Nick Conn is an engineer, scientist, and medical device executive who has turned cutting-edge research into FDA-cleared products. As Principal at Happy Sleep—the only virtual sleep-care platform built around an FDA-cleared smart ring—Nick leads consumer-facing algorithm development and productization, while supporting research, clinical, and regulatory strategy. He combines advanced machine learning with end-to-end software architecture expertise to turn breakthrough ideas into scalable, user-centric digital-health products.

Previously, he was the founding CEO of Casana and later served as Chief Scientific Officer. Nick invented the Heart Seat during his PhD at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and grew Casana from concept to a 75-person, venture-backed team, which secured more than $55 M in funding and achieved FDA 510(k) clearance.

Through Conn Castle Consulting, Nick advises digital-health and wearable-device startups on machine-learning algorithms, clinical-study design, and regulatory strategy. His work has produced several issued and pending patents, peer-reviewed publications, and recognition such as the RIT Distinguished Alumni Award (2024) and Upstate Capital Growth Equity Deal of the Year (2020).

Nick holds a PhD in Microsystems Engineering and MS and BS degrees in Electrical Engineering from RIT. Passionate about entrepreneurship and ecosystem building, he mentors founders through Upstate Venture Connect and university programs.

When he isn’t prototyping new startup ideas, Nick enjoys swimming, artisan bread baking, baseball, arts and crafts, learning Spanish, and spending time with his wife and two boys.