Hiyd, founded by former Apple engineer Salah Batroukh, offers a sleek health tracker that attaches to any watch without disrupting its style or mechanics. Instead of requiring users to switch to bulky fitness trackers, Hiyd uses a microsuction-based disc that adheres invisibly to the back of a watch, avoiding magnets or adhesives that could harm precision devices. The tiny sensor, measuring 2.7 mm thick and weighing just 7 grams, tracks common biometrics like heart rate, sleep quality, movement, calories, and VO2 max, and syncs data via an app compatible with iOS and Android.
The startup’s innovation lies in the microsuction technology, a thin silicone sheet textured with tiny air pockets that create a vacuum seal when pressed against the watch. This design prevents residue and interference, yet the disc can be easily removed with a gentle pry. Batroukh’s team includes co-founders Omar Shakir and Mahamad Charawi, bringing expertise in mechanical engineering and software to develop this device and its ecosystem. The firm is refining its AI by labeling detailed activity data to enhance accuracy in tracking fitness and health metrics.
Hiyd is also building out its companion app to integrate nutrition insights alongside biometric tracking, aiming to provide personalized feedback on how diet affects sleep and exercise performance. For example, the app might suggest how late-night workouts or sugary snacks impact sleep quality, tailoring advice to individual habits. The company plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in November and has already garnered deposits from over 16,000 prospective users eager for its debut.
Currently competing in TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield at Disrupt 2026, Hiyd embodies its founder’s desire to create brilliant hardware outside the shadow of major corporate brands. Batroukh left Apple to focus on consumer-oriented design that prioritizes user needs and style without compromise. With its innovative sensor and holistic health tracking approach, Hiyd aims to carve out a niche for users who want advanced biometric data without sacrificing the look and feel of their favorite watch.
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