Mashable - Project Entrepreneur annual venture competition expands to help more women entrepreneurs build scalable companies

Project Entrepreneur annual venture competition expands to help more women entrepreneurs build scalable companies

Since launching in 2015, Project Entrepreneur — a media partner of Mashable — has trained more than 1,200 aspiring entrepreneurs representing 131 U.S. cities. Its annual venture competition has yielded an alumnae community of nearly 400 women entrepreneurs, with the 2016 finalists reporting $10+ million raised in seed and pre-seed funding.Now entering its third year, Project Entrepreneur (PE) — an initiative from the Rent the Runway Foundation and UBS Elevating Entrepreneurs — is expanding the number of winning companies in the accelerator from three to five.

“We are so excited to continue working with UBS in providing women with the tools they need to create high-growth companies, and see their visions through,” said Jennifer Hyman, CEO and Co-Founder of Rent the Runway. “Past participants in our accelerator continue to inspire us with their incredible progress, including closing rounds of funding. We are eager to provide the next class of talented female founders with the tools and support they need to scale, and to see the disruption their companies bring to various different industries.”

PE's annual venture competition is open to female founders who are in the prototype or beta stages, have their first paying customers, or are generating revenue. The top 200 applicants will be invited to attend the PE Intensive in New York City on April 13-14, 2018, a free two-day event comprised of in-depth workshops, expert speakers and a pitch competition. The five winning founders will each receive a $10,000 grant, a spot in the five-week accelerator program at Rent the Runway’s New York office and mentorship and engagement with UBS executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. Founders interested can apply online; but don’t wait, as the deadline is December 1st!

Last year’s winning companies included: New York-based LOLI Beauty, the first BIY (Blend It Yourself) clean and green beauty brand; Scottsdale-based The Touchpoint Solution, a neuroscience wearable that alleviates stress by altering the body’s stress response in as little as 30 seconds; and San Francisco-based Lace & Liberty, merging direct-to-consumer convenience with luxury bespoke bridalwear. Two additional New York-based companies were hosted by The Knot/XO Group Co-Founder Carley Roney and designer Rebecca Minkoff: Repeat Roses, a sustainable floral waste removal business that gives back to people and planet, and Reboundwear, athleisure wear with a purpose, respectively.

“The caliber of companies we're seeing through Project Entrepreneur further validates what we've always believed — that there is an incredible population of talented female founders in cities and towns across the country,” said Lori Feinsilver, UBS Head of Community Affairs & Corporate Responsibility, Americas. “Being able to reach these women and provide them with access to resources and support that will help fuel their growth gives us confidence that we can indeed level the playing field.”

Visit projectentrepreneur.org/apply for details on Project Entrepreneur’s Venture Competition, and check out PE’s resources including #theTools podcast, blog posts and educational modules.

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Gadgets & Wearables - TouchPoints™ basic review

TouchPoints Basic, introduces peace into a hectic lifestyle

Stress is a byproduct of modern living and we all feel it from time to time. Its your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand. With so many rules, regulations and expectations, its easy to lose sight on the importance of healthy living.

While occasional stress is a normal part of life and can even be positive, studies have found many health problems associated with long-term exposure. This includes everything from headaches, to upset stomach, chest pain, difficulties sleeping and high blood pressure. Research shows that stress can also worsen symptoms of certain diseases.

Many people choose to do nothing to keep stress at bay, resorting to unhealthy means of dealing with everyday struggles such as overeating or alcohol. A select few choose healthier means such as yoga, meditation or exercise. But there may be an easier way thanks to a growing number of wearables and gadgets that are designed to help keep you calm.

Essential reading: Stress busting wearables to help you chill

TouchPoints is one such solution – a non-invasive, neuroscience wearable whose claim to fame is that it can reduce stress significantly with only a few seconds of use. The first device was launched some two years ago by Neuropsychologist Dr. Amy Serin and executive child advocate Vicki Mayo. Sales of the $240 Touchpoint Original on Kickstarter climbed to over $70,000 in a month. At the time, the little gadget was called Buzzies.

In a bid to bring something simpler and more affordable to the masses, the Arizona based startup turned to Indiegogo earlier this year to crowdfund a new version of the gadget. Starting at $135, the campaign for Touchpoint Basics received an even bigger response and managed to raise nearly $250,000. The company has now started to ship orders to backers.

I managed to get my hands on Touchpoint Basics and have been taking the stress relief gadget through its paces. So is this all hype or does it really work? These are my impressions.

The device arrives in a box containing two Touchpoints, a pair of watchband couplers and slide clips for attaching to belts, pants or pockets. There is also a micro-USB cable with two charging points so you can refuel both Touchpoints at the same time. If used sporadically, the battery will last 1-2 days (7-8 hours of actual use). It takes around 2 hours to recharge.

The Touchpoints are very lightweight, square in shape and metallic looking. They come in a variety of colors and operate independently of an app. And this is an impo

rtant difference between the Original and Basic version. The Original comes with an app and 6 speed settings, while the Basic comes without an app and only 3 speed settings.

The fact that the budget friendly second edition has no app actually has some advantages. It works right out of the box (no setup is needed), and makes it easier to use for quick stress relief on the go as you do not need to fumble with your smartphone.

You can wear Touchpoints in a variety of ways: in hands, pockets, tank top straps, or even socks. Skin contact is not necessary to feel the vibration. The only thing that is necessary is for the two Touchpoints to be on opposite sides of the body. You can also attach the watchband couplers to the devices, and wear Touchpoints on your wrists as you would wear a watch.

The TouchPoints can be used for as little as one minute or a few hours per day, depending on a your goals. You are typically meant to use them before, during or after any stressful event. But the gadget is not just about stress. It also has other uses thanks to three speeds at which it can emit vibrations. For example you can use it to deal with anger or 15 minutes before going to bed to sleep better.

To use, turn on one TouchPoint by clicking on the single physical button on the device. A green light will appear. Now its time to choose the setting. Click once again for the Blue light (slow setting which promotes sleep), once again for the Yellow light (medium setting which promotes calmness), and once again for the Purple light (fast setting which dispels anger).

Once you have chosen your setting, turn on the other Touchpoint at which point it will communicate via Bluetooth with the first device and pick up on its setting. The two Touchpoints will then gently vibrate (similar to cell-phone vibrations), first one and then the other. I’ve used the device numerous times, and 90% of the time the second unit was quick to pick on the settings. Its only on the rare occasion that I would need to switch it on/off once more before it picks up on the signal.

Now for the science lesson. Once you’ve got the little gadgets up and running, TouchPoints uses something called Bi-Lateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile (BLAST) technology. More simply, the vibrations you feel cause a reduction in high-frequency waves that are associated with anxiety and stress. This means the wearable alters your body’s Fight, Flight or Freeze response allowing it to return to its homeostatic nervous system. Touchpoints will clear your mind, and shift you back into the logical, rational part of your brain.

At least that’s the theory. But does it really work?

The startup claims the little device produces significant and quantifiable brain changes after just seconds of use. They have even quantified the effects. Apparently users report a 71% reduction in body sensations within 30 seconds. And they cite independent academic studies to support these claims. I won’t go into them for the purposes of this article, but you can check them out on this link.

I’ve used Touchpoints for a few weeks now and can attest that everything works right out of the box. The bigger question is, of course, to do with its effectiveness.

Unfortunately this is not an exact science. Its not as simple as determining whether a fitness tracker is accurate at counting the number of steps or keeping tabs on the number of hours you slept. Quantifying the effects of something that works on your brain is much, much more difficult. Its more subjective.

What I can say is that I was genuinely surprised with the results. Although its not possible for me to confirm whether or not the company’s claims of a 71% stress reduction are correct, I did feel a noticeable difference. After a few seconds of use I would experience a strange sort of calmness, perhaps something similar to the feeling you get after meditating for a few minutes. You relax and start to think more clearly.

