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.