Spark Biomedical
Spark Biomedical is a Dallas-based medical technology company developing FDA-cleared, non-invasive wearable neurostimulation devices using its proprietary Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) platform to treat opioid withdrawal, neonatal withdrawal, acute stress, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersHouston, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Spark Biomedical does
Spark Biomedical, Inc. is a privately held, Dallas, Texas-based medical technology company founded in 2017 that develops non-invasive, wearable neurostimulation devices built on its proprietary Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) platform. The tAN architecture delivers electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus and trigeminal nerves to modulate autonomic nervous system activity without pharmaceutical intervention. The company's flagship FDA-cleared product, Sparrow Ascent, is a dual-earpiece wearable for opioid withdrawal symptom management; extensions of the same platform include Sparrow Fledgling (neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, FDA Breakthrough Device Designation), Sparrow Hawk (acute stress reactions in military settings, developed with Battelle under DoD funding), OhmBody (consumer-focused women's menstrual wellness sub-brand), and the Sparrow Link research platform offering a customizable Python API for academic investigators.
Spark generates revenue through three primary channels: enterprise sales to U.S. Veterans Administration institutions via formal purchase orders at $3,850 per device, direct-to-consumer transactions through the SparrowRx.com storefront, and quote-based B2B sales of research platforms to academic medical centers. The company is diversifying consumer reach through a channel partnership with menstrual care brand OVO and debuted OhmBody at CES 2026. Spark has executed more than 16 clinical trials spanning neurological health, hemostasis, pediatrics, and women's health, supported by non-dilutive grant funding totaling roughly $2.3 million from NIH, NIDA, NIAAA, DoD, and TRC4 alongside a $15 million Series A round led by WAVE Ventures with participation from Pathway to Cures (NBDF's venture philanthropy fund) closed in April 2025. With 11 to 50 employees, Spark underwent a leadership transition in May 2026 when Anja Krammer was appointed CEO to accelerate clinical and commercial scaling, while cofounder Daniel Powell moved to focus on the Neural Tourniquet product line.
Spark Biomedical firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Spark Biomedical
- Legal name
- Spark Biomedical, Inc.
- Website
- https://sparkbiomedical.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Spark Biomedical is a Dallas-based medical technology company developing FDA-cleared, non-invasive wearable neurostimulation devices using its proprietary Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) platform to treat opioid withdrawal, neonatal withdrawal, acute stress, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Spark Biomedical industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wearable Neurostimulation Medical Devices
- NAICS
- Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510)
- SIC
- Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Connected Medical Devices & Wearables (Sensors, Patches, Implantables) (HLACAPAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Neurological Monitoring (EEG, Seizure/Sleep/Neuro Wearables) (HLAHACAE), Mental Wellness & Stress Management Devices (Biofeedback, Meditation/Neurostimulation Devices) (CRACAQAL)
Keywords
Where Spark Biomedical is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Houston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Spark Biomedical business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Sparrow Ascent Device Sales: Direct hardware sales of FDA-cleared Sparrow Ascent neurostimulation devices. Available through VA institutional procurement, direct consumer sales via SparrowRx.com, and healthcare providers. One-time purchase model with 90-day warranty.
- Sparrow Link Research Platform: Sale of research-grade neurostimulation equipment including pulse generators, mobile apps, hub systems, and API access to academic and institutional researchers conducting clinical trials.
- SEC Exempt Offering: Company filed SEC Notice of Exempt Offering of Securities for approximately $21.8 million offering amount with $16.2 million already sold, indicating equity financing as a funding mechanism.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sparrow Ascent - VA Institutional |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sparrow Link Research Platform |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Spark Biomedical product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Spark Biomedical develops and sells FDA-cleared, non-invasive wearable neurostimulation devices based on its proprietary Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) technology. The flagship product, Sparrow Ascent, is a wearable ear-piece device that delivers targeted electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus and trigeminal nerves to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, with extensions into neonatal withdrawal, military acute stress, hemostasis, and women's menstrual wellness. The company also sells the Sparrow Link research platform to academic and clinical investigators, and operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel at SparrowRx.com.