At one point I switched on the device thinking I had chosen the middle – calm setting. After a few minutes I found my eyes closing, looked down and noticed that I had inadvertently chosen the low – sleep setting. Which confirmed to me that the different speeds at which Touchpoints can vibrate result in different effects. As far as the anger setting goes, I did not get into any traffic jams or shouting matches in the past few weeks so cannot attest to its effectiveness, but choosing the third fastest setting does improve your mood. Its also worth mentioning, these are all subtle effects.

After a few days I found myself popping Touchpoints into my pockets when going out and switching them on at random points throughout the day. Not because I was looking to test them for this article, but because I actually wanted to use them.

The company says the little gadget can helpful to those that struggle with sleep, focus, cravings, and even addiction. Its has also found use for children with autism and people diagnosed with ADHD.

As mentioned, there are two versions, TouchPoints Basic and TouchPoints Original. They both feature the exact same technology but the $135 Basic version comes with three speeds and does not need a smartphone app to work. The more sophisticated Original retails for $240 and comes with six settings (sleep, stress, calm, focus, performance and craving), and a smartphone app.

Both the Original and Basic version can be picked up on thetouchpointssolution.com.

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Phoenix Business Journal - Scottsdale stress-reducing wearable developer wins funding for hiring, sells $2M of device

Scottsdale stress-reducing wearable developer wins funding for hiring, sells $2M of device

Scottsdale-based the TouchPoint Solution, developers of a stress-reducing wearable device, has sold over $2 million worth of devices and received funding to hire a chief engineer.

TouchPoint Solution is also continuing to hire with four open positions after a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign.

The startup has raised close to $250,000 through Indiegogo for its TouchPoints Basic device, a non-invasive, wearable device that helps wearers alleviate stress and improves performance.

The goal was to raise $15,000 through Indiegogo, and the campaign ended up being 953 percent funded on July 11.

CEO and co-founder Vicki Mayo teamed with Peoria neuropsychologist Dr. Amy Serin, the company’s co-founder and chief science officer, to start the company after Mayo was searching for a solution to help her young daughter who was experiencing night terrors.

Serin recommended the new technology she had developed to help her own patients manage their stress. She runs the Serin Center in Peoria and has a Ph.D in clinical psychology with a specialty in neuropsychology.

“That night, during the middle of a particularly heinous night terror, I put what would later become TouchPoints into my daughter’s hand, and she went to sleep in thirty seconds,” Mayo said.

The two started the company in December 2015, originally calling the device Buzzies.

TouchPoints Original, which users control via an app, is the first product launched in 2016. The company raised more than $76,000 for the original device through a successful Kickstarter campaign.

TouchPoints Basic, launched in June with the Indiegogo campaign, is the same technology but offered at a lower cost and works without connecting to the app.

“This product is geared to a younger crowd,” Mayo said. “They still want to use the technology, but this is for kids or adults who might not have access to the app.”

After the Indiegogo launch, the company joined the Arrow certification program, which allows for Arrow engineers to verify the product’s design to vouch for its effectiveness and reliability.

Arrow’s stamp of approval can assure backers they can trust the device and expect it to perform as promised, Mayo said.

Arrow helped identify an alternate supplier to meet the company’s long-term needs after problems arose sourcing an important component for their design, she said.

The TouchPoints team also receives a 10 percent discount on components purchased through Arrow.

“Any way we can keep our manufacturing costs down, we can pass that on to our clients, whether that be through discounts or adding a new feature,” Mayo said.

TouchPoint recently won $75,000 in flash funding from Arrow, which was used to hire a chief engineer.

“We had a critical hire we were holding on,” Mayo said. “We’re using the funding to bring that person on board.”

The 17-employee company is also hiring for an executive assistant, customer experience supervisor, project manager and app developer.

TouchPoint is working with Arrow to develop a new product, which is planned to come out next year.

Mayo was recently named as a Phoenix Business Journal “Most Admired Leader.”

Thrive Global - Wearable Devices Use Neuroscience To Help Adults and Children Sleep Better

Wearable Devices Use Neuroscience To Help Adults and Children Sleep Better

Falling asleep after a busy workday should be effortless, but in reality, getting restful sleep is the stuff of dreams. In fact, millions of Americans struggle to get a good night’s rest every night - 50 to 70 million, to be exact. According to the American Sleep Association, that’s the number of US adults that suffer from a sleep disorder. It’s not just adults that spend their nights tossing and turning, either. It’s been estimated that 1 to 4 percent of children suffer from sleep apnea, many of them being between the ages of 2 and 8.

In an increasingly tech-heavy world, new gadgets are constantly being churned out with claims of improving sleep. From “pajama belts” to “vibrating pillowcases,” sleep tech is flooding the market. Yet, while many of these products claim to help us rest easier, very few are grounded in the actual science behind sleep.

Less Gimmick, More Science

After exhausting almost every “sleep remedy” out there, “mompreneur”, Vicki Mayo’s concern for her 4 year-old daughter’s health had peaked. Vicki felt helpless, unable to soothe the vivid night terrors that had drained her child’s energy for the last year.

“It was horrible. I felt helpless, like there was nothing I could do for her,” Vicki said. “The whole family was suffering because she would wake up nightly and we’d all be awake. The following mornings we would be exhausted - we were caught in spiral I couldn’t get out of. I felt like I had tried everything, and we were at our wits end.”

After endless nights spent watching her daughter suffer in her sleep, Vicki confided in her friend, Dr. Amy Serin, neuropsychologist and founder of the Serin Center. Unbeknownst to the two friends, this conversation marked the start of a life-altering venture.

Dr. Serin had isolated a successful component of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) treatment in her clinic, and had been researching its ability to significantly relieve stress in adults and children. She shared the idea with Vicki, explaining that the technology, called BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stimulation in tactile form), had been embedded in two handheld non-invasive devices, and Vicki wanted to try the neurotechnology with her daughter during her next episode.

Vicki was intrigued, but the idea of a non-invasive, fast-acting fix almost sounded too good to be true. She took Dr. Serin’s advice, and placed the devices in her daughter’s hands during her next night terror. To Vicki’s surprise, the gadgets worked - and they worked well. For the first time in years, Vicki’s daughter slept peacefully through the night.

“I went to Dr. Serin the next day and was almost in tears. I asked her what this magic was and what she was doing to bring these life changing devices to everyone,” said Vicki. “She told me that she was trying to develop it, but that progress was slow.” Vicki knew from experience that this technology had the potential to profoundly change millions of lives, “We didn’t have time to move slowly. People needed this in their lives now.”

That day, Vicki and Dr. Serin joined forces to found The Touchpoint Solution, and began tirelessly working to make BLAST technology accessible to the world.

The solution came in the form of lightweight, anti stress wearable devices called TouchPoints, which they embedded with Dr. Serin’s patent-pending BLAST technology. These neuro-tech wearables provide an effortless, non-invasive method of calming an overactive stress response discreetly and quickly.

“Although sleep is a natural state, artificial light, lack of exercise, poor diet, use of stimulants, and other factors lead to struggles with this basic process, wreaking havoc on mental and physical health for many people,” Dr. Serin explained. “TouchPoints represent one stress relief solution. Because sleep is dependent on nervous system regulation, reducing stress and restoring someone to a state of calm can promote sleep onset, and can help someone go back to sleep if they wake up prematurely during the night.” The neuroscience in TouchPoints does just that. BLAST has been used as a successful component of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, the leading form of PTSD treatment for decades. We further discovered that the effect of BLAST technology facilitated regulation that could help ease someone into sleep.”

How Sleep Affects Stress

Americans don’t just have a sleep problem, they have a stress problem, too. Findings from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America show that seven out of ten adults in the U.S. experience stress or anxiety daily. About one-third report persistent stress or excessive anxiety daily, and it’s no surprise that seven out of ten of those adults say they have trouble sleeping.

Stress has a tremendous effect on the way we sleep. According to a report Dr. Serin wrote last year on BLAST and stress reduction, though widely recognized for its use in EMDR therapy, BLAST has been vastly underutilized as a stand-alone method for inhibiting the body’s general stress response.

"Sleep is a natural process, so you need to look at what’s occurring that’s not natural in order to understand what’s impeding that process,” Dr. Serin explained. “For many people, it's a constant state of stress, or nervous system hyperarousal. Using TouchPoints before sleep can lessen stress so that this natural process can occur without struggle."

