What Avkin does

Avkin is a Delaware-based healthcare simulation technology company founded in 2016 as a spinout from the University of Delaware by CEO Amy Cowperthwait, a CHSE-certified nursing simulationist. The company designs, manufactures, and sells a proprietary portfolio of nine wearable simulators — Avbirth (birthing), Avtrach (tracheostomy), Avthor (chest tube), Avtone (auscultation), Avstick (IV insertion with haptic feedback), Avline (central line), Avwound (wound care), Avcath (urinary catheterization), and Avband (SP communication cueing device) — that are worn by live standardized patients (SPs) to combine human interaction with technological fidelity during clinical-skills training. The underlying technology stack integrates anatomically accurate silicone designs, embedded haptic feedback, wireless connectivity through the Avkin App (iOS/Android), and third-party vital-signs integrations with Innov2Learn (thermometer, pulse oximeter) and KBPort (BPSim blood pressure cuff).

Avkin serves healthcare education institutions as its primary customer segment — primarily US nursing schools, medical schools, and university health-professions programs — with secondary segments in hospital simulation labs and first-responder/EMS training. Revenue is generated primarily through enterprise direct sales of bundled hardware packages (Manikin Replacement Package, Elite Simulation Package, and Every Patient Package), with quote-based pricing on multi-year contracts. Supplementary revenue streams include simulation consulting (needs assessment, faculty training, SP recruitment, 12-month mentorship), the online Standardized Patient Certificate Program (ASPE-aligned), AvMentor onsite integration support, and consumable simulation materials. The company also operates a small e-commerce storefront for individual products, accessories, and branded merchandise. Go-to-market combines a consultative "Book a Meeting" enterprise sales motion with active booth presence at the five major healthcare simulation conferences (IMSH, INACSL, SESAM, SimOps, SimGHOSTS) and a content-led podcast and blog strategy.

As of the input period, Avkin operates as a privately held, founder-led company with 11–50 employees, no disclosed institutional investors beyond a single $900,000 round in November 2022, no subsidiaries, and no M&A activity. The company is incorporated in Delaware with its headquarters in Newport, DE, holds WBENC women-owned certification (2021), and maintains named customer relationships with twelve or more institutions including Towson University, Oakland University, University of Central Florida, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Michigan, Sam Houston State University, Chaminade University, Duquesne University, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Bakersfield Nursing School, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, and Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Name

Avkin

Legal name

Avkin, Inc.

Website

https://avkin.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Avkin designs and manufactures wearable simulation devices worn by live standardized patients during healthcare training. Founded in 2016 as a University of Delaware spinout, the company sells nine proprietary simulators primarily to nursing schools, universities, and hospital simulation centers through direct enterprise sales and bundled packages.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Healthcare Simulation Equipment

NAICS

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Healthcare & Clinical Simulation (Surgery, Nursing, EMT, Patient Interaction) (EDAFAJAC)

Keywords

• Wearable medical simulators
• Healthcare simulation training
• Standardized patient programs
• Nursing education equipment
• Clinical skills simulation

Headquarters

HQ city

Wilmington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Wearable Simulator Hardware Sales: Sale of proprietary wearable simulators (Avbirth, Avtrach, Avthor, Avtone, Avstick, Avline, Avwound, Avcath) as individual products or bundled packages (Every Patient Package, Elite Simulation Package, Manikin Replacement Package). Hardware is sold with complimentary simulations and integration support.
2. Bundle/Package Sales: Pre-configured packages combining multiple simulators, vital sign accessories, SP training certificates, and mentorship services. Packages include Every Patient Package (diverse skin tones), Elite Simulation Package (full catalog), and Manikin Replacement Package (entry-level).
3. Simulation Consulting Services: Avkin offers consulting for building standardized patient programs, including needs assessment, faculty training, policy development, SP recruitment, and ongoing mentorship (12-month programs). Services help institutions implement human simulation methodologies.
4. Avkin University - Training & Certification: Online certificate program for standardized patient training using ASPE Standards of Best Practice. CHSE-certified educators provide training. Includes 10 Standardized Patient Certificates in Every Patient Package.
5. App/Software Services: Avkin app for controlling simulator devices and vital sign readings. App collects crash logs for improvement and uses location data for wireless services (iOS/Android).
6. Merchandise: Branded merchandise including Simulation Nation mugs, t-shirts, and hoodies sold through e-commerce.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Avkin designs and manufactures proprietary wearable healthcare simulation simulators (e.g., Avbirth, Avtrach, Avthor, Avtone, Avstick, Avline, Avwound, Avcath, and Avband) worn by live standardized patients to enable realistic clinical skills training. The company sells these simulators individually, as part of three pre-configured bundles (Every Patient Package, Elite Simulation Package, Manikin Replacement Package), and supports them with a mobile control app, standardized patient certification, onsite integration support (AvMentor), and simulation consulting services.

Product overview

Avkin is a healthcare simulation technology company offering a platform of wearable simulators designed to be worn by live standardized patients (SPs) during simulation training. The core portfolio consists of 9 distinct wearable simulator products (Avbirth, Avtrach, Avthor, Avtone, Avstick, Avline, Avwound, Avcath, and Avband) that address different clinical skills including birthing simulation, tracheostomy care, chest tube management, auscultation, IV insertion, central line care, wound assessment, catheterization, and communication. These products are sold individually and bundled into three value packages: the Manikin Replacement Package (entry-level), Elite Simulation Package (mid-tier), and Every Patient Package (comprehensive with diverse skin tones). The platform is supported by the Avkin App for wireless control, the Standardized Patient Certificate Program for training, AvMentor for onsite support, and Simulation Consulting services for program development. Avkin also partners with Innov2Learn and KBPort for vital signs simulation equipment. The company was founded in 2016 as a University of Delaware spinout.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Avbirth Birthing Simulator The world's only fully automated wearable birthing simulator that enables learners to practice closed-loop communication with interprofessional teams and therapeutic communication through all phases of labor and delivery. Features realistic contractions, crowning, and delivery with customizable scenarios including shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage. Designed for nursing schools, medical schools, and hospital simulation centers.
• Avtrach Tracheostomy Simulator High-fidelity wearable tracheostomy simulator designed to replicate an anterior thorax for authentic tracheostomy care and suctioning training. Connects to the Avkin app via wireless connection, allowing educators to change lung sounds from the control room, and can be connected to a ventilator. A Johns Hopkins study confirmed lower learner stress with Avtrach.
• Avthor Chest Tube Simulator Wearable chest tube care simulator that replicates intrathoracic pressures for realistic teaching of assessment and care of patients with chest tubes. Enables learners to practice repositioning, transferring, and ambulating patients with chest tubes.
• Avtone Auscultation Simulator The world's only wearable auscultation simulator with compact, lightweight design featuring an anatomically correct chest for identifying proper landmarks. Includes volume controls and actual patient recorded sounds for heart and lung auscultation training.
• Avstick IV Simulator Wearable IV simulator worn as a left-arm sleeve for high-fidelity IV insertion practice. Features haptic vibration feedback when the needle pierces the smart skin, with multiple layers of woven plastic integrated into premium silicone to protect the wearer.
• Avline Central Line Simulator Wearable central line simulator providing high-fidelity patient experience for central venous care simulations. Offers two options: right subclavian triple lumen or left subclavian implanted port, both removable for educator flexibility.
• Avwound Wound Care Simulator High-fidelity wearable wound care simulator for assessment, measurement, documentation, and care of all four stages of pressure wounds plus surgical wounds. Described as the most significant technological advancement for wound care in the industry.
• Avcath Urinary Catheterization Simulator High-fidelity wearable urinary catheterization simulator that seamlessly replicates the human urinary system with interchangeable male and female genitalia (circumcised or uncircumcised options) made of high-quality silicone.
• Avband SP Communication Device Smartwatch-style 3-way communication device between control room, patient, and Avkin simulators. Enables discreet communication via vibrations and LED lights, with panic notification button for SP safety during simulations. Replaces bulky earpieces.
• Every Patient Package Comprehensive package including all 8 Avkin wearable simulators (Avbirth, Avtrach, Avthor, Avtone, Avstick, Avline, Avwound, Avcath), 5 Avbands with iPads, simulated vital signs equipment (blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, thermometer), 10 SP certificates, 17 simulations, and 12-month mentorship.
• Elite Simulation Package Top-tier package including Avbirth with lifelike baby, Avthor chest tube simulator, 10 Avbands with iPads, vital signs simulators (blood pressure, pulse ox, thermometer), and 17 simulation curriculum support packages with fully built scenarios aligned to AACN competencies.
• Manikin Replacement Package Entry-level package for transitioning from manikin-only to wearable simulator simulation, including Avstick, Avtrach, Avwound, Avline, Avthor, Avtone, Avcath, and 4 Avbands with iPads.
• Avkin Mobile App Mobile application that pairs with Avkin wearable simulators for wireless control of lung sounds, vital signs, and simulation parameters from the control room. Available on iOS and Android.
• Standardized Patient Certificate Program Online training program teaching standardized patients fundamentals and ASPE best practice standards. Covers feedback techniques and standardization for healthcare simulation programs. Includes 10 SP certificates in the Every Patient Package.
• AvMentor Onsite Integration Support Onsite standardized patient and wearable technology integration support service provided by Avkin's expert team to help institutions implement and optimize their simulation programs.
• Simulation Consulting Services Program building and faculty development consulting services including needs assessment, policy development, faculty training, and SP recruitment planning following ASPE standards of best practice. Includes 12-month mentorship programs.
• Simulated Consumables Single-use simulation materials including simulated blood, amniotic fluid, blood clots, meconium-stained fluid, vernix, placenta, umbilical cords, and exudate for realistic training scenarios.

