Revolutionizing Workplace Wellness: Nutrix’s Stress-Monitoring Hardware Supported by Mayo Clinic

Stress in the workplace is not only detrimental to employees but also significantly impacts employers. According to the American Institute of Stress, workplace stress costs U.S. businesses over $300 billion annually when considering factors like absenteeism, reduced productivity, turnover, medical expenses, and accidents. Understanding and managing stress levels is crucial for fostering a healthy work environment.

Measuring Stress: The Role of Cortisol

One effective way to gauge stress levels is by monitoring cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This method has gained popularity, even trending on TikTok with the term “cortisol face.” For accurate measurement, it’s essential to track cortisol levels throughout the day, as variations are what truly matter.

Innovative Solutions from Nutrix

Maria Hahn, CEO of Nutrix, emphasizes that cortisol levels should be at their lowest by the end of the day. Her company has recently launched cortiSense, a device that measures cortisol in saliva and won the CES Innovation Award 2025 in the Digital Health category. This innovative approach allows patients to monitor their cortisol levels conveniently from home, eliminating the need for clinic visits.

Developed in partnership with the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, cortiSense integrates seamlessly with Nutrix’s digital health platform, gSense. This platform offers a comprehensive suite of health management tools, including:

• Continuous glucose monitoring
• AI-powered dietary management
• Telemedicine services

The Implications of Cortisol Measurement

While Nutrix initially focused on diabetes management, the importance of cortisol in both mental and metabolic health has shifted their strategy. Cortisol regulates numerous other hormones, making it a critical factor in overall well-being. This shift has garnered support from Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse and private investors.

To date, Nutrix has successfully raised $4 million, including a recent $2.5 million seed round co-led by Polish impact fund Simpact and Japanese deep tech fund OIST-Lifetime Ventures. Notably, the Mayo Clinic has also partnered with Nutrix after meeting them at CES 2024.

Expansion Plans and Corporate Focus

Nutrix is gearing up for a significant Series A funding round to support its expansion efforts, particularly in the U.S. With Mayo Clinic’s backing, the company is planning to establish offices in Silicon Valley. Nutrix has previously successfully integrated its gSense platform with the public insurance system in Chile and launched operations in Mexico and Peru in 2024.

However, the company faces a new challenge: targeting corporate clients rather than individual consumers. In countries like Chile, Mexico, and Peru, health screenings are mandatory for employers aiming to promote employee wellness while ensuring private health data remains confidential.

Emphasizing Mental Health in the Workplace

As Nutrix focuses on the U.S. market, Hahn will need to clarify that the company will only access aggregated data. While discussing the economic implications of job stress might seem uncomfortable, it serves as a vital reminder that mental health is an integral aspect of overall health.

Hahn also highlights the significance of cortisol in women’s health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, a field that has seen limited research. With part of Nutrix’s funding, she plans to investigate these connections further, emphasizing the importance of this area for women’s health.

In conclusion, managing workplace stress through innovative solutions like cortiSense could prove invaluable for both employees and employers, ultimately fostering a healthier work environment.