Biography of Ria Rustagi: Founder & CEO of Neuphony- Entrepreneur

Biography of Ria Rustagi: Founder & CEO of Neuphony- Entrepreneur

Biography of Ria Rustagi: 

Ria Rustagi’s life took an unexpected turn in 2016 when she tragically lost her sister, Pankhuri, to a rare brain infection. This heartbreaking event, marked by the inability to understand what was happening in her sister's brain, became a powerful catalyst in Ria’s life. The experience of feeling helpless and disconnected from her sister’s health motivated Ria to create something that would address this very gap — the lack of accessible information and understanding about brain health. This was the beginning of her journey into the world of neurotechnology and mental wellness.

The Birth of Neuphony

In 2020, driven by her desire to prevent others from suffering the way she did, Ria co-founded Neuphony with Bhavya Madan. The company was born out of their shared vision of revolutionizing brain health through the use of cutting-edge technology. Neuphony set out to create a wearable brain device, a brain smartwatch, that would provide insights into an individual’s mental state and help them improve their overall brain health. This innovation was intended not just for medical purposes but also for personal improvement, giving people the power to monitor and enhance their mental well-being.

A Stellar Academic Background

Before becoming the powerhouse behind Neuphony, Ria laid a strong academic foundation. She pursued her Master’s in Integrated Circuit Design, first at the prestigious Technical University of Munich and then at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Her education focused on digital, analog, and mixed-signal circuit design, and systems on chips (SoCs), which would later prove crucial in her venture into neurotechnology. This combination of technical expertise and a passion for solving real-world problems gave Ria the tools she needed to innovate in the field of brain health.

Early Career at Infineon Technologies

Ria began her professional career at Infineon Technologies in Germany, where she worked as a development engineer. At just 22, she became the youngest engineer in her team and the only Indian among 40 senior engineers. During her time at Infineon, she took on several challenging roles, including leading methodology projects for physical design and working on next-generation microcontrollers. Her work in advanced chip design gave her valuable experience that would eventually influence her ability to develop complex wearable technologies for Neuphony.

A Vision to Change Brain Health Forever

The tragic loss of her sister fueled Ria's determination to change the way the world approaches brain health. She wanted to help individuals understand and take control of their mental well-being, just as one would take care of physical health. With this vision in mind, Ria and Bhavya focused on developing a wearable device that could track brain activity in real-time. Their goal was to make mental health management more proactive and personalized, allowing users to gain actionable insights into their mental states and train their brains for better performance.

Neuphony’s Big Break on Shark Tank India

In 2022, Neuphony gained significant attention when it appeared on Shark Tank India. Ria and Bhavya pitched their brain health device to the investors, asking for ₹1 crore in exchange for 2% equity in their company. After a compelling pitch, the Sharks were impressed by the innovative technology and the impact it could have on mental wellness. Ultimately, Neuphony secured an investment of ₹1 crore for 5.4% equity from investors Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal, giving the company the financial backing it needed to expand its operations and technology.

Neuphony’s Unique Brain Wearable

Neuphony’s flagship product is a wearable EEG device designed to monitor brain activity in real time. The device comes with eight uniquely placed sensors and uses machine learning (ML) algorithms to process the EEG signals. The wearable is paired with a mobile app and software development kit (SDK) that allows researchers, developers, and businesses to build their own applications, such as brain-controlled games, VR headsets, or even wheelchair systems. Neuphony's mission is to democratize brain health, providing accessible tools for people to become more self-aware of their mental states and take proactive measures for improvement.

A Focus on Mental Fitness

While the device can be used by researchers, Neuphony is also targeting individuals who want to optimize their mental fitness. The wearable provides customized brain training recommendations based on the user’s brain activity, enabling people to actively improve their cognitive health. Through the app, users can track their progress, set goals, and follow a personalized brain training regimen that enhances focus, reduces stress, and boosts overall mental well-being.

Global Recognition and Accolades

Ria’s work with Neuphony quickly garnered widespread recognition. She was featured in the United Nations' book of "Top 75 Women in Business" at the G20 Summit. Additionally, she earned a special mention in Forbes' 30 Under 30 for Consumer Tech and was included in the YourStory Tech 50 list. Neuphony also gained recognition from Google Startups, which named the company one of the Top 10 Female-Led Startups to Watch. These accolades not only validated Ria’s vision but also highlighted the potential of Neuphony’s technology to make a meaningful impact on mental health.

