accepted into CREATE-X, a campus-wide initiative at Georgia Tech designed to support student entrepreneurs.
"CREATE-X gave us $5,000 in seed funding, which made it possible to keep going."
This initial capital was essential for survival, but the program offered more than just money. It provided a structured environment for growth and development.
University Program Provides Critical Support
Through the CREATE-X Startup Launch program, the Deleon team received vital mentorship on identifying and reaching potential customers. The program also facilitated connections with industry partners, including Pravida Health, which allowed them to test and validate their technology in a real-world setting.
From Seed Funding to Major Investment
- Initial Seed Fund: $5,000 from the CREATE-X program.
- Key Milestone: A presentation at the program's Demo Day event.
- Resulting Investment: $200,000 secured from investors after the presentation.
The program culminated in a "Demo Day," where dozens of student-led startups presented their prototypes to investors and the public. Deleon’s data-driven approach to health captured significant attention, leading directly to a $200,000 investment. This funding enabled the company to accelerate product development and begin expanding its team.
Pozarycki emphasized the practical value of the experience. "CREATE-X is a hands-on environment where students build real products and learn what it takes to bring them to market," he said. "That experience changed the way we approached the company — we learned how to talk to customers, refine our pitch, and scale responsibly."
Fostering a New Generation of Innovators
Deleon's story is an example of a growing trend where university ecosystems are becoming powerful incubators for innovation. Programs like CREATE-X provide students with the resources, mentorship, and network needed to transform academic concepts into viable businesses.
These initiatives not only help launch individual companies but also contribute to the broader regional economy by retaining talent and attracting investment. By supporting entrepreneurs like Pozarycki and Andrade, institutions play a direct role in fostering economic growth and technological advancement.
Reflecting on his journey, Pozarycki offered strong encouragement for other aspiring entrepreneurs. "I would recommend the CREATE-X program to anyone," he stated. "Even if you don’t think you want to start a company, I think there’s a lot you can learn about yourself and about the world in this program that may change your mind and give you the chance to control your own fate."