The stress relieving devices are controlled using a free, smartphone application, loaded with six pre-settings, “Calm”, “Focus”, “Sleep”, “Anger”, “Performance”, and “Craving”, all of which were created by Dr. Serin herself. In order to achieve a good night’s rest with TouchPoints, she recommends using them on the “sleep” setting for 15 minutes prior to bedtime. However, because the stress-busting technology is so calming, many TouchPoints’ users tend to fall asleep in a matter of minutes with them on. In fact, due to user demand, Dr. Serin and Vicki are planning to include a sleep timer in future upgraded versions of the TouchPoints™’ app to help individuals better achieve their personal sleep goals.

“Some people just need help calming stressful thoughts, while others are so anxious they may need to wear them for longer and combine the use of TouchPoints with other best practice sleep strategies,” said Vicki, CEO of The TouchPoint™ Solution.

And it’s not just overworked adults that are benefiting from TouchPoints. As Vicki knows first-hand, children who suffer from sleep difficulties also see impressive results.

“I put TouchPoints on my ten-year-old and eight-year-old sons as a go-to parenting strategy at bedtime when they are afraid of the dark, over-stimulated from an activity, or if they are having a hard time calming stressful thoughts,” Dr. Serin advised. “They like to wear the wristbands on each ankle with the sleep setting on. They fall asleep within 5 minutes, instead of being up for an hour or more. I can't tell you how many exhausted parents have come into my clinics discussing difficulties at bedtime. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way.”

No More Sleeping Pills

Understanding the science behind sleep can do wonders for our body. While many anti stress and sleep-related products depend on self-regulation and active awareness of our sleep patterns, most users struggle to incorporate that information into their daily routines.

Sleep trackers, for example, are becoming increasingly popular. Many of these devices track data based on sleeping patterns, like the percentage of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep versus the percentage of light sleep a user gets. But, while these gadgets provide an idea about how we sleep, restless sleepers still end up suffering from sleep problems.

“Even if you understand your sleep patterns, there’s still no clear solution with these gadgets for helping people go to sleep in real-time. Other devices give information, but it’s up to the user to figure out what to do with it,” said Vicki. “TouchPoints are revolutionary in their effectiveness and simplicity, helping calm users and ease them into restful sleep.”

The benefits associated with restful sleep are endless. From being more productive at work, to having healthy, glowing skin, sleep affects both our mental and physical health in more ways than one. With the neuroscience in TouchPoints, the secret to sleep may be as easy as the push of a few buttons.

“I have been suffering from insomnia for about three months,” reported TouchPoints’ user, Gina George, “I can't even begin to tell you how hard I slept and how rested I felt after using TouchPoints. I used them for two nights, then skipped a night. I couldn't get to sleep, and when I did, it wasn't restful sleep. I was in so much fibromyalgia pain today, I didn't realize how much my pain was eased after getting such good, restful sleep. I will definitely not be skipping another night without my TouchPoints.”

With TouchPoints, hundreds of users around the world can finally say “goodnight” to sleeplessness and get the rest their minds and bodies deserve.

The Huffington Post - A Wearable Stress Relief Device Helps You Relax, While Giving Back To Those In Need

Inc.com - This Founder Used a Classic Project Management Technique to Engineer Her Week

This Founder Used a Classic Project Management Technique to Engineer Her Week--And It Worked

Most entrepreneurs are made when they face a challenge and then vow to work relentlessly to get to a solution. Vicki Mayo, founder and CEO of the Touchpoint Solution, is no different.

Mayo developed a device called Touchpoint to calm her four-year-old, who was struggling with nightmares. They are scientific wearables which alleviate stress in as little as 30 seconds. Here, she shares her personal experience which led her to found Touchpoint, how she overcame being underestimated as a woman, and how she stays on task throughout the day.

Project Entrepreneur: What inspired you to start your business?

Mayo: Touchpoint actually started as a result of a miracle I witnessed. My daughter, four at the time, was struggling from night terrors. One day, during a mommy friend phone call with my now co-founder Dr. Amy Serin, I explained how tired I was because of the night terrors.

Dr. Serin told me about a technology she has invented over the past decade and had been using in her practice. She suggested I try it.

That night during a particularly heinous night terror, I put the devices in her hands and 30 seconds later she was asleep. Not only that, she woke up in a great mood the next morning. I called Dr. Serin and said, what is that magic and what are we going to do about it?

She shrugged and said she was a scientist. I said, lucky for you, I'm an entrepreneur. And in that moment, The Touchpoint Solution was born.

What's been the biggest challenge you've faced so far?

As a woman, I've been underestimated many times. Most recently with Touchpoints, I have spent a lot of my time with manufacturing. People are often surprised to see a woman walking the manufacturing line and being actively and involved. It has been a challenge walking the line between demanding respect as a woman and yet maintaining a kind attitude.

What is the biggest thing you'd like to see change your industry, and how are you working toward making that change happen?

So many companies have amazing founders and executive teams that are so passionate about making a difference. But unfortunately, so many of them don't tie the passion into the business.

They love supporting kids sports so they sponsor a little league team but the opportunity is there to do so much more. They could actually integrate the passion into the business by creating a co-team with the kids or having the team come in and learn about the business, etc.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to another entrepreneur just starting out?

Go for it! Don't be afraid to take risks.

And remember that while your parents and friends may give you advice, at the end of the day it's your life. If you want to pursue something that's risky or something that you love- go for it!

What do you do every Monday morning to prepare and motivate yourself for the coming week?

I am a big believer in LEAN Six Sigma, so I have standard work I follow. Every Sunday I pull metrics for the week prior and review in order to prep for our leadership huddle meeting every Monday morning.

Using our red/yellow/green dashboard the entire team can see right away where we are winning and where we need to focus attention. The outcome of huddle sets my agenda for the week so I prepare heavily for huddle.

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North Phoenix Family Magazine - How Parents Can Keep Their Cool During the School Year

How Parents Can Keep Their Cool During the School Year

Transitioning back to school can be bumpy. Early mornings, homework, tests, and overwhelming schedules can make any parent stress out. Children with giftedness or ADHD can be even more challenging due to executive functioning difficulties and intensities.

Fortunately, simple neuroscientifically informed parenting hacks can help you keep cool this school year.

Get enough good quality sleep

Lack of sleep leads to anxiety, lower IQs, and increased risk of addiction. So sleep is a top priority for kids. Here are your goals:

Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night (not including time trying to go to sleep)
Create a consistent bedtime on weeknights and weekends
Fall asleep within 10 minutes of laying down without worry or fear
Stay asleep without phone alerts or other distractions waking you

Need help? Set an alarm at night to start the bedtime routine. Dim lights, minimize screens and don’t watch anything that is stressful like the news or dramatic TV. Take a hot shower or bath at night to increase melatonin and help with sleep onset. If kids are fearful of the dark or can’t stop anxious thoughts, don’t tell them they shouldn’t be afraid. Talk with them about their fears and ease their worry. If talking doesn’t work, try using TouchPoints™ for sleep 15 minutes before bed. Sleep still not happening? Treatments like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Neurofeedback can create lasting changes in the brain to improve sleep.

Create structure and make things fun

Use alarms for more than waking up. Avoid the morning stress by setting alarms for when the kids should be dressed, and 5 minutes before they leave. Get out of the habit of rushing and create peaceful mornings.

Kids distracted even though you’re keeping time? Use a fun incentive to get them to do what you want and put it in the place you want them to be. “John, there’s a token in the car for you if you get your backpack on and seatbelt buckled before I get there.” Tokens can be traded for small rewards at a later time. Don’t create a complicated chart or give kids the same reward every time. Rewards should be spontaneous and varied to work.

Minimize your own stress

We all know on airplanes if the oxygen mask drops, you put yours on first before you put it on your kids. Why? Because without you, nothing can happen for your kids. Prioritize your own health and well-being and recognize that you set the tone for the entire house. Still struggling? Don’t worry, there’s help. TouchPoints™ can be used for parents to ease general stress and for kids to minimize back to school stress.

