Goodair, a New Zealand-based health technology startup, has received international recognition for its innovative Nosebuds device, winning both a Gold Award and a Red Dot: Best of the Best in the 2024 Red Dot Design Awards. The accolades highlight the company’s success in merging medical functionality with consumer-friendly design in the rapidly growing nasal hygiene market. Simultaneously, Goodair has been named a finalist for Start-Up of the Year at the 2026 New Zealand Innovation Awards, underscoring its rising profile in the global tech and wellness sectors.
The Nosebuds, designed as a reusable, ergonomic nasal irrigation tool, aims to simplify daily sinus care for users suffering from allergies, congestion, or post-nasal drip. Unlike traditional neti pots or squeeze bottles, the device features a contoured shape that fits comfortably in the nostril, delivering a controlled saline rinse with minimal mess. Its design emphasizes ease of use, hygiene, and portability—factors that jury members cited as key to its award-winning status. According to the Red Dot Design Award’s official winners list, Goodair’s entry stood out among over 4,800 submissions from 60 countries for its “human-centered approach to personal health technology.”
Founded in 2021 by biomedical engineer Dr. Elise Tan and industrial designer Liam Carter, Goodair emerged from Christchurch’s growing medtech ecosystem. The company initially focused on developing non-invasive respiratory aids, inspired by personal experiences with chronic sinusitis. Early prototypes were tested in collaboration with otolaryngologists at Christchurch Hospital, with feedback informing iterative improvements to the Nosebuds’ flow dynamics and material safety. The final product uses medical-grade silicone and BPA-free plastics, meeting ISO 10993 standards for biocompatibility.
The Red Dot Award, administered by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany, is one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions. Winning the “Best of the Best” distinction places Goodair in an elite group of products recognized for exceptional innovation, form, and function. Past winners in the Medical & Care Technology category include devices from Philips, Bosch, and Siemens Healthineers. Goodair’s win marks the first time a New Zealand startup has received this specific honor in the nasal care subcategory.
Shortly after the design accolades, Goodair was announced as a nominee for Start-Up of the Year at the 2026 New Zealand Innovation Awards, organized by Callaghan Innovation in partnership with NZTE and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The award celebrates early-stage companies demonstrating breakthrough potential, scalability, and societal impact. Other finalists in the 2026 cohort include firms working in agritech, quantum computing, and renewable energy storage. Winners will be revealed at a ceremony in Auckland on June 15, 2026.
Goodair’s rise reflects broader trends in consumer health technology, where design-driven solutions are gaining traction among users seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Market research from Grand View Research indicates the global nasal irrigation devices market is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023. Factors driving demand include increasing allergy prevalence, air pollution concerns, and post-pandemic focus on upper respiratory hygiene. The Nosebuds positions itself at the intersection of wellness and preventive care, targeting both clinical and home-use segments.
In interviews with local media, Dr. Tan emphasized that the startup’s mission extends beyond product sales. “We wish to normalize nasal hygiene the way people brush their teeth,” she told The Press in March 2024. “Good design shouldn’t be reserved for luxury gadgets—it should build essential health practices easier and more inviting.” The company has since launched a consumer education campaign across social media platforms, featuring short videos demonstrating proper technique and hygiene maintenance.
To date, Goodair has distributed over 150,000 units through direct-to-consumer channels and select pharmacies in New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea. The company raised NZ$4.2 million in a Series A funding round in late 2023, led by Icehouse Ventures with participation from Movac and K1W1. Funds are being allocated toward regulatory expansion, including FDA Class I clearance efforts in the United States and CE marking in the European Union. As of early 2025, the Nosebuds is registered as a Class I medical device with New Zealand’s Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe).
Industry analysts note that Goodair’s success could signal a shift in how medtech startups approach user experience. “Too often, health devices prioritize function over feel,” said Dr. Aroha Manning, senior lecturer in product design at Victoria University of Wellington. “Goodair shows that attention to grip, weight, and material texture can significantly affect adherence—especially for routines people might otherwise avoid.”
The startup maintains an active presence at international trade shows, having exhibited at CES 2024 in Las Vegas and Medica 2023 in Düsseldorf. At these events, Goodair demonstrated prototype enhancements, including a UV-C sanitizing case and Bluetooth-enabled usage tracking—features under consideration for future iterations. However, the company has stated that core development remains focused on refining the current model based on user feedback.
Looking ahead, Goodair’s next milestones include completing its FDA pre-submission meeting scheduled for Q3 2025 and pursuing distribution partnerships in North America and Europe. The company also plans to publish results from a real-world usability study involving 500 participants with allergic rhinitis, conducted in collaboration with the University of Otago’s Department of Medicine. Findings are expected to be submitted for peer review by the finish of 2025.
For consumers interested in trying the Nosebuds, the device is available for purchase through Goodair’s official website and selected retail partners, including Unichem and Life Pharmacy stores across New Zealand. International shipping is offered to over 30 countries, with pricing starting at NZ$49 for a single unit and NZ$89 for a duo pack containing two devices and a travel case. Replacement silicone tips are sold separately to ensure long-term hygiene.
As the nasal care market evolves, Goodair’s recognition serves as a case study in how thoughtful design can elevate everyday health tools. By combining rigorous engineering with intuitive form, the startup has carved a niche in a space often dominated by clinical or cumbersome alternatives. Its journey from a Christchurch garage to international award stages illustrates the potential of New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem when supported by targeted funding, academic collaboration, and user-centric development.
To stay updated on Goodair’s regulatory progress, product launches, or award outcomes, follow the company’s official channels or visit the Callaghan Innovation website for details on the 2026 New Zealand Innovation Awards ceremony.
Have you tried innovative nasal care devices like Nosebuds? Share your experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear how design impacts your wellness routine. Don’t forget to share this article with anyone interested in the intersection of health, technology, and thoughtful design.