Product overview
Spark Biomedical offers a portfolio of wearable neurostimulation products centered on its proprietary Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) technology platform. The core product is Sparrow Ascent, an FDA-cleared wearable device for opioid withdrawal management. The Sparrow Link Research Platform enables researchers to customize tAN for clinical trials across multiple indications. Sparrow Fledgling adapts the technology for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) with FDA Breakthrough Device Designation. OhmBody represents a consumer wellness sub-brand targeting women's menstrual health. Sparrow Hawk addresses acute stress reactions for military applications. The product line spans from FDA-cleared clinical products to research tools and consumer wellness applications, all utilizing the same underlying tAN neurostimulation mechanism targeting the auricular branches of the vagus and trigeminal nerves.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- OhmBody: Women’s wellness division of Spark Biomedical developing neurostimulation wearable devices for menstrual wellness. The device uses dual cranial nerve stimulation (vagus and trigeminal nerves) targeting menstrual health.
Products and services
- Sparrow Ascent FDA-cleared wearable neurostimulation device that uses Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) to balance the autonomic nervous system and manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. Indicated for use in patients experiencing opioid withdrawal in conjunction with standard symptomatic medication and other therapies. Features a dual earpiece design allowing alternating left/right ear use to prevent skin irritation. Sold to VA institutions at $3,850 per device and direct-to-consumer via SparrowRx.com.
- Sparrow Fledgling Wearable neurostimulation device based on Sparrow Ascent technology, specifically designed for neonates experiencing Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). Delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus and trigeminal nerves. For NICU use, offering a non-pharmacologic treatment alternative that may reduce prolonged hospital stays. Has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation.
- Sparrow Hawk Non-invasive wearable neurostimulation device using tAN technology designed to address Acute Stress Reactions (ASR) in military and battlefield settings. Developed in partnership with Battelle Memorial Institute under Department of Defense funding. Aims to improve cognitive function and reduce long-term mental health risks including PTSD for military personnel and civilians.
- OhmBody Women's wellness wearable device that uses dual cranial nerve stimulation (vagus and trigeminal nerves) for menstrual wellness. Drug-free and hormone-free, with peer-reviewed pilot research showing approximately 54-57% average reduction in menstrual blood loss and 19-20% shorter menstrual duration. Targeted at women and girls with heavy menstrual bleeding, including those with inherited bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand Disease.
- Sparrow Link Research Platform A non-invasive wearable neurostimulation research platform that enables research teams to customize transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN). Sold as an integrated package including the Sparrow Link Pulse Generator, Mobile App, and Hub with Python API for programmatic customization. Enables modification of stimulation output parameters including amplitude, pulse width, frequency, duty cycle, and ramping duration. Sold via quote request to academic institutions and clinical trial sponsors.
Quantifiable outcome
- 84% of participants experienced mild or no withdrawal symptoms within 60 minutes of tAN therapy
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Spark Biomedical
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Spark Biomedical technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Spark Biomedical partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, emerging and minor.
- UNC Institute for Trauma RecoverycoreLead organization for $3.4 million Phase 2 clinical trial testing Sparrow Link tAN System for reducing acute stress reaction symptoms and preventing PTSD. UNC School of Medicine partnering with US Department of Defense. Double-blind, sham-controlled trial enrolling 120 patients.
- Oregon Health & Science UniversitycoreAcademic partner for LUNA Trial Phase II clinical study evaluating tAN for heavy menstrual bleeding. Randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled decentralized study enrolling 80 participants. Part of Wellcome Leap The Missed Vital Sign program.
- University of MichigancoreClinical partner for LUNA Trial evaluating transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation for heavy menstrual bleeding in women and girls with inherited bleeding disorders including von Willebrand disease.
