How One HealthTech Startup Is Building a Safer, More Accessible Alternative to Traditional CGMs 

From Seoul to Boston: A Founder’s Leap of Faith 

Aram Hong made a bold decision to relocate from Seoul, South Korea, to the U.S. with his family to scale his startup, Apollon. The move reflects a deep personal commitment to solving a global healthcare challenge. 

Apollon’s core innovation is a wearable wristband that monitors blood glucose levels—without microneedles. The idea came from a partnership with MIT researchers, aimed at addressing the low adoption of CGMs in the U.S. 

“We founded Apollon with MIT researchers two years ago in the U.S. because we thought that the big problem is that fewer than 10% of diabetes patients in the U.S. are actually using CGMs.” 

Eliminating the Barriers of Pain and Price 

The startup’s innovation tackles a major pain point—literally. Existing CGMs can be painful and costly due to the microneedle-based design, particularly for people with obesity or skin sensitivity. 

“Microneedle[s] make [CGMs] higher price and painful for obese people.” 

Apollon’s approach is centered on removing the microneedle altogether, which could dramatically increase access and ease of use for millions of diabetes patients. 

“We thought that we can eliminate microneedle[s]… so we can make it more accessible and more affordable and safer.” 

Why MassChallenge Was the Right Fit 

As an early-stage founder, Aram knew he needed the right support to navigate the complexities of entering a new market. MassChallenge provided more than resources—it provided a community. 

“I think we are all early-stage startups… early-stage startup[s] need to get many hats and many supports from outside.” 

His decision to join MassChallenge was driven by a desire to find a network that could support his vision—and his family—during a high-stakes expansion. 

“I made a big decision to move here with my family… so I need big help and support—it seems like MassChallenge is my big help.” 

The Power of Community in Innovation 

For Aram one of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of MassChallenge was the people. The environment, he shared, was kind, collaborative, and generous. 

“Everyone I met is nice and kind and gentle and warm-hearted people.” 

That warmth and support helped him feel grounded in a new country while advancing his business goals. 

From Trial to Transformation 

Apollon has already completed small-scale clinical trials in collaboration with MIT, collecting valuable human data. The next step is a broader trial with 300 participants. 

“We are done with small-scale clinical trials with MIT mini personnel… based on the data from the human body.” 

Pending success, the company will begin the FDA approval process, with plans to bring the device to market in one to two years. 

“We are running [a trial] for 300 patient[s]… then we can go with FDA process.” 

Disrupting a $20 Billion Market 

Aram sees immense potential in the market—and a large population of underserved patients. With most diabetes patients still not using CGMs, the need for a better solution is urgent. 

“Fewer than 10% of diabetes people [are] using the CGM.” 

The opportunity to disrupt the $20B CGM market in the U.S. drives the Apollon team forward. 

“So, 92% of diabetes people in the U.S. need comfortable decisions… we can disrupt diabetes care market.” 

Looking Ahead with Purpose 

Apollon’s journey is just beginning, but Aram is optimistic about what’s ahead—for both his company and the people they hope to serve. 

“If the process is going by without any problem, we can meet diabetes people and make them injury[-free]… into a routine life.” 

The startup’s mission is clear: to make life better for people living with diabetes—without compromise. 

“We can make a huge change for everyone’s lives.” 
 

Hear more about Apollon