Ivory has introduced an innovative “treadmill test” for the brain, thereby addressing a critical gap in cognitive health assessment and preventive healthcare. With this launch, the startup aims to transform how individuals measure and monitor brain health using AI-driven solutions.
Founded in 2023 by Issac John and Rahul Krishnan during an Antler residency program, Ivory leverages artificial intelligence and neuroscience to build a platform that delivers measurable and trackable cognitive insights. Specifically, the platform evaluates key brain functions such as attention, memory, and executive function, thereby offering a comprehensive view of mental performance.
Moreover, Ivory provides users with a baseline cognitive score benchmarked against age and gender. In addition, the platform delivers a detailed breakdown of cognitive abilities along with actionable recommendations, enabling users to improve their mental fitness over time. Consequently, this data-driven approach positions Ivory as a leading preventive health solution in the growing brain health and digital health segment.
“Our goal is to make cognitive testing a routine part of healthcare, starting as early as the 40s. Today, most people seek help only when symptoms become severe, which limits intervention,” Krishnan said. “If we can bring cognitive screening into preventive care, we can potentially delay or reduce the incidence of serious conditions like dementia.”
Furthermore, Ivory recently secured $1 million in funding from Draper Associates and SAGE Venture Fund. The round also saw participation from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and was managed by IFCI Venture, a subsidiary of IFCI Limited, along with Small Industries Development Bank of India. This funding will enable the company to enhance its product capabilities, expand clinical validation, and develop intellectual property focused on cognitive screening technologies.
Amid rising institutional interest in preventive healthcare and scalable health-tech solutions, Ivory has partnered with Metropolis Healthcare to integrate its cognitive assessments into preventive health packages. Additionally, the startup is actively engaging with diagnostic chains, insurance providers, and corporate wellness platforms to expand its reach. At the same time, it collaborates with performance and longevity-focused platforms such as Ultrahuman to broaden its ecosystem.
“The broader idea is to embed cognitive assessment across different healthcare touchpoints—diagnostics, insurance, corporate wellness, and even sleep and longevity programmes,” John said.
Importantly, Ivory has designed its screening tools to help clinicians differentiate between early cognitive decline and temporary lifestyle-related issues such as brain fog, stress, or poor sleep. As a result, healthcare providers can make more accurate and timely interventions.
In line with its vision, the company is shifting from traditional subjective questionnaires to objective, data-driven cognitive measurements. Currently, Ivory is developing clinically validated tools that combine digital markers with voice-based biomarkers, while simultaneously conducting trials in hospital settings to establish robust baseline datasets.
Ivory is emerging as a key innovator in the brain health and preventive healthcare space by leveraging AI-powered cognitive assessments. With strong investor backing, strategic partnerships, and a focus on clinical validation, the startup looks ahead to redefine cognitive screening and make brain health monitoring an integral part of routine healthcare.
