HabitHalo Partners with Boomerang Studio to Launch Vaping Cessation App

Source: Building Indiana Business Building Indiana Business reports that HabitHalo, a health tech startup, has launched PuffPal, an AI-driven app designed to help individuals quit vaping through real-time, personalized motivation. Supported by Boomerang Studio, the app adapts to user behavior, providing instant encouragement and evolving messaging to enhance quit success.

Source: Building Indiana Business

HabitHalo, a health tech startup dedicated to providing “Tools for a Nicotine-Free Life,” announced the launch of PuffPal, an AI-driven app designed to help individuals quit vaping through real-time, personalized motivation. This launch is supported by Indianapolis-based Boomerang Studio, the startup studio arm of Boomerang Ventures that specializes in bringing early-stage connected health tech companies to market.

“Boomerang Studio is committed to supporting transformative health tech innovations like HabitHalo,” said Eric Beier, MD, Partner and Chief Medical Officer at Boomerang Studio. “PuffPal provides the personalization and real-time support that traditional quit methods lack.”

Addressing the Vaping Epidemic

Vaping addiction is at an all-time high:

1.6 million teens in middle and high school report vaping (CDC, 2022).
Existing quit methods fail 80-95% of the time (Truth Initiative, 2020).
The $13 billion U.S. cessation market highlights a growing need for better solutions.

HabitHalo aims to fill this gap by delivering customized digital and device-based solutions tailored to individual quit journeys.

PuffPal: How It Works

PuffPal leverages AI-driven technology to provide:

Personalized Motivation – Messages adapt to user behavior and preferences.
Real-Time Support – Instant encouragement during cravings.
Evolving Messaging – AI learns from user feedback for improved effectiveness.
Program Compatibility – Complements other quit methods for added support.

PuffPal is now available on the Apple App Store with a 30-day free trial until February 28, 2025. After the trial, users can subscribe for $0.99 per week. Future plans include expansion to Android and additional markets. Learn more at mypuffpal.com.

A Founder’s Mission

HabitHalo was founded by Phil Tran, a former vaper who turned his personal struggle into a mission. “PuffPal is what I wish I had when I was trying to quit,” said Tran. “It’s designed to provide the right support at the right moment, whenever someone needs it.”

“Harnessing AI for real-time motivation makes quitting more accessible and engaging,” added Todd Durniak, CEO of HabitHalo. “We want PuffPal to be the first step toward a nicotine-free life.”

Source: Building Indiana Business, January 31, 2025