Akustica developing chips with hearing aid maker

From: Pittsburgh Business Times, PA - 13 Jan 2003

Akustica Inc. said it entered an agreement with GN ReSound Group to develop chips for advanced hearing aids.

Akustica, of Pittsburgh, develops audio technology for wireless communications and consumer electronics. GN ReSound, whose brand names include Beltone, said it wants to use the Akustica technology "to break from the constraints and limitations" of current hearing aids to develop a "more intelligent" device.

Akustica's technology includes capabilities for capturing, processing and reproducing sound and is used in mobile phones and other devices.

Terms of the agreement with GN ReSound were not disclosed. GN ReSound is based in Denmark and has North American headquarters in Chicago.

Former Carnegie Mellon University MEMS Laboratory Director Kaigham "Ken" Gabriel, co-founded Akustica in 2001 with James Rock, who has worked at technology startups including Zefer Corp., Cambridge Technology Partners and the Carnegie Group.

Mr. Gabriel is Akustica's chairman and chief technology officer and Mr. Rock is president and chief executive officer.

Akustica is based on the South Side.

© 2003 American City Business Journals Inc.