Investor

Relations

pHyra is a probiotic-infused apparel company co-founded by Josephine Watt (CEO) and Aamir Azad (CFO) through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. We sell smart textiles embedded with probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus species using HeiQ's microencapsulation technology. The result is clothing that actively promotes skin health, controls odor, and supports the skin microbiome across sportswear, healthcare, and everyday wear.

Awarded by Local Investors

$5,000

Leadership

JW

Josephine Watt

Chief Executive Officer

AA

Aamir Azad

Chief Financial Officer

Technology Partner

HeiQ Skin Care™

Our Research

Introduction & Methodology

Introduction

The Textile Revolution

The textile industry is shifting toward health-focused, functional products driven by rising demand for hygiene, sustainability, and skin-friendly solutions. pHyra is developing smart textiles infused with bioactive compounds with specific probiotics including Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus species.

These components provide antimicrobial, anti-odor, and skin protective benefits for applications in sportswear, healthcare, and everyday clothing.

Using microencapsulation technology, these active ingredients are embedded into the fabric and released through friction and moisture during wear. Together, the probiotics balance the skin microbiome and protect and nourish the skin, creating an integrated system that enhances hygiene, comfort, and overall wearer well-being.

Methodology

How It Works

1

Manufactured in Calcutta

Clothing starts its journey in Calcutta, where it is manufactured

2

HeiQ Probiotic Treatment

Shipped to HeiQ in Switzerland where the probiotic microencapsulation process is applied to the fabric.

3

Distributed from Altoona

Finished garments are shipped to our headquarters in Altoona to be sold to customers.

Research Results

Studies show that bioactive textile technologies significantly improve fabric performance in antimicrobial action, odor control, and skin health. Fabrics treated with vitamin E provide antioxidant protection, while essential oils offer strong antibacterial and anti-odor effects.

Hydrogen peroxide adds antimicrobial benefits but has stability limits. Most notably, HeiQ Skin Care™, a symbiotic probiotic technology combining multiple Bacillus strains and probiotics, transfers beneficial microbes to the skin, supporting microbiome balance and remaining effective for up to 40 washes.

Wear trials confirmed consistent migration of prebiotics and probiotics, enhancing skin appearance and comfort.

Future Direction

Enhanced Odor Control

Targeting key skin and wellness challenges for active lifestyles, with next-generation formulations that outlast conventional deodorant solutions.

Microbiome Strengthening

Strengthening skin microbiome support for broader demographic groups, including sensitive skin, athletes, and medical-grade applications.

Long-Term Probiotic Stability

Improving long-term probiotic stability in everyday wear and integrating HeiQ's symbiotic technology into a broader range of garments.

Our next steps focus on expanding the impact of bioactive clothing by targeting key skin and wellness challenges. By refining HeiQ's symbiotic probiotic technology and integrating it into a broader range of garments, we plan to create clothing that actively promotes skin health while remaining comfortable and durable. This approach aligns with our vision of multifunctional apparel that seamlessly combines fashion, wellness, and science for everyday use.

Full Presentation

Research Slideshow

View our complete investor presentation, including detailed research data, methodology, and our vision for the future of functional fashion.

pHyra · INVESTOR PRESENTATION

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following individuals for their guidance, support, and contributions to this project:

Dr. Regina Lamendella, Anjan Kumar, Chris Weidley, Alex Seltzer, Dr. Sheela Kerstetter, Alexandra Teles, Philip Ghekiere, Tim Balconi, Josh Barnhart, Andrea Cohen, Scott Cox, Patrick Irwin, Chastity Kienzle, Jay Nartatez, Travis Sheetz, Amy Seltzer, Brian Smith, and Tami Chadick.

Your expertise and assistance were invaluable to the success of this work.

Sources