Quantifiable outcome

• 36% improvement in learner scores with SP methodology vs 24% with manikins
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Innov2LearncoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to integrate Innov2Learn's simulated thermometer and pulse oximeter devices into Avkin's product ecosystem. Readings controlled wirelessly via Avkin app. Included in Every Patient Package and Vital Signs Add-On.
• KBPortcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for KBPort's BPSim blood pressure cuff simulator integrated into Avkin's vital signs offerings. Readings controlled via Wi-Fi on app interface. Programmable for hypotension through hypertensive crisis.
• ASPEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAvkin's SP training and certificate programs align with ASPE (Association of Standardized Patient Educators) Standards of Best Practice. Avkin teaches ASPE standards of best practice, feedback techniques, and standardization in their training programs.
• INACSLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAvkin actively participates in INACSL conferences and its CEO received the Haden VanGuard Lectureship Award. INACSL Standards of Best Practice guide Avkin's simulation methodology.
• HealthySimulation.comminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for IMSH 2026 demonstrations. Teresa Gore from HealthySimulation.com discussed simulation standards on Avkin's Simulation Nation podcast.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• CAE Healthcare: Subsidiary of CAE Inc., offers high-fidelity patient simulators including the Lucina birthing simulator that competes directly with Avbirth. Comparable as an enterprise-scale simulation competitor with global sales infrastructure.

Direct peers

• Limbs & Things: Manufacturer of clinical-skills task trainers (catheterization, IV, wound care, central lines) sold to nursing and medical schools. Directly comparable product overlap with Avstick, Avline, Avcath, and Avwound.
• Simulaids: Long-standing manufacturer of patient-care and trauma simulation trainers (wound care, IV, airway). Comparable as a direct competitor in physical task-trainer wearables sold to nursing and EMS programs.
• Simulab: Producer of soft-tissue surgical and procedural task trainers (e.g., central line, chest tube, trauma). Directly comparable as a competitor in wearable/task-trainer simulators used in healthcare education.
• Kyoto Kagaku: Japanese manufacturer of medical education simulators including birthing (Maternity Model) and auscultation trainers. Comparable as a long-established peer offering physical simulators to nursing schools worldwide.
• Gaumard Scientific: Patient simulator manufacturer known for Victoria (birthing simulator) and Super Tory. Directly comparable as a competitor offering high-fidelity clinical simulators to the same nursing/medical-school buyer.

Emerging players

• VirtaMed: Developer of high-fidelity VR-based surgical and procedural simulators (e.g., hysteroscopy, arthroscopy). Comparable as an adjacent technology competitor targeting the same clinical-skills training buyer.
• Surgical Science: Developer of virtual-reality surgical and interventional training simulators. Comparable as an adjacent player using a different modality (VR) to address the same simulation-in-healthcare-education buyer.

Broad incumbents

• 3B Scientific: Broad medical-education product company (including iSimulate acquisition) selling manikins, skills trainers, and VR simulators globally. Comparable as an incumbent partner/competitor at IMSH and across the same buyer base.
• Laerdal Medical: Global leader in healthcare simulation (SimMan, SimMom, Resusci Anne) with deep distribution into nursing schools and hospitals. Comparable as the incumbent Avkin's wearable + live-SP approach targets to disrupt, though Laerdal is manikin-centric.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AvkinCo
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCiuq-Rc0JHTktjQ2_9ByHhg
• Facebookfacebook.com/AvkinCo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/avkin

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Avkin