Expanding the Reach of Neurofeedback

One of Neuphony’s core missions is to make neurofeedback and brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies accessible to a global audience. By partnering with brain gyms, therapists, and corporations, Neuphony is helping to integrate brain health technology into therapy sessions, stress management workshops, and performance optimization programs. Their "Brain Gyms" use data-driven approaches to therapy, enabling practitioners to quantify brain activity and tailor interventions for their clients’ specific needs. Corporations also benefit from these workshops, as the technology can help optimize stress levels and enhance employee performance.

Neuphony’s Impact on Mental Health Awareness

Neuphony is not just about selling a product; it’s about creating a global movement around mental wellness. Ria and Bhavya aim to change the way society views mental health by emphasizing proactive care and self-awareness. Their wearable device encourages individuals to take a hands-on approach to their mental well-being, breaking the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues. By providing accessible and actionable insights, Neuphony is empowering people to make informed decisions about their mental health and improve their overall quality of life.

The Power of Community and Collaboration

Neuphony also places a strong emphasis on building a community around brain health. The wearable device is not just a tool for individual users; it’s also a platform for researchers and developers to collaborate and push the boundaries of what is possible with neurotechnology. Neuphony’s SDK enables the development of brain-controlled applications, opening up new possibilities in areas such as gaming, healthcare, and accessibility. This focus on collaboration ensures that Neuphony remains at the forefront of the neurotech revolution, constantly innovating and advancing the field.

 Biography of Ria Rustagi: Founder & CEO of Neuphony- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/brain device for mental health/Neuphony story

Overcoming Challenges on the Road to Success

Like any startup, Neuphony faced its fair share of challenges. From product development hurdles to securing funding, Ria and Bhavya had to navigate many obstacles. However, their resilience and unwavering belief in their mission helped them push through. Their work is a testament to the importance of perseverance, innovation, and a strong vision. Ria’s journey, from the painful loss of her sister to building a successful startup, inspires many who are facing their own challenges and striving to make a difference in the world.

Building a Global Legacy in Brain Health

Looking ahead, Ria and Neuphony are determined to lead a global revolution in mental wellness. Their vision is to make advanced neurofeedback and BCI technology universally accessible, integrating it into daily life to improve mental fitness and overall well-being. By offering a holistic approach to mental health, Neuphony is positioning itself as a pioneer in the neurotech space, with the potential to transform how we care for our minds. Ria’s journey continues, fueled by her passion to help others and make brain health a global priority.

Neuphony’s Early Success and Growth

Since its launch, Neuphony has made significant strides in the neurotech industry. The company has sold over 25 devices globally and is expanding its reach through collaborations and promotions. Neuphony’s wearable EEG device has been particularly well-received by research institutions and companies looking to integrate brain health technology into their operations. This early success has laid the foundation for future growth, as Neuphony continues to develop new applications and expand its product offerings.

A Vision for the Future

As Neuphony looks to the future, Ria remains committed to her mission of making brain health a top priority. With her leadership, Neuphony is poised to revolutionize the mental wellness industry and create a world where individuals have the tools and knowledge to take control of their own brain health. Ria’s journey from a personal tragedy to the creation of a groundbreaking company is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when driven by a purpose larger than themselves.

A timeline for Ria Rustagi’s journey:

2016: Ria loses her sister, Pankhuri, to a rare brain infection, sparking her passion for brain health.

2017-2019: Ria completes her Master's in Integrated Circuit Design at Technical University of Munich and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

2020: Ria co-founds Neuphony with Bhavya Madan to develop a wearable brain device for mental health.

2021: Neuphony begins product development, focusing on creating an EEG wearable to track brain activity.

2022: Neuphony appears on Shark Tank India, securing ₹1 crore investment from Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal.

2022: Neuphony’s brain health wearable is launched, targeting individuals and researchers alike.

2023: Neuphony gains global recognition, with Ria featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 and YourStory’s Tech 50.

2023: Neuphony expands its reach, forming partnerships with brain gyms, therapists, and corporations.

2024: Neuphony sells over 25 devices globally and plans future expansions in neurofeedback and mental wellness.

Future Vision: Ria aims to revolutionize brain health and make neurotechnology universally accessible for mental fitness.

 Biography of Ria Rustagi: Founder & CEO of Neuphony- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/brain device for mental health/Neuphony story