Creating an accessibility aid for neurodivergent students to reduce sensory overload.
Founder(s) name: Folakemi Kola-Daisi
Industry Sector: Accessibility Technology, Consumer Audio
Relay Audio Earbuds are an accessibility aid for neurodivergent students to use during in-person learning environments, to reduce sensory overload from sound. The difference between Relays and regular active noise cancellation technologies, which dampen sound more generally, is the selective removal of distracting elements using artificial intelligence. The intended initial model is focused on the current understanding of auditory overload in individuals with ADHD.
My business idea was inspired by firsthand experience of diagnosis during my studies and discovering the lack of alternative options to medication, and solutions existing to enhance accessibility in the lecture hall. Since developing the idea, I have been building a proof of concept model of the active noise control model, conducted market research as part of my dissertation business research project and participated in the Intercampus Enterprise Competition 2025, where I was a semifinalist.
I am thrilled to gain access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs from the UoB community. My hope is to gain insights and benefit from the mentorship of industry-leading experts and use these learnings to grow as a start-up. The incubator provides a valuable environment for feedback and engagement with potential collaborators, which I would welcome. The short-term aim is to reach MVP development and progress through the regulatory stage so that Relay Audio Earbuds can provide a viable aid to students with ADHD as soon as possible, with a long-term hope of iterating the product to suit other neurodivergent individuals and help make education more equitable for all.
Currently my focus is model development and brand development. The next step will be to manufacture the first prototypes, In the physical MVP development stage, for which funding will be sought. Additionally, investment will be required for marketing across universities to connect with the initial target market of university students with Adult ADHD.