- Yale UniversitycoreAcademic collaborator for LUNA Trial women's health clinical study. Partnership with OHSU and University of Michigan funded by Wellcome Leap to advance non-pharmaceutical treatment options for heavy menstrual bleeding.
- UT Southwestern Medical CentercoreLead organization for $500,000 TRC4 grant clinical trial evaluating tAN for chronic subdural hematomas. Dr. Alex Valadka leading study to develop less invasive treatment for common neurosurgical condition.
- UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch)coreCollaborating institution for chronic subdural hematomas clinical trial with UT Southwestern. Partnership part of Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative research initiative.
- OVOemergingMenstrual care brand partnership offering OhmBody neurostimulation device through OVO's online store. OVO is a plant-based menstrual care brand expanding distribution for Spark's non-hormonal menstrual wellness device.
- Menninger CliniccoreClinical research partner for NIH/NIAAA $305,000 grant studying tAN for alcohol withdrawal in patients with Alcohol Use Disorder. Menninger Clinic is conducting the five-day inpatient protocol study evaluating Sparrow Link device safety and efficacy.
- Baylor College of MedicinecoreAcademic partner for NIH/NIAAA alcohol withdrawal study. Collaborating with Menninger Clinic to evaluate neural mechanisms of tAN therapy in treating alcohol use disorder.
- Battelle Memorial InstitutecoreStrategic technology partner for AI algorithm development to detect and manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. Funded by $318,875 NIDA SBIR grant. Battelle contributing technical expertise for closed-loop neurostimulation development.
- Hazelden Betty Ford FoundationcoreClinical partner for AI algorithm development project funded by NIDA. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation provides addiction treatment expertise and clinical data for algorithm training to detect opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Battelle Memorial InstitutecoreLong-standing partner for military neurostimulation device development. $1.15 million DoD Phase II grant for Sparrow Hawk device to address Acute Stress Reactions in military settings. Battelle developing wearable non-invasive device for battlefield conditions.
- Lindus HealthminorPartner for decentralized clinical trial operations for HMB/VWD study involving 20 subjects. Lindus Health providing clinical trial management services.
- Northwell Health / Feinstein InstitutescoreResearch partner for platelet activity regulation study (NCT05977946). Feinstein Institutes known for vagus nerve stimulation research. Partnership leverages deep expertise in bioelectronic medicine.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Spark Biomedical competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Spark Biomedical social profiles
Digital presenceSpark Biomedical compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Spark Biomedical financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Spark Biomedical leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Spark Biomedical subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Spark Biomedical funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Spark Biomedical M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Spark Biomedical
What does Spark Biomedical do?
Spark Biomedical develops and sells FDA-cleared, non-invasive wearable neurostimulation devices based on its proprietary Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) technology. The flagship product, Sparrow Ascent, is a wearable ear-piece device that delivers targeted electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus and trigeminal nerves to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, with extensions into neonatal withdrawal, military acute stress, hemostasis, and women's menstrual wellness. The company also sells the Sparrow Link research platform to academic and clinical investigators, and operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel at SparrowRx.com.
Is Spark Biomedical a public or private company?
Spark Biomedical is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Spark Biomedical founded?
Spark Biomedical was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Spark Biomedical based?
Spark Biomedical is headquartered in Houston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Spark Biomedical make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Sparrow Ascent Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are sparrow Link Research Platform and SEC Exempt Offering.
Does Spark Biomedical have an API?
No public API is recorded for Spark Biomedical.
What industry is Spark Biomedical in?
Spark Biomedical's product category is Wearable Neurostimulation Medical Devices. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLACAPAB, Connected Medical Devices & Wearables (Sensors, Patches, Implantables), with a secondary code of HLAHACAE, Neurological Monitoring (EEG, Seizure/Sleep/Neuro Wearables). Its NAICS code is 334510 and its SIC code is 3845.