Sky Labs Sole Korean Firm on TIME's 2026 Health Tech List
Sky Labs joins TIME's 2026 top 500 health tech firms as the only Korean company in the wearables category, citing its cuffless ring monitor.
Key points
- Sky Labs is the only South Korean company on TIME's 2026 list of 500 health tech firms in the wearables category.
- The CART BP pro ring monitor is covered by South Korean national health insurance for 24-hour blood pressure tracking.
- The company plans to expand into AI-driven medical data platforms and global markets beyond its domestic base.
Sky Labs has secured a spot on TIME magazine's list of the world's 500 best health technology companies for 2026. The South Korean firm is the only one selected in the medical devices and wearables category, marking a significant milestone for its cuffless blood pressure monitoring technology.
According to a report by the Seoul Economic Daily, the selection process involved a rigorous evaluation by Statista, a global data firm. The assessment considered factors such as financial performance, corporate reputation, and online engagement to narrow down thousands of applicants to the final 500.
Cuffless monitoring gains insurance backing
The company's flagship product, CART BP pro, is a ring-shaped device that measures blood pressure without a traditional cuff. It allows for continuous monitoring during daily activities and sleep, offering a less intrusive alternative to hospital-based equipment.
A key trade-off for consumers is the reliance on specific insurance coverage for full utility. In South Korea, 24-hour ambulatory monitoring using this device is covered by national health insurance, facilitating its widespread use in clinics. This reimbursement status, approved in 2024, distinguishes it from many unregulated consumer wearables.
Expanding beyond single vital signs
Sky Labs is not limiting its scope to blood pressure alone. The company is developing wearable devices that track additional vital signs, including oxygen saturation and heart rate. This broader approach aims to provide a more comprehensive view of user health.
The strategic goal is to create a medical data platform that leverages artificial intelligence. By analyzing long-term vital sign data, the firm intends to support clinical care and research initiatives. This shift from hardware to data analytics represents a significant expansion of its business model.
Global recognition for domestic innovation
CEO Lee Byung-hwan emphasized that this international recognition validates the competitiveness of Korean-developed wearable technology. The company views this as a springboard to enter global medical device and data markets, moving beyond its domestic stronghold.
