Auburn engineers strive to revolutionize diabetes technology with startup Adele Health

Mark Norton, ‘13 mechanical engineering, quit his Silicon Valley job in 2022 to develop a product he believes will change the world. He soon convinced fellow Auburn alumnus Tyler Boyd, ‘13 electrical engineering, to join him on this transformative journey.

Norton and Boyd’s friendship was solidified at Auburn University when Boyd gifted Norton his very first iPhone – foreshadowing Norton’s future career at Apple Inc. where he would help build the Apple Watch and AirTags.

For the Adele Health co-founders, their mission is deeply personal. When Norton was tasked with helping his mom find a blood glucose meter after she was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, he noticed how outdated the options were. Not only that, but no one meter could test for all the necessary biomarkers. He knew there had to be a better way. 

“The need is so great,” Norton said. “Nearly half of America is Type 1, Type 2 or pre-diabetic, and the interventions for diabetes are not suited for the modern American. There are so many factors to balance; it can be hard to spot trends before issues arise.

“Our mission is to simplify diabetes management. We’re building a digital health platform to empower patients to take control of their diabetes. We combine powerful software with industry-leading hardware to make it easy for patients to see their data, understand it and take action to live a healthier life,” he said.

Norton and Boyd come from families with a deep love for Auburn and followed in their fathers’ footsteps as Auburn engineers. While in school, they bonded over their love of music and mutual dream of entrepreneurship.

Following graduation, Norton worked as an engineer on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, then completed his MBA at Duke University before joining Apple. Boyd built indoor antenna systems for facilities including One World Trade Center and Churchill Downs before earning his law degree from the University of Georgia. He was working as an attorney when Norton asked him, multiple times, about joining his startup.

“He loves to remind me of the first two times he asked, and I said no,” Boyd joked.

What eventually sold Boyd was their field research assessing the impact of a new product for people whose lives had been changed by diabetes.

“When the results of those conversations and surveys came in, I knew I had to join Mark,” Boyd said. “People immediately understood how this could change their lives. There were tears – both theirs and ours. It was deeply moving.”

“Adele” means noble and kind, the way Norton wants customers to feel when they interact with the company.

“You take a product that everyone is resigned to using and reimagine what it would look like if it was made for an individual person whose everyday life revolves around dealing with disease,” he said. “We want to bring people dignity and elevate an experience that for many patients is terrible.”

While both partners have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, their backgrounds working in technology and law combined with personal experiences made this specific project the right fit. However, it hasn’t been without its challenges. 

“As a general rule, your first company should not be a medical device startup,” Boyd said. “The medical industry is heavily regulated, and for good reason. Even though we knew what we were getting into, we were surprised at some of the hurdles we’ve had to overcome.” 

Norton and Boyd agree that without a higher motivation, they never would have made it this far.  

“Much of the healthcare system is designed around payers and insurance companies. We’re building something for people. In every way, it has been the most satisfying thing I’ve done in my career,” Boyd said.  

Norton also serves on Auburn Engineering’s Young Alumni Council and supports a family scholarship in the college that encourages students to spend a semester studying abroad. 

“Auburn has shaped both who I am and my skill set,” Norton said. “I am truly blessed to give back to others who are on the same path.”