Cogny

The diagnostic landscape for cognitive and neurological disorders is characterized by a lack of standardized, objective assessment tools, leading to delays in diagnosis and intervention. Conditions such as Alzheimer's, other forms of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and ADHD collectively affect millions globally. The prevalence of ADHD, for instance, is substantial, with approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults globally affected. However, accurate diagnosis remains a challenge due to the subjective nature of assessments and the absence of consistent diagnostic methods.

In the case of ADHD, diagnosis often involves subjective evaluations based on behavioral observations and self-reported symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. The impact is profound, affecting an individual's educational attainment, professional life, and personal relationships. Furthermore, timely diagnosis is crucial in managing ADHD to prevent long-term adverse effects and offer appropriate interventions.

Cogny's solution is a groundbreaking diagnostic tool that harnesses the power of virtual reality (VR) to provide standardized and automated assessments for cognitive and neurological disorders, including conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and ADHD.

In simple terms, our platform utilizes a virtual reality environment where patients engage in various tasks and exercises designed to evaluate cognitive functions such as memory, attention, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and impulse control. These exercises are specifically tailored to each disorder, ensuring accurate and comprehensive assessments.

Clinicians use VR headsets and specialized software to guide patients through these exercises, collecting objective data on their cognitive abilities. The software then analyzes this data, providing detailed insights and diagnostic reports to the clinicians.

The technology behind Cogny involves a combination of immersive virtual reality experiences, machine learning algorithms, and data analysis tools. By creating a standardized and objective environment, our solution enhances diagnostic accuracy, allowing for earlier intervention and more tailored treatment plans.

Cogny's solution primarily serves two key groups: clinicians specializing in cognitive and neurological disorders and individuals affected by these conditions. We aim to directly and significantly improve the lives of both groups in several ways:

Clinicians:

• Improved Diagnostic Accuracy: Clinicians dealing with cognitive and neurological disorders often face challenges in achieving consistent and accurate diagnoses due to the subjective nature of current assessment methods. Cogny's solution provides these professionals with a standardized, automated tool that enhances diagnostic accuracy through objective data collection, leading to more precise evaluations and treatment planning.

• Time and Resource Efficiency: Our solution streamlines the diagnostic process by automating assessments. This not only saves clinicians time but also optimizes resources within clinical settings, enabling more efficient patient care and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

• Standardization and Consistency: Cogny offers standardized diagnostic protocols, ensuring consistency in assessments across different clinicians and healthcare facilities. This mitigates the variance in diagnoses, leading to more reliable treatment strategies.

Patients Affected by Cognitive and Neurological Disorders:

• Timely and Accurate Diagnosis: Individuals affected by disorders such as Alzheimer's, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and ADHD often face delays in diagnosis due to the lack of standardized and objective assessments. Cogny's solution prioritizes the need for timely and accurate diagnosis, allowing for early intervention and personalized treatment plans, thereby improving the quality of life for these individuals.

• Enhanced Access to Care: Many individuals in both urban and underserved rural areas lack access to specialized clinics for cognitive assessments. Cogny's solution, by being standardized and adaptable to various clinic sizes, aims to improve access to quality diagnostic tools, thereby reaching a broader population and ensuring equitable care.

• Tailored and Personalized Care: By providing a more accurate diagnosis, Cogny enables clinicians to create more personalized and targeted treatment plans for patients, enhancing the efficacy of interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Our team at Cogny is uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution due to our collective expertise, direct involvement in the field of neuropsychology and psychiatry, and our close ties to the communities affected by cognitive and neurological disorders.

Our Chief Science Officers boast a combined experience of over 60 years in the field of neuropsychology and psychiatry. They have not only been involved in groundbreaking research but have also had direct connections with influential figures involved in drafting diagnostic criteria, including the DSM-5. This firsthand involvement places us at the forefront of understanding the complexities and nuances of these disorders, allowing us to develop a solution that aligns closely with the clinical and diagnostic needs of the target population.

Cogny's solution stands out for its innovative approach in several key ways, revolutionizing the diagnostic landscape for cognitive and neurological disorders:

1. Objective and Standardized Assessments:Cogny utilizes virtual reality technology to provide standardized, automated assessments. This approach ensures objectivity in data collection and evaluation, eliminating the subjectivity inherent in many current diagnostic methods. The use of VR for cognitive assessments is a novel approach that significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of diagnoses.

2. Tailored Assessments for Various Disorders:Cogny's platform is designed to cater to a range of cognitive and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and ADHD. By tailoring assessments specific to each disorder, the solution offers a comprehensive and detailed diagnostic tool. This aspect is unique, as many existing tools might focus on a single disorder or lack specificity.

3.Scalability and Accessibility: The use of virtual reality technology doesn’t just improve accuracy but also enhances scalability and accessibility. By being adaptable to clinics of various sizes and resources, Cogny's solution aims to reach a larger population, including underserved areas where specialized diagnostic tools might not be readily available. This democratization of access to high-quality diagnostic tools could catalyze positive impacts by ensuring more people receive timely and accurate diagnoses, leading to improved health outcomes.

4. Potential Market Disruption: The introduction of Cogny's innovative diagnostic tool has the potential to disrupt the market by setting a new standard for cognitive assessments. The shift from traditional, subjective assessment methods to an objective, technology-driven approach could influence other players in this space to reevaluate their diagnostic tools and approaches. This disruption could catalyze broader positive impacts by encouraging the development of more innovative, technology-driven solutions across the healthcare industry.

5. Data-Driven Insights: Cogny's solution generates data-driven insights that can be valuable not only for diagnosis but also for ongoing research and development. The insights garnered from large sets of standardized data can potentially aid in further understanding these disorders, leading to advancements in treatment and care.

In summary, Cogny's solution is innovative in its objective, tailored, and technology-driven approach to diagnosing cognitive and neurological disorders. The potential market disruption and broader positive impacts could lead to a shift in the healthcare industry toward more technology-driven, standardized, and accessible diagnostic solutions.

Cogny's solution directly aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being by contributing to the improvement of healthcare access, diagnostics, and treatment for cognitive and neurological disorders. Here's how our solution supports this goal:

1. Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy and Timeliness: By offering a standardized and automated diagnostic tool for cognitive and neurological disorders, Cogny addresses the need for accurate and timely diagnosis. Prompt and accurate diagnoses are essential for effective treatment and management of these conditions. This aligns with the SDG 3 target to reduce morbidity and mortality rates through early diagnosis and treatment.

2. Improving Healthcare Accessibility: Cogny's solution aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility by offering standardized, objective assessments that can be used in various healthcare settings. By being adaptable to clinics of different sizes and resources, the solution works toward providing equitable access to high-quality diagnostic tools. This resonates with SDG 3's goal of ensuring universal health coverage and access to quality essential healthcare services.

As a leading-edge diagnostic tool, Cogny leverages sophisticated AI components and comprehensive datasets to power its solution for cognitive and neurological disorder assessments.

AI Components:

1. Machine Learning Algorithms: Cogny utilizes machine learning algorithms to process and interpret data collected from the virtual reality-based cognitive assessments. These algorithms are designed to analyze and identify patterns or deviations in cognitive functions. They continuously learn and improve over time, enhancing the accuracy of diagnoses.

2. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Cogny employs NLP to convert speech or verbal responses during assessments into structured data. This assists in capturing qualitative information, enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of the patient's cognitive abilities.

3. Computer Vision: For assessments that involve visual tasks, Cogny utilizes computer vision to track and analyze a patient's eye movements, responses to visual stimuli, and physical reactions within the virtual reality environment.

Underlying Data:

1. Proprietary Data Sets: Cogny has curated proprietary datasets collected from the initial clinical trials at the American University of Beirut Medical Center and subsequent trials. These datasets contain a wealth of information from patients undergoing the cognitive assessments in virtual reality. The datasets include various metrics related to attention, memory, spatial awareness, and problem-solving, among other cognitive functions.

Cogny prioritizes the ethical and responsible use of AI in its diagnostic solution for cognitive and neurological disorders. To ensure ethical considerations and mitigate potential risks, we have implemented several key strategies:

Privacy and Data Security:

1. Compliance with Regulations: We strictly adhere to data protection regulations and industry standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, and other relevant data privacy laws. This ensures the responsible handling, storage, and processing of patient data collected during assessments.

2. Anonymization and Encryption: We anonymize and encrypt patient data to safeguard individual identities and ensure data security. This minimizes the risk of data breaches and protects patient privacy.

Ethical Considerations:

1. Informed Consent: Patients undergoing assessments are provided with clear information and must give informed consent before participating. We prioritize transparency regarding data usage and the purpose of assessments.

2. Fair and Unbiased Algorithms: Our AI algorithms are continually monitored and refined to ensure they are fair and unbiased, avoiding any discriminatory outcomes in the assessment process.

Risk Assessments and Continuous Improvement:

1. Ongoing Risk Assessments: We conduct regular risk assessments that identify potential vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. This helps us proactively address any emerging risks in the use of AI and patient data.

Impact Goals:

Next Year (Year 1):

1. Expand Clinical Validation: Complete a second multicentered clinical research study involving a broader range of healthcare facilities and patient demographics. Obtain validation from healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to establish credibility and efficacy.

2. Refine and Optimize Solution: Continuously improve the diagnostic tool based on feedback from clinicians and patients. Enhance the user experience, accuracy, and accessibility of the solution to ensure it aligns closely with the needs of the target population.

Next Five Years (Years 2-5):

1. Widespread Adoption and Implementation: Secure partnerships with healthcare institutions globally to integrate Cogny's diagnostic tool as a standard protocol for cognitive and neurological disorder assessments. Aim for widespread adoption across clinics and hospitals, ensuring access for a diverse range of patients.

2. Impact on Patient Care: Impact the lives of millions of individuals by facilitating earlier and accurate diagnoses. Improve treatment outcomes and patient care by providing clinicians with standardized, precise diagnostic tools, thereby enhancing the quality of life for those affected by cognitive and neurological disorders.

Strategies to Achieve Goals:

1. Collaboration and Partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions, professional associations, and regulatory bodies to gain endorsement and expand access to our solution.

2. Continued Research and Development: Invest in ongoing research and development to further refine the diagnostic tool, leveraging feedback and insights from healthcare professionals and patients.

3. Regulatory Approvals and Standards: Work diligently to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and certifications for wider implementation, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards and regulations.

4. Education and Training Programs: Provide education and training programs for clinicians to familiarize them with the use of Cogny's diagnostic tool, ensuring successful implementation and utilization.

5. Community Engagement and Advocacy: Engage with patient advocacy groups, caregivers, and communities to raise awareness, address concerns, and garner support for the importance and benefits of standardized and accurate diagnostic tools for cognitive and neurological disorders.

Full time staff : 5

6 months

At Cogny, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in driving innovation and ensuring our solution addresses the needs of diverse communities affected by cognitive and neurological disorders.

Diversity in Leadership:

Our leadership team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, each contributing unique perspectives and expertise to our initiatives. We have ensured representation from varied cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds. While there is continuous work to be done, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard, valued, and actively included in decision-making processes.

Team Organization:

• Leadership Structure: Our team consists of experienced professionals in neuropsychology, psychiatry, technology, and business development. The leadership ensures clear communication, collaboration, and strategic decision-making.
• Cross-functional Teams: We have cross-functional teams dedicated to technology development, clinical research, partnerships, and user experience. Each team collaborates to ensure the successful development and implementation of our solution.

Engagement with Stakeholders:

• Implementing Partners: We engage with healthcare institutions and clinics to establish partnerships for implementing and validating our solution in diverse settings. Collaborations facilitate data collection, clinical trials, and feedback from real-world use.
• User Engagement: Clinicians and patients are integral stakeholders. We conduct workshops, feedback sessions, and usability testing to ensure the solution aligns with their needs and experiences.

Access to Necessary Tools:

• Technology Development: We have robust relationships with VR technology providers and experts to ensure access to the necessary hardware, software, and expertise required for the development and deployment of our solution.
• Data Collection and Analysis: We employ secure data collection methods and leverage data analysis tools to process and interpret information from clinical trials and assessments.

Execution for Impact:

1. Clinical Validation: We execute clinical