Innovate UK invigorates hangAIR Global’s wellness business

The solution aims to improve the lives of millions who suffer from sleep disorders, respiratory issues and stress, offering a cost-effective alternative that could transform healthcare systems worldwide. With tailored business growth support from Innovate UK, hangAIR has not only brought this pioneering product close to market but has also secured significant investment and forged strategic global partnerships.

hangAIR Global’s AI-powered smart incliner holds users in a tripod position, using a gentle rocking motion and audio stimuli to encourage deep abdominal breathing, offering a non-pharmacological solution for common health challenges. This simple, yet effective, bionic approach improves sleep and memory consolidation, even during brief power naps.

By reducing respiratory stress and promoting mental well-being, hangAIR increases focus and productivity by an additional three to four hours daily. This boosts employee productivity, potentially saving businesses over £4,000 per employee per year by reducing presenteeism-related losses.

Additionally, with its portable and adaptable design, hangAIR provides preventative and recovery treatment options at convenient locations like office, home, airport and beyond. This accessibility could reduce healthcare burdens and costs, accelerating patient recovery and potentially saving £2,250 per patient when used in workplace or home settings.

“Many people struggle with stress, sleep disorders and respiratory issues, and the existing solutions are either ineffective, focusing on either physical or only mental aspect, or inaccessible. Our AI-powered holistic solution provides a scientifically backed, practical way to tackle these problems by improving breathing, relaxation, back pain,” explains Mirjana Prokic, Founder and CEO of hangAIR Global.

Early-stage strategic growth support

hangAIR began its journey with Innovate UK Business Growth in June 2021, following a personal referral from Innovation and Growth Specialist, Monika Dunkel, through Thrive Wearables, a wearables design and development consultancy. Innovation and Growth Specialist, Grace Looi, developed a bespoke business growth action plan with hangAIR to help it navigate the numerous complex innovation challenges.

Mirjana adds: “Having Grace available whenever I needed a sounding board was invaluable. Her non-judgmental approach provided exactly the kind of support I needed, especially in moments of uncertainty. Grace intuitively understood what I needed and connected me with additional help and guidance at critical times.

“Sometimes, the impact of a specific comment or suggestion only becomes clear later, as it helps connect the dots in unexpected ways—and that’s precisely what happened.”

hangAIR faced a common challenge for early-stage startups: securing investment before the proof of concept. The company participated in the Invest-Ability Intensive Training programme, which included the opportunity to pitch to investors, helping Mirjana refine her business pitch and gain the confidence to secure her first significant investment.

Other initiatives within the action plan included grant application guidance, intellectual property clinics, leadership training and market insights. These resources allowed hangAIR to build a strong foundation for its product and future growth.

Securing funding and internationalisation

hangAIR has raised a total of £715,000, including £185,000 in grant funding, £350,000 from angel investors and £180,000 founder’s own investment. This financial support has enabled the company to continue developing its product and move closer to commercialisation. One of the key grants awarded was a £50,000 Innovate UK Fast Start grant, which played a vital role in accelerating hangAIR’s growth.

Mirjana explains: “The Fast Start grant was essential in helping us significantly de-risk the product. Due to the project’s complexity and early development stage, attracting private investors at that time was challenging.
“The funding has also enabled us to push forward with product development and achieve proof of concept, which has opened doors to additional private investment.”

Other grant funding included a £100,000 Hillingdon Enterprise Fund grant, a £30,000 KEEP+ Anglia Ruskin University grant, and two £2,500 Sussex Innovation grants.

hangAIR’s success doesn’t stop at funding. The company has formed strategic partnerships across the globe, including letters of intent with organisations such as US-based Superior Float Tanks (for distribution to the NFL, NBA and US Army) and Vision DARP 2030 in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, hangAIR is listed on NEOM’s supplier network and has received pre-orders from Inlibrium in Estonia.

Mirjana notes: “Innovate UK Business Growth helped us identify the right partners and secure the funding necessary to scale hangAIR. Their support has been essential in bringing our product to life in readiness for commercialisation.”

In the UK, the company is collaborating with King’s College London and Partners’ Laboratories to assess the effectiveness of hangAIR in improving sleep and respiratory function for patients with long COVID and sleep apnoea. Ethical testing is also underway with the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, where the device’s impact on musculoskeletal function and sports performance will be evaluated.

The company has also partnered with NOTE, a Swedish global manufacturer, to produce everything in the UK. This collaboration is set to create high-value manufacturing opportunities, further stimulating the UK’s economy.

The tailored support from Innovate UK Business Growth provided hangAIR with the tools and connections needed to secure investment, achieve proof of concept and lay the groundwork for expansion. The support has also empowered the company to build strategic international alliances, establish UK-based manufacturing partnerships and prepare for market readiness.

Well-positioned for global growth

With Innovate UK by its side, hangAIR Global has not only developed a pioneering health solution but has also secured the investment and partnerships needed to take it global.

Mirjana concludes: “We’re incredibly excited about the future. With the support of Innovate UK, we’re on track to bring hangAIR to people around the world, helping them breathe easier and live healthier lives.”

The product has implications for the UK economy and environment. Enhanced sleep quality, mental health and respiratory function contribute to a healthier, more economically active workforce. By extending productive working years, hangAIR minimises the economic impact of health-related productivity losses. Its subscription or rental model allows for product repurposing, minimising waste and reducing reliance on healthcare facility visits, lowering emissions from travel.

As the product undergoes further validation, hangAIR is set to lead the charge in transforming the way we rest, breathe and recover—offering benefits for both individuals and the broader healthcare industry.

Innovate UK Business Growth helped us identify the right partners and secure the funding necessary to scale hangAIR. Their support has been essential in bringing our product to life in readiness for commercialisation.

– Mirjana Prokic, Founder and CEO of hangAIR Global