Inverness based Inverness Chamber of Commerce (ICC) member Interactive Health Ltd is pioneering a new approach to mental-health technology with the development of Wristbud — a smart, AI powered wearable designed to detect and help manage stress in everyday life.
Born from PhD research into biomarker sensing and digital mental health, and participation as a partner in the EU-funded MindED project to support students facing mental health challenges, Wristbud combines the functions of a smartwatch and wireless earbuds in one compact wrist device. It tracks biomarkers linked to mental wellbeing and securely transmits data to a smartphone app that delivers personalised insights to help users understand and manage stress and anxiety in real time.
Unlike any similar consumer devices, Wristbud is being developed as a clinically validated Class I medical device built to ISO 4021 standards. With enterprise-grade data security, user data is never shared.
Founder Alan White said: “Wristbud isn’t just another wearable gadget — it’s a trusted mental-health companion. Our aim is to make Scotland a leader in next-generation digital health. We’re hoping that ICC members will join us in helping to pilot Wristbud in 2026.”
Currently a semi-finalist in the Scottish EDGE competition, Wristbud is also being supported by Scottish Enterprise to apply for up to €1 million through the UNITE EU innovation fund. These investments will fast-track development, create high-value Scottish jobs, and position Wristbud at the forefront of digital mental-health innovation.