Meet the team.
Casana was founded over 10 years ago by Nick Conn during his PhD research at the Rochester Institute of Technology. What started as a research question and a prototype has become a decade of clinical research with over 5,000 subjects, all in pursuit of one goal: making it possible to passively capture vital signs at home and help our loved ones age in place.
Leadership

Austin McChord
President
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Olivia Lew
CEO
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Michael Means
CTO
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Michael Sonnendecker
CFO
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Melissa Gontarz
VP HR & Ops
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Board
Milestones.
Over 10 years ago
Nick Conn founds Casana during his PhD research at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Casana
2018
The seat's ECG is validated against a 12-lead clinical ECG.
JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 2018
2019
A study of the in-home monitoring system for heart failure.
JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 2019
July 2026
Casana introduces the Smart Seat, made in Rochester, NY, having raised $46 million.
PR Newswire, Forbes
2026
Casana published papers on 3rd party studies, including a 12-week blood pressure study and a sit-to-stand power study.
Medical Research Archives, Casana
A decade of research.
The Smart Seat is the culmination of over ten years of dedicated research and development, conducted in partnership with world-renowned medical institutions and universities.
Our team of engineers, scientists, and healthcare professionals have worked tirelessly to create a product that seamlessly integrates advanced sensor technology with everyday life.
The result is a revolutionary wellness monitoring device that effortlessly tracks vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure trends, and oxygen levels from the comfort of your home.
10+
Years of Research
20+
Patents Filed
15+
Research Partners
5k+
Study Participants

Trusted by leading institutions.
In the news.
See what the industry is saying about the Smart Seat and the future of passive home health monitoring.
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