Aignosis, a startup based in Jaipur, has introduced an AI-driven tool aimed at transforming early autism screening for childhood in India. Founded by entrepreneurs Raksheet Jain and Divyansh Mangal, Aignosis seeks to make early autism detection both accessible and affordable for families nationwide.
The centerpiece of Aignosis’s innovation is a non-invasive, five-minute screening process that utilizes a standard webcam. This approach contrasts with traditional methods that often require extensive time and financial resources, according to the startup. By streamlining the assessment, Aignosis enables parents to quickly determine if their child is meeting developmental milestones, facilitating timely interventions when necessary.
Aignosis was selected for the second cohort of the WTFund, an initiative led by entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, founder of Zerodha. This program offers up to ₹20 lakh in grant funding, along with mentorship and strategic partnerships, to assist young founders in scaling their impactful solutions. Aignosis also secured ₹1 crore in funding during an appearance on “Shark Tank India Season 4.” The founders pitched for accessible autism detection services. This infusion of capital is set to accelerate the startup’s efforts in refining its technology and extending its reach to underserved communities.
The integration of artificial intelligence into autism screening is part of a broader global movement to harness technology for early diagnosis. Studies have shown the potential of AI-driven tools in identifying behavioral markers associated with autism, offering hope for more efficient and widespread screening processes. AI algorithms have been used to identify predictive items in assessment instruments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), reducing the evaluation process. Artificial IntelligenceI/Machine Learning (AI/ML) models have achieved accuracy rates of up to 96% in identifying ASD and associated brain regions, offering quick and accurate predictions of ASD occurrence and severity.
Aignosis’s approach not only simplifies the screening process but also provides detailed assessments and access to online therapy resources. By leveraging technology, the startup aims to bridge the gap in early intervention services, ensuring that more children receive the support they need during critical developmental periods.
If Aignosis is effective, the combination of cutting-edge technology with a compassionate mission points to a future where early detection and intervention are within reach for all families. Roughly 23 of every 10,000 children in India have autism (Chakrabarti et al.).
For a closer look at Aignosis’s groundbreaking work, watch the following video:
