Lydia Leung, CEO of Belun Technology, is dedicated to creating a better world through her company's wearable medical AI solutions. Founded in 2016 with two co-founders and one of them also from HKUST, Belun specializes in screening sickness, diagnosing sleep disorders, and preventing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Belun's unique selling point is that it enables customers to manage these health issues from the comfort of their own homes.
Lydia, formerly the Director of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), leveraged her expertise in sensor packaging, bio-medical signal processing, and AI to develop smart wearable devices. Belun's team, which includes colleagues from ASTRI, fostered an incredible team spirit. Their diverse expertise allowed them to adapt quickly and learn new things.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a turning point for Belun, as their remote monitoring system played a crucial role in helping people survive the epidemic by monitoring vital signs in care homes worldwide.
Belun gained recognition when Lydia received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Belun Sleep System. This innovative wearable ring, empowered by AI, became the world's first wearable ring capable of diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. Marketed to doctors and businesses, it has the potential to reach millions of people in hospitals and at home, offering significant savings in chronic disease management. Belun's focus on sleep and its underlying causes led to the development of the Belun Sleep System, which combines data and hardware to assist physicians in treating sleep-related conditions.
A factory in Fo Tan, along with facilities in Taiwan, are linchpins of the business, making Belun part of the reindustrialization movement in Hong Kong.
As a B2B business, Belun distinguishes itself from fashion-driven wearables. Their priority is to be a device trusted and valued by doctors rather than investing heavily in marketing or traditional retail. Belun's success has prompted the expansion of their offerings to include a B2C sleep ring, and they have plans to enter the Southeast Asian and U.S. markets.
Lydia appreciates her time at HKUST and the guidance she received from mentors, including Professor Emeritus Roger Cheng from the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering. She advises aspiring student entrepreneurs to enjoy the journey, enhance their communication and sales skills, and be resourceful in managing expenses.
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