Reach out to relevant support groups such as Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented, or The National Resource on ADHD, or seek professional consult from local parenting experts. Solutions are often easier than you think and there is a wealth of support available to you.

Written by: Dr. Amy Serin

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This stress-alleviating neuroscience wearable promises to aid in tackling symptoms of conditions such as ADHD and Autism.

TouchPoints Basic are another crowdfunding success story. Originally founded in 2015 by Neuropsychologist Dr. Amy Serin and executive child advocate Vicki Mayo, After launching their first device – called TouchPoints Original and priced at $240 – in December 2016. In less than six weeks sales had topped $500,000.

The Indiegogo campaign for TouchPoints achieved 956% of its original funding goal.

Since then the pair have pursued their dream of helping more people get access the technology so this year they launched an Indiegogo campaign to develop a new, more affordable version of the device, at a much lower price point of $135. The response was incredible and by July 2017 they had reached almost $150,000, 956% of the initial goal, and aim to ship all campaign related orders by the end of September.

Gentle vibrations affects the brain and alter the body's fight, flight or freeze response.

These cunning little gadgets are non-invasive, wearable devices that uses patent pending neuroscience to relieve stress in as little as 30 seconds. Using quantitative electroencephalogram data, existing neuroscience research and archival data, Dr Amy Serin determined the device produced significant and quantifiable brain changes after just seconds of use.

Over the last decade, Dr Serin’s work in therapy and neuroscience led to a breakthrough realization that a component of successful PTSD treatment could be used as a stand-alone product for a range of individuals whose stress and intensities hamper performance, relaxation, sleep, and their ability to cope with sensory stimuli.

TouchPoints use Bi-Lateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile (BLAST) stimulation to give the user a gentle vibration that affects the brain and alters the body’s fight, flight or freeze response. Checkout the TouchPoints Research page for links to the supporting in-house and academic studies.

We are deeply committed to giving back. It is our co-founders’ mission to create a more healthy, peaceful, and productive world through a fundamental shift in the way people understand and handle their stress response by making BLAST technology accessible for everyone.

Feeling pretty tightly wound, as usual, I was dying to experience the benefits of all that lovely science so I strapped on a pair, connected the app via Bluetooth and well… wow! Honestly the experience was quite strange but after a few moments of tingling and getting used to the vibrations my mind felt clearer, or at least lighter and breathing was a little easier.

After a few moments my mind felt clearer and my breathing was a little easier.

I was shocked at the speed of the reaction but the vibrations felt a bit too strong and a too distracting from my train of thought so I stopped them and reset the intensity via the app. With the setting now lower I tried again and left them on for five minutes. I felt a similar clearing of the mind and easing of the breathing but the effect was less strong this time, less abrupt. However it persisted after I stopped the TouchPoints leaving me feeling calmer, I was genuinely impressed.

TouchPoints uses technology that gently interferes with the body’s stress response and produce a more calm, focused state. Thousands of users report they feel more calm, are able to sleep better, and perform better with use.

No doubt more tinkering with the settings in the app will help find the optimum set up for me but I can honestly say that TouchPoint are on to something here. As a next step we’re interested to share this with my wife’s grandfather who suffers from Parkinson’s, as TouchPoints’ Indiegogo page reports positive results in helping alleviate anxiety in patients and even achieving reduction of tremors in some cases. Watch this space for updates!

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Phoenix Business Journal - Semifinalists named in spring 2017 Arizona Innovation Challenge

Semifinalists named in spring 2017 Arizona Innovation Challenge | By Hayley Ringle

Seven Arizona-based software companies and six bio and life sciences startups have been named among the 25 semifinalists in the spring 2017 round of the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Arizona Innovation Challenge.

The bi-annual business plan competition for promising early-stage companies in high-growth industries will award $1.5 million this round to the most qualified, innovative startups.

Winners receive up to $250,000 each to grow their business to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in the state.

“Arizona has become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship – and programs like this help foster and retain talent right here in Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Congratulations and best of luck to the semifinalists. I can’t wait to see their final pitches, and watch them grow in Arizona.”

Almost 150 applications were received for this spring round from companies across the state and one from California looking to relocate to Arizona.

Judges assessed each company application based on a set of criteria that looked at technology potential, marketing strategy, quality of management team and economic impact.

The 25 semifinalists are (listed in alphabetical order, including industry and base city):

Attribytes Inc., IT - Software, Chandler
BMSeed, Bio & Life Sciences, Phoenix
ClickIPO, IT - Software, Scottsdale
Codelucida, IT - Hardware, Tucson
CuraNexus, IT - Software, Phoenix
Cut Carbon, Advanced Manufacturing, San Diego, California
Dataware Ventures LLC, IT - Software, Tucson
Digital Bioanalytics Inc., Bio & Life Sciences, Phoenix
Electric Torque Machines Inc., Advanced Manufacturing, Flagstaff
EpiSys Science Inc., Aerospace/Defense, Tucson
Hourbands Corp., Bio & Life Sciences, Tempe
Hydronalix, Aerospace/Defense, Green Valley
MWI Laboratories LLC, Aerospace/Defense, Tempe
Naya Energy, Cleantech/Renewable Energy, Phoenix
Paradigm Diagnostics, Bio & Life Sciences, Phoenix
PerioEndoscopy LLC, Bio & Life Sciences, Scottsdale
Photocentric Inc., Advanced Manufacturing, Phoenix
Prospectify Inc., IT - Software, Tempe
Recruiting.ai, IT - Software, Scottsdale
Resonea Inc, Bio & Life Sciences, Scottsdale
SalesTalk Technologies LLC, IT - Software, Scottsdale
The TouchPoint Solution, IT - Hardware, Scottsdale
Titan Industries, Advanced Manufacturing, Tempe
VB Cosmetics Inc., Advanced Materials, Chandler
Zero Mass Water Inc., Cleantech/Renewable Energy, Scottsdale

Hayley Ringle covers technology and startups for the Phoenix Business Journal.

PRWeb - Touchpoint Solutions Awards Crowdfunding Campaign Winner A Meeting with the CEO as She Visits the Philippines

PRWeb | Touchpoint Solutions Awards Crowdfunding Campaign Winner A Meeting with the CEO as She Visits the Philippines | By Melissa Digianfilippo

The Touchpoint Solution CEO Vicki Mayo will present one of the company’s first international crowdfunding campaign winners in Manila, Philippines this week. The Touchpoint Solution is the company behind Buzzies, a new wearable technology that can reduce stress and anxiety in as few as 30 seconds.

Lauriel Lambon is a teenage boy who dreams of becoming a ship captain some day. Lauriel was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old. His mother, Aileen, nominated him for assistance in raising the $239 needed to purchase a set of Buzzies. Aileen wrote about Lauriel’s passion and fascination for ships and the sea, and his ultimate dream in her crowdfunding campaign.

“For four years in a row he always had sleepless nights thus affecting all of us in the family. He becomes an over thinker about future events and his plans. He also got frustrated when he had realized that his dream of becoming a ship captain would not come into reality. He became aware of some of his academic limitations and that added to his anxiety. But he is a very sociable person. He loves to talk to people and is excited to join events where there are a lot of people,” said Aileen Lambon.

Lauriel’s campaign recently funded and Mayo decided to make the trip to personally deliver his Buzzies. Mayo will meet with Lauriel and Aileen on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in Manila.

“It is part of our mission at The Touchpoint Solution to be able to provide assistance wherever possible for people to have access to our game-changing technology,” said Mayo. “We are able to do this through our scholarship program, which has already funded more than $30,000 in Buzzies to individuals and families in need, and now through our individual crowdfunding campaigns. Our goal is to grow the company to a point where we can giveaway one set of Buzzies for every two sets we sell.”

Mayo also said that The Touchpoint Solution is actively moving into the Philippines market as the company has already received significant interest from customers in the area.

Launched in December of 2016, Buzzies are non-invasive, wearable devices that use patent-pending neuroscience technology, called BLAST (bilateral alternating stimulation–tactile), to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as improve focus, reduce cravings, improve performance, man-age anger, reduce sensory overload and better enable sleep. BLAST works to interfere with the body’s Fight, Flight or Freeze (F3) response to stress and anxiety. The F3 system depletes the body of energy, mental strength and overall quality of life. When the F3 system is activated, all non-essential functions in the body shut down, such as logic and reason. BLAST technology can help bring the body into a calmer state.

Buzzies technology is designed to work for anyone, but has been shown to be especially beneficial for gifted children or those with autism or ADHD, working professionals, First Responders, and parents who want a cost-effective solution to help diminish stress in real-time.

Buzzies are worn on the right and left side of the body, but do not need to be touching skin to work. Wearers use the Buzzies App to turn on the vibrating units and choose one of the six pre-sets for sleep, focus, cravings, calm, performance or anger. Individual settings can also be easily customized.

Buzzies are available for purchase at http://www.buzzies.com. A set costs $239 and includes two Buzzies devices (one for each side of the body), charger, charging cables, clips and watchband attachments.

About The Touchpoint Solution
Neuropsychologist Dr. Amy Serin and child advocate Vicki Mayo founded The Touchpoint Solution in late 2015 with the mission of bringing relief to the millions of people who suffer from stress and anxiety. Over the last decade, Dr. Serin’s work in therapy and neuroscience led to the discovery that a component of successful PTSD treatment could be used as a stand-alone product for a range of individuals whose stress and intensities hamper performance, relaxation, sleep, and their ability to cope with sensory stimuli. Dr. Serin used quantitative electroencephalogram data, existing neuroscientific research, and archival data to quantify significant brain changes after just seconds of use. Dr. Serin recognized that this method was too powerful a treatment to be confined to doctors' offices due to its effectiveness and simplicity and partnered with long-time friend and child advocate Vicki Mayo to bring the Buzzies to the world. For more information please visit http://www.thetouchpointsolution.com

About Buzzies
Buzzies are non-invasive, wearable devices that use patent-pending neuroscience technology to relieve stress and anxiety, improve focus, reduce cravings, improve performance, manage anger, reduce sensory overload and better enable sleep. They can be worn on both wrists or can be placed in more discrete locations, such as socks, pockets, etc. Buzzies need to be worn on both the right and left side of the body to be effective. Buzzies officially launched to the public in December 2016 and are available to purchase online at http://www.buzzies.com for $239.

Militech - The TouchPoint Solution™ Launches 2nd Wearable Tech Product in 6 Months

The TouchPoint Solution™ Launches 2nd Wearable Tech Product in 6 Months | By Maciej Heyman

TouchPoints are non-invasive, wearable devices that use patent-pending neuroscience technology to relieve stress and anxiety, improve focus, reduce cravings, improve performance, manage anger, reduce

It’s not fair to confine this technology to a doctor’s office. That was the main reason why I created TouchPoints™ and feel TouchPoints™ basic can impact even more people by making it more affordable and accessible to all.

Scottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) June 05, 2017

If there is one common factor afflicting this world, it’s stress. From increasing intrapersonal hostility to critically impairing the immune system, there is no debate over the detrimental consequences of stress. Since the launch of its premier neuroscientific stress-hacking wearable device, TouchPoints™ original (formally known as Buzzies), Scottsdale-based company The Touchpoint Solution™ has committed itself to shifting this power dynamic back into the hands of its users, empowering them to diminish up to 71% of their stress in just 30 seconds. Now, just six months after that initial campaign, the TouchPoint™ team has introduced its second wearable tech product, the widely anticipated TouchPoints™ basic, via an Indiegogo campaign on June 5th.

TouchPoints™ basic were designed with the user in mind, offering customers a streamlined model of the original stress-busting TouchPoint™ devices, perfect for customers looking for affordable, effective, fast-acting stress relief.

Similar to its first wearable tech product, TouchPoints™ original, TouchPoints™ basic use BLAST (Bi-lateral Alternating Stimulation Delivered Tactile) technology by emitting gentle, alternating vibrations to reroute the body’s stress-driven fight, flight, or freeze (F3) response and restore the nervous system to its normal functions, allowing users to think clearly and experience calm. The new devices come in a variety of fun, stylish colors, and operate independently of an app, making them ideal for users searching for powerful stress relief that is easily incorporated into everyday life.

“I’m a true believer of giving access to neuroscientific discoveries to everyone in need,” explained Dr. Serin, Ph.D., TouchPoint™ Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder. “It’s not fair to confine this technology to a doctor’s office. That was the main reason why I created TouchPoints™ and feel TouchPoints™ basic can impact even more people by making it more affordable and accessible to all.”

Based on the already successful product TouchPoints™ original, this new version is designed to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as improve focus, reduce cravings, improve performance, manage anger, reduce sensory overload, and promote more restful sleep.

TouchPoints™ basic are available to preorder starting at $99 at https://igg.me/at/touchpoints.
A set includes two TouchPoint™ devices (one for each side of the body) as well as charging cables, and clips for attaching the devices to clothes. Additional accessories, including colorful wristbands, are available for purchase separately.

Visit the TouchPoint Solution’s™ media page for more information (https://thetouchpointsolution.com/a/press-kit)

About The Touchpoint Solution™
Neuropsychologist Amy Serin, Ph.D., and child advocate Vicki Mayo founded The Touchpoint Solution™ in late 2015 with the mission of bringing relief to the millions of people who suffer from stress and anxiety. Over the last decade, Dr. Serin’s work in therapy and neuroscience led to the discovery that a component of successful PTSD treatment could be used as a stand-alone product for a range of individuals whose stress and intensities hamper performance, relaxation, sleep, and their ability to cope with sensory stimuli. Dr. Serin recognized that this method was too powerful to be confined to doctors’ offices and partnered with long-time friend and entrepreneur Vicki Mayo to bring TouchPoints™ to the world.

About TouchPoints™ basic
TouchPoints™ basic are non-invasive, wearable devices that use patent-pending neuroscience technology to relieve stress and anxiety, improve focus, reduce cravings, improve performance, manage anger, reduce sensory overload and promote more restful sleep. They come in a set to be worn on both the right and left side of the body, on wrists or in discrete locations such as in the hands, socks or pockets. TouchPoints™ basic are available to preorder starting at $99 at https://igg.me/at/touchpoints.

TouchPoints™ are a neuroscientific lifestyle device. They are not a substitute for medical treatment nor are they intended to cure any medical condition.

TechDigg - Touchpoint Invents Two Little Squares That Reduce Stress and Help You Focus

TechDigg |Touchpoint Invents Two Little Squares That Reduce Stress and Help You Focus | By Trenton Paul

For thosethat whosuffer with anxiety, nervousness, or even have trouble sleeping due to night terrors, there hasn’t really been a resource or aid to help with these conditions. We’ve tried medications, counseling, and other avenues, but nothing really worked. Now, however, a new system fromThe TouchPoint Solutions™seems to be the type of gadgets we’ve all been waiting for.

According to the company’s website, “TouchPoints™ are a non-iInvasive, wearable device that uses patent pending neuroscience to relieve stress in as little as 30 seconds.”

The wearable gives us a way to relieve stress and allow better focus during times in which we feel anxious. It’s super discreet and can either be worn on your wrist or placed in your pocket, as it works the same either way. The company stands by their statement that by using the devicefor as little asjust5 minutes a day, you can increase your overall performance and focus.

How does it work?

TouchPoints™ original is very easy to set up, which makes it ideal for users of all ages and technological savviness. The wearable itself just straps onto your wrist with ease, so it’s very simple to begin using.TouchPoints can also be worn in pockets, socks, or tank top straps. The wearables correspond with a smartphone app that allows the user to take advantage of multiple types of settings.

Through the app, you can choose one of six preset options that each have a particular center of attention: sleep, focus, craving, calm, performance, and anger. If none of these meet your individual needs, you can also set custom levels for frequency, intensity and overlap.

When you feel stressed or anxious, just simply turn the TouchPoints™ on and the you will feel a gentle bilateral vibration. press the button on either device and the signal is sent. “TouchPoints™ use BLAST technology transferring alternating vibrations to alter the body’s Fight, Flight or Freeze (F3) response to stress and anxiety and to restore homeostatic nervous system functioning, allowing you to think clearly and experience calm,”says the company.

Thecompany TouchPoint Solution™ has also begun manufacturing another generation of the device,TouchPoints™ basic. Thebasicversion still gets the job done by sending signals to help you stay calm and focused, but without having to use an app. The idea behind this version was to give those without constant access to a smartphone the same opportunity to use the gadget in the exact same way someone would be able to take advantage of the original version.

You can also choose from a range of colors for yourTouchPoints™ basicwearable – Fuschia Pink, Marine Green, Cornflower Blue, or Graphite Gray – whereas the TouchPoints™ originalcomes in Black only.

Who came up with TouchPoints™ and why?

I had the opportunity to speak with the co-founders of TouchPoints™, Dr. Amy Serin and Vicki Mayo to understand more about where the idea came from, how it came to fruition, and more. These two very inspiring ladies were more than happy to answer anyquestions I had.

What prompted you to develop such a product?

Serin: “I was aneuro psychologist for a decade and saw many patients without access to the things they needed. It was not fair to confine a device like this todoctors’ offices when we could allow open access for all. Stress is the culprit of our everyday lives and TouchPoints™ helps handle it.”

Mayo: “My daughter suffered from night terrors and after using TouchPoints™, she was able to sleep through the night and wake up without feeling cranky or tired. I told Dr. Serin about it and we began thinking of ways to get this type of device out to others who need it.”

Who is your target consumer and why?

Mayo: “Everyone. Anyone who suffers from stress, lack of focus, or anxiety.”

What kind of feedback have you received from consumers so far?

Serin: “Executives and professionals use to TouchPoints™ to improve performance, enable better sleep, and to calm down from anger and irritation in certain work situations. Moms use them for themselves and their children. They even share with friends who need it. Anesthesiologists, EMTs and other medical professionals also use the device on patients to help them overcome anxiety and stress.”

What do you say to those who are skeptical?

Serin: “First, I say ‘Thank you.’ I then urge them to read the research behind TouchPoints™.This isn’t newtechnology; it’s been used for decades. If you have a solid base of scientific data and proven use, then you have something good – and we know that. The device is non-invasive and if they just try it out they will see a difference in hope they feel and cope with stress.”

During research trials for TouchPoints™,71% of people saw a reduction in stress within the first 30 seconds.

Do you plan to further develop TouchPoints™?

Mayo: “TouchPoints™ originalwill see a few upgrades and wewilldevelop it further.In addition to the existing presettings for sleep, calm, optimizing performance, users will see a new analytics dashboard for easier navigation on the app.We are also working on a less expensive version that doesn’t need an app to work. On June 5, the TouchPoint™ basicIndiegogo campaign will launch.”

You can check out the Indiegogo campaign for TouchPoints™ basic here.

What’s next forThe TouchPoint Solution™?

Serin and Mayo have not just developed devices that can help us through everyday stressful situations, but they also work hard behind-the-scenes to create a more inclusive world around them.

Their company has set up a scholarship fund to help those who cannot afford access to TouchPoints™ be able to receive them and to tell their own stories of how the device is able to change their lives. To apply visit the website at ilovetouchpoints.com and fill out the simple application.

The company also helps people with disabilities be able to work by hiring them ontoThe TouchPoint Solution™ staff. For instance, every one of the TouchPoint™packages are filled and shipped by people who are legally blind. The ladies claim this is just one way the company tries to implement more ‘conscious capitalism.’

Here at TechDigg, we are inspired by more than just this really awesome gadget. The story of how TouchPoints™ came to be, the masterminds behind the project, and the upcoming devices and features that will help so many more people gain access to this gadget are all part of this great big world of innovation and passion. We are excited to see how TouchPoints™ grow and touch those who have been waiting so long for a device like this. You can check out the TouchPoints™ story and more for yourselfhere.

You can also support this awesome device on their IndieGOGO page here

PRWeb - The TouchPoint Solution Announces Lifestyle Product Rebrand

The TouchPoint Solution Announces Lifestyle Product Rebrand

The company’s popular wearable technology will be renamed “TouchPoints” to better align with customer feedback and experience

Scottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) June 01, 2017

Following a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and user feedback period, The TouchPoint Solution has announced the company will rename its leading neuroscience lifestyle product to “TouchPoints,” formerly called “Buzzies.” The updated name aims to more accurately describe the non-invasive wearable devices, enabling consumers who are exploring the product to better understand how the technology works, and ultimately, begin their own journey toward stress relief.

Sold as a set of wearable devices, TouchPoints use BLAST (Bi-lateral Alternating Stimulation Delivered Tactile) technology that transfers alternating vibrations to alter the body’s stress-driven Fight, Flight or Freeze (F3) response and restore homeostatic nervous system functioning, allowing users to think clearly and experience calm.

“Dr. Amy Serin and I started this company just over 18 months ago with one goal: Helping reduce stress in people’s lives,” said Vicki Mayo, CEO and Co-Founder of The TouchPoint Solution. “Today, there are over 5,000 TouchPoint devices worldwide accomplishing that mission and improving people’s lives. To reach more people, however, we wanted the product’s name to line up with what consumers understood it to do, who it was for, and how it would work – an insight our current customers helped to uncover.”

Customers who purchased the patent-pending technology devices since December’s launch have reported that just 30 seconds of using the product can reduce stress by up to 71 percent. They also shared that they were pleasantly surprised by the positive experience using the devices – the product’s name created initial confusion in their minds about how it might work (such as shocking or loud “buzzing” sounds), and who it might be meant for (children versus adults). Once they tested the product and realized its effective simplicity, they wanted to make sure others knew.

“Our customers are our best source of inspiration for the work we do,” said Amy Serin, PhD, Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder. “It’s only natural, then, that we would make their feedback and comments so integral into our business. In addition to this name update, we will continue to listen to user feedback to help evolve neuroscience technology and products that help people relieve stress and improve their lives.”

TouchPoints are available for purchase at http://www.TheTouchPointSolution.com. A set costs $240 and includes two TouchPoint devices (one for each side of the body) as well as charging cables, with additional accessories, such as colorful wristbands, available separately.

The TouchPoint Solution’s second product, TouchPoints Basic, will be launched via Indiegogo in later this year, bringing a lower-cost model of the devices to market for customers looking for a simple way to reduce stress.

For more information, visit http://www.TheTouchPointSolution.com.

About The Touchpoint Solution
Neuropsychologist Amy Serin, PhD, and child advocate Vicki Mayo founded The Touchpoint Solution in late 2015 with the mission of bringing relief to the millions of people who suffer from stress and anxiety. Over the last decade, Dr. Serin’s work in therapy and neuroscience led to the discovery that a component of successful PTSD treatment could be used as a stand-alone product for a range of individuals whose stress and intensities hamper performance, relaxation, sleep, and their ability to cope with sensory stimuli. Dr. Serin recognized that this method was too powerful to be confined to doctors' offices and partnered with long-time friend and entrepreneur Vicki Mayo to bring TouchPoints to the world. For more information, please visit https://thetouchpointsolution.com.

About TouchPoints
TouchPoints are non-invasive, wearable devices that use patent-pending neuroscience technology to relieve stress and anxiety, improve focus, reduce cravings, improve performance, manage anger, reduce sensory overload and better enable sleep. They come in a set to be worn on both the right and left side of the body, on wrists or in discrete locations such as in the hands, socks or pockets. TouchPoints are available to purchase online at TheTouchPointSolution.com for $240.

TouchPoints are a neuroscientific lifestyle device. They are not a substitute for medical treatment nor are they intended to cure any medical condition.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/06/prweb14385986.htm

The Arizona Republic - Scottsdale entrepreneurs place stress relief in the palm of your hand

The Arizona Republic - Scottsdale entrepreneurs place stress relief in the palm of your hand - By Georgeann Yara

It all started with two phone calls between friends in 2015. The first was out of desperation and helplessness. The second arose from gratitude and joy.

Vicki Mayo’s daughter was experiencing vivid night terrors from which Mayo could not wake her. And Mayo needed help.

“For parents, this is one of the most terrifying things ever. Your child is screaming, thrashing … and you can’t wake them up,” Mayo said.

She called her friend Dr. Amy Serin, a neuropsychologist and founder of the Serin Center in Peoria, and asked her for advice. This was call No. 1.

Serin had harnessed a certain technology into a handheld device but wasn’t sure how it could be used. She was researching the impact of stress on children and was working to provide a solution. This device was the result of her work at that time. Serin suggested Mayo give it to her daughter during an episode.

Mayo did. It worked. Her daughter was able to calm down and go back to sleep. The next morning, she was in a great mood — which, Mayo said, never happened after a rough night.

The happy second call came from Mayo the next day.

“I called Amy and said, ‘What was that voodoo magic you gave me and what are you doing about it?’ ” recalled Mayo, a career entrepreneur.

'This is something everyone needs'

Together, they came up with a response to that question and formed the Touchpoint Solution, a company that produces an advanced version of the original device called Touch Points — a pair of lightweight squares that can be worn, held or clipped onto clothing. They send vibrations that the company says disengage the body’s instinctive "fight or flight" response to stress. They operate using bilateral stimulation, which means they must be worn on both sides of the body — the arms, socks, pockets, bra straps, etc. — to allow the vibrations to travel across the body, Mayo explained.

Mayo and Serin hired an engineer and worked on the product, which was formerly known as Buzzies, before introducing it into the market in 2016. The $240 price tag includes a set of Touch Points and the app that makes them work.

More than 5,000 Touch Points have been sold as of March, generating more than $750,000 in sales, Mayo said. They are sold through the website to customers in the U.S, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. They sell out quickly; in fact, the company went through a six-week dry spell during which it had several thousand requests on the wait list, Mayo said.

“It’s been a whirlwind because this is something everyone needs,” she said.

Mayo may be right. According to the American Institute of Stress, 77 percent of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, and 73 percent report experiencing psychological symptoms caused by stress. Forty-eight percent say they lie awake at night due to stress.

Company feedback indicates that 71 percent of Touch Points users report a stress reduction after using them for 30 seconds, Mayo said. Medical research shows similar results. Mayo and Serin have run tests on users experiencing stress and used a brain scan, quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), to measure the impact of Touch Points. The scan shows a 90 percent reduction in beta waves after 30 seconds, according to company data.

These results indicate it’s not a gimmick or placebo effect, Mayo explains.

“It’s not just a product. It’s a fundamental change in how we treat stress. It’s so life-changing,” she said.

Clients include people with sleep difficulties, first responders, people with stressful occupations and executives. Some are companies that use them in their general wellness plans. School districts have also purchased them. A call-center company reported that its agents’ ratings increased after using them, Mayo said.

Clients have found non-professional benefits, too. Mayo mentioned moms who use them while having morning coffee to get centered, give them to screaming kids in the car on the way to or from school and even hand them to husbands to diffuse potential arguments.

“This is the culture of instant everything. Most don’t have the time to do yoga, meditate and be mindful. They need instant stress relief,” Mayo said.

Making an impact

As a vice president of an international technology company who’s always on the go, Joe DePalo rarely has the time to hit a yoga studio or do deep breathing in a quiet space for an hour when he’s in a tense situation or preparing for big meeting.

When yoga and meditation apps failed to help, someone told DePalo about Touch Points.

“Medications have side effects. I was looking for non-medicine, non-traditional solutions to manage the stress and anxiety that comes from life,” said DePalo, who recently relocated from Phoenix to Seattle.

He admitted he was skeptical at first. But after giving Touch Points a try, DePalo was convinced. He said it allows him to concentrate on a single thought and also break off an obsessive one, similar to when a song gets stuck in your head and you can’t stop it from playing. They have helped him improve focus, and he uses them to write presentations and puts them in his pockets before and during crucial meetings.

“I use it as a reinforcement in how I manage the day-to-day business and my job,” he said.

DePalo’s son uses them before baseball games, and his daughter held them for a few minutes to clear her mind before taking the SAT, he said. The whole family has experienced benefits, and so has DePalo in more than just his professional life.

“I use it at home. It’s helpful in setting a clear work-life balance. It’s my way of decompressing and eliminates the need for a drink or a walk,” he said. “It allows you to be in the moment with your family, kids and spouse.”

This technology is not new. Mayo explained that PTSD victims have been receiving similar therapies for decades. But that treatment has come with a $200- to $300-per-hour price tag that involves a trip to a therapist’s office.

“You don’t have to take time out of your day to do yoga, and you don’t have to take medications with side effects. You can do this and can keep talking to a friend or cooking dinner,” she said.

Touch Points are manufactured in the United States, with the majority done in Tempe. All packaging and shipping are done by blind employees. For each set of Touch Points that’s sold, Mayo and Serin donate a set to someone in need as part of their A Touch of Hope Scholarship program.

“We weren’t interested in making millions of dollars. I believe it is our greatest obligation to humanity to help others,” Mayo said. “It’s not about the money. It’s about how we can make an impact on society.”

The Touchpoint Solution

Where: Scottsdale.

Employees: 20.

Interesting stat: Annual costs to employers in stress related health care and missed work totals $300 billion, according to the American Institute of Stress.

Details: 877-778-6824, thetouchpointsolution.com.

In Case You Missed it

Tech. Co - 5 Ways to Bounce Back After Sleepless Nights

Tech.Co - 5 Ways to Bounce Back After Sleepless Nights - By Tishin Donkersley

After a few sleepless nights, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been hit by a bus. This often makes your ability to perform at an optimal level diminish throughout the day. But don’t worry, we’ve found some solutions to help you bounce back after those sleepless nights of tossing and turning.

Dr. Amy Serin, neuropsychologist and co-founder of The TouchPoint Solution, suggests to start looking at your sleep environment and pre-bed habits to help shift your body into sleep mode.

“Look for the root cause of the lack of sleep and address it,” Serin said.

Technology is Adding to The Problem

Checking that last Facebook or Snapchat post before you go to bed or watching a certain type of TV show you hit the hay could be adding to your sleepless night. Serin suggests setting bedtime boundaries and turning off your smartphone well before bed to allow your brain to switch to sleep mode.

“Technology creates two problems for sleep. Bright screen lights can confuse your brain into thinking it’s daytime and interfere with your sleep cycle. [As for TV programs,] the content you watch before bed is also a factor. Suspenseful TV shows can put your body into a stressful state, which is counterproductive for sleep. I recommend not having a TV in your bedroom and to turn off your phone and avoid bright lights before bedtime and create a peaceful sleeping environment.”

To Nap or Not to Nap

Grabbing a cat nap during the day after a restless night might be ok now and again, but creating a pattern of sleepless nights, and gulping caffeine at the office followed by an afternoon nap isn’t ideal. Serin suggests getting back to your regular sleep schedule as soon as possible.

“Taking naps and staying up late the following night can disrupt circadian rhythms and create a pattern of sleep problems rather than just dealing with one restless night. If you must nap, take a nap for only 10-30 minutes during the afternoon hours to give yourself a boost without impairing your ability to fall asleep at your usual bedtime.”

Use a Sleep Hack, not a Sleeping Pill

If you have too many thoughts racing through your head, some may try to use a sleep aid to counter their busy mind and fall asleep. Serin cautions the use of this method as you may not reach the deep stages of sleep that are required to feel rested the next day. Instead she suggests these sleep hacks before you go to bed:

“Your body needs to be able to be calm enough to fall sleep. Heating the body up and then cooling it down is a great sleep hack to replace sleeping pills. If you take a hot shower and then turn the water to cooler temperatures before you get out, this change in temperature can kickstart your body’s ability to start the sleep process. Also, if you have racing thoughts in your head, try writing your thoughts down before bed. Keep a pen and pad of paper next to your bed and write down the thoughts that won’t go away and trust yourself to take care of whatever is on your mind the following day.”

Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

While eight hours of sleep is recommended, the reality is that we aren’t prioritizing our sleep schedule. Serin suggestions to first try to develop a set time to get to bed and make it a goal for 7 to 9 hours of shut eye versus making it up on the weekend.

“Try to go to bed around the same time every night and prioritize your sleep over everything else. Don’t fall into the habit of trying to ‘catch up’ on sleep on the weekends. Some research suggests getting more than 10 hours of sleep a night can have a negative impact on performance and mood in the same way that only getting 4 or 5 hours a night can cause, so it’s best to stay within the recommended range whenever possible.”

If All Else Fails, Try to Do Something Positive

If you tried to relieve some stress during the day and still had a tough night, Serin said to expect that you might have some change in mood during the day and to try and engage in positive activities.

“Be mindful of how your brain is impaired after a night of sleeplessness. You may be irritable, less productive, more anxious, feel depressed, have more cravings and make more mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you aren’t on top of your game.

“Try to plan for a slightly earlier bedtime the next day and limit unnecessary events from your schedule. Practice healthier habits that day and try to exercise if possible. When you hop into bed at night, don’t worry about not sleeping well the night before. Remember, sleep is a natural state that your body wants you to go into, so calming down and surrendering to it is the best policy.”

Read more about avoiding sleepless nights here at Tech.Co.

Woodshed Agency - Successfully Funded with Entrepreneur Vicki Mayo

Crain’s Phoenix - If I knew then…

InBusiness - Stress Relief where Tech and Healthcare Intersect

Fox 6 - Wearable buzzer proving to provide relief for children with autism

Fox 10 - New device could change treatments on PTSD and other conditions

AutisMag - TouchPoints, Wearable Device for Autism – What is All the Buzz About?

AustisMag - Buzzies Wearable Device for Autism – What is All the Buzz About? - ByShaeri Datta

Bi-lateral Alternating Stimulation-Tactile Technology, abbreviated as BLAST, has been in use clinically for a while now.

The technology is mostly associated with EDMR therapy, or the Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, which is a commonly used method to treat PTSD, anxiety, phobias and other associated psychological disorders.

It was noted by Amy Serin that while using BLAST, the process of desensitisation caused a much lower amount of distress to the patient. Eventually, she noted that the technology had far reaching effects.

Gifted children found it easier to sleep, while lower levels of stress was noted among children as well as adults, while using the technology. It showed an immense positive psychological and physiological effect within seconds of use.

This knowledge led her to co-found Touchpoint Solutions, along with Vicki Mayor, to develop BLAST into a wearable anxiety and stress reliever – the Buzzies.

A groundbreaking product, the Buzzies work along with the executive functions and limbic system components of the brain and relies on the formula of F3, Fight, Flight or Freeze. This F3 is the mind’s reaction when it faces a stressful situation, leading to anxiety.

The Buzzies are non-invasive wearable devices that use tactile stimulation. A few minutes of use, affects the brain considerably and the wearer feels more focused. The device can be controlled through an App that is available for Android and IOS devices.

Dr. Serin had dedicated the entire last decade towards her clinical training and neuropsychological practice. Therapists and neuropsychologists were not utilizing the BLAST technology to its full potential, believes Dr Serin.

“I don’t’ want people to live with chronic stress. I want them to know there’s a cost effective, non-invasive solution and in real time calms them down so that frees them up to live their best life.” She said.

Parents of autistic children have already found the device to be useful. Young students like Jacob Holma, who has autism, found it difficult to concentrate. He had, like many others with ASD, undergone hours of therapy, medication and struggled with the symptoms.

Jacob was lucky to have met Dr Amy Serin, who suggested him to use Buzzies. Jacob’s mother as well as his teachers noted how Jacob could focus better in class, and his episodes walking out of the class lowered since the use of Buzzies.

“For him to be calm and doing his work is amazing,” Sherri, his mother, said.

“I feel like I stumbled on a miracle that I want more people to know about,” said Dr. Serin, who uses Buzzies in her own home with her children.

Children with autism struggle daily with sensory issues. Bright lights, crowded places, loud noises can cause mild to sever anxiety, meltdown and intensified symptoms.

The device improve the psychological condition of the individual by overriding the Flight or Fight mechanism using the BLAST.

All of these can be addressed by a therapist or a doctor. However, rising numbers of people in waitlist means a lot more people need help. And therapists are not available 24/7. Most of the time autism symptoms are dealt with the affected individual and families.

Buzzies is a watch-like band that can be worn everyday, any time of the day, at schools, work or anywhere. It wins because of its simplicity of presentation, easy wearability and effective intervention. It not only minimises stress, but controls cravings and manage insomnia.

With more and more people vouching for the product, it is possible that autism research has finally hit upon an actual technology that gives immediate relief to its myriad symptoms.

CW6 Your Phoenix - Buzz Your Stress Away

Arizona Health & Living feature - Cool Finds Product Guide - TouchPoints

The Huffington Post - Attention Moms: 8 Things You Need To Stop Stressing About ASAP

Phoenix Business Journal - Scottsdale stress-reducing wearable launches Kickstarter campaign

Phoenix Business Journal - Scottsdale stress-reducing wearable launches Kickstarter campaign - By Hayley Ringle

A stress-reducing wearable device developed in Scottsdale launched Tuesday with a $15,000 Kickstarter campaign.

Buzzies are non-invasive, wearable devices that claim to alleviate stress and improve performance by overriding the “fight or flight” mechanism in your brain.

Peoria neuroscientist Dr. Amy Serin, who runs the Serin Center in Peoria, discovered the new technology and partnered with Vicki Mayo to patent and develop the brand new device.

The two entrepreneurs started Scottsdale-based TouchPoint Solutions LLC in January to find a way to make the technology affordable and accessible to the masses, said Mayo, the co-founder and CEO. Serin, who has a PhD in clinical psychology with a specialty in neuropsychology, is the company’s co-founder and chief science officer.

“Anytime we feel overwhelmed, our instincts kick in and you feel stress,” said Mayo, the former chief transformation officer for the Arizona Department of Economic Security who was appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey. “This overrides that and you feel calmer. The stress goes away as quickly as 30 seconds.”

The two Buzzies coin-shaped devices, which can be worn like a watch or detached and discreetly put in a pocket, can be turned on using an iOS or Android app to give a vibrating stimulation.

The two women trademarked and patented the technology embedded in the Buzzies, called BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stimulation-delivered tactile).

Users can turn on the devices right before a stressful situation, like a presentation or meeting with your boss, or used throughout the day to improve focus. The devices are also deemed safe enough for children, who can use the devices in their socks to deal with anxiety.

“My 5-year-old daughter has night terrors and this helps her sleep,” said Mayo, who was also former vice president of Valor Global Services, a Scottsdale tech company. “After using the Buzzy you can’t get as upset because your fight or flight mechanism isn’t working.”

Buzzies are typically used for a couple of minutes to 15 minutes a day.

“This technology is so disruptive,” she said. “Everyone suffers from stress. Eighty to 90 percent of disease is caused by stress. We want to be able to offer you release in as little as 30 seconds.”

TouchPoint Solutions made it a point to use local or U.S. companies to make the devices. The electronics, programming, assembly and boxing is done at Quik Tek Assembly in Tempe. The plastics are made in Minnesota, and the app development was done in Seattle.

The Buzzies retail for $259 per order, which comes with two devices, two watch bands, a wall charger, a charging cable and a velvet carry bag.

The Kickstarter campaign was a way to test the market before the products went live, Mayo said. The company has been taking pre-orders on the devices since October through the company website.

TouchPoint Solutions had already raised more than $8,000 of its $15,000 goal by Tuesday evening. The campaign ends Dec. 20.

Kickstarter supporters are guaranteed to get their Buzzies before Christmas, Mayo added.

“We’re thrilled with how the campaign has been going so far,” she said. “It will be great to work with the backers and get their feedback.”

The self-funded company with two employees was started by both as a way to give back, not to make money, Mayo said.

“We follow the Toms model. For every two devices we sell, we give away one to whoever is in need, children or adults,” she said. “We’re really just committed to women entrepreneurs and we wanted to give voice to this women’s movement and keep our philosophy front and center.”