Two Indian startups—Marbles Health and Nexstem—are making strides in the neurotechnology space. Their innovative solutions are transforming the way we look at brain health.
Despite their shared focus on brain-related advancements, the startups address distinct needs with unique approaches.
Here’s a comparative analysis of these innovators reshaping the neurotechnology sector.
Flagship products
Marbles Health: EASE
Marbles Health’s flagship product, EASE, is a portable, non-invasive brain stimulation device designed to treat depression.
EASE combines transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES), Electroencephalography (EEG), and cognitive-emotional training to offer an integrated approach to mental health treatment.
Marbles founder, Ramya says, “During clinical trials, EASE showed a 63.8% reduction in depression symptoms within 10 days. It is a promising tool for mental wellness.”
To further enhance EASE’s impact, Marbles Health is designing a complementary app. This app is tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients. It will offer a comprehensive program to cope with distress, build resilience, reduce recurrence risks, and enhance quality of life.
Nexstem: Instinct
Nexstem‘s flagship product, Instinct, is an AI-powered, non-invasive BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) headset that translates thoughts into commands. It aims to bridge the gap between humans and machines.
Instinct’s V2 upgrades, with 19 programmable electrodes, onboard computing, and a proprietary OS, redefine the capabilities of BCIs.
Its applications are diverse, enabling capabilities such as movement control, telepathy and assistive technologies. This positions Nexstem as a leader in industries ranging from gaming to rehabilitation.
Foundations and core focus
Marbles Health
Marbles Health was co-founded by Lakshay Sahni and Ramya Yellapragada in Delhi, India, with the mission of improving brain health. It’s backed by the Department of Biotechnology and AIIMS New Delhi.
The startup’s primary focus is to create solutions for mental health and cancer patients. It aims to provide direct patient care through accessible and scalable technology.
Nexstem
Nexstem, founded in Bengaluru by Siddhant Dangi and Deepansh Goyal, has carved its niche in the BCI sector.
BCI is a technology that enables direct communication between the brain and external devices. It translates neural signals into commands. Nexstem takes it up a notch with abilities like controlling machines or computers through brain signals.
Nexstem’s core mission revolves around developing advanced, ethical, and accessible neurotechnology. It aims to enable seamless human-machine interaction.
The startup’s focus spans industries such as gaming, education, and assistive technology, redefining how humans interface with machines.
Funding and growth trajectories
Marbles Health has a valuation that includes the founders’ net worth of INR 10.9 crore. Its funding is primarily sourced from government and institutional backers. Their focus remains on scaling their accessible solutions, particularly in mental health and cancer recovery.
Nexstem, on the other hand, has raised $4.84 million to date, including $3.5 million in 2024. It has strategic plans to expand into Europe and Australia, solidifying its global footprint.
Moreover, Nexstem is focused on developing intellectual property and extending its technology to new applications, assistive devices and military operations.
Conclusion
While both Marbles Health and Nexstem are at the forefront of brain-related innovations, their distinct paths highlight the diversity of opportunities in the BCI space.
Marbles Health focuses on direct patient care for mental health and cancer recovery, making strides in healthcare accessibility. Nexstem, with its groundbreaking BCI technology, is poised to transform how humans interact with machines across various industries.
Together, these companies showcase the transformative potential of Indian innovation in reshaping the future of brain health and neurotechnology.
By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT team
