While trying to help people with autism be better understood, Picard’s team found an unusually high response from one participant. It turned out to be a seizure. This led to new investigations with Boston Children's Hospital. With data from over 90 patients, the team learned they had built a more accurate method for seizure detection.

Their research was published in top peer-reviewed medical and engineering journals, patents were issued, and later Empatica improved upon their original sensor, creating sensors that are now used in top hospitals and scientific studies worldwide.

To bring the idea to life in the shortest time possible, Empatica launched a crowdfunding campaign for Embrace at the end of 2014. It successfully reached the target of $100,000 in 24 hours. The overwhelming support received through social media, real-life stories, questions, and product feedback, exemplified the amazing passion for Embrace and Empatica’s mission.

We at Empatica are extremely thankful to our supporters that shared this journey with us. Every contribution to the campaign made a difference, we would not be here without our supporters' help.