EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA — Starkey has received two 2026 BIG AI Excellence Awards from the Business Intelligence Group. The company’s Omega AI hearing technology was recognized for its application of artificial intelligence in hearing care, while Achin Bhowmik, Ph.D., Starkey’s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering, received an individual AI Excellence Award for his leadership in AI-driven health technology.
The BIG AI Excellence Awards recognize organizations, products, and individuals working in artificial intelligence across a range of industries.
“This recognition reflects Starkey’s relentless commitment to innovation and our belief that artificial intelligence can profoundly improve people’s lives. Omega AI represents the next evolution of hearing technology, bringing together advanced AI, health insights, and powerful sound processing to create smarter, more personalized hearing experiences. I’m incredibly proud of our team and of Achin’s leadership in advancing a culture of innovation and excellence in AI-powered hearing technology.”
–Brandon Sawalich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Starkey
Starkey has been among the companies incorporating sensors and AI-driven features into hearing aids, expanding their role beyond hearing support alone. According to the company, its current AI capabilities are designed to help devices adapt to complex listening environments, prioritize speech, reduce background noise, and provide health-related insights intended to support daily activity and engagement.
Under Bhowmik’s leadership, Starkey has expanded its artificial intelligence work in hearing technology, with a focus on combining hearing support with additional health and wellness features.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries around the world, and Starkey continues to demonstrate how AI can be harnessed to create technology that truly improves people’s lives,” said the Business Intelligence Group in announcing the awards.
The recognition highlights Starkey’s continued focus on artificial intelligence as part of its broader hearing technology strategy.
About Starkey
Starkey is a leading global innovator in hearing technology and AI-powered hearing aids, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since its founding by Bill Austin in 1967 and led today by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has driven breakthroughs in unmatched sound clarity and machine learning and intelligent hearing technology. As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities, delivering advanced hearing solutions to customers in 100+ markets worldwide. Explore our smart hearing devices and connected technologies at www.starkey.com.
Source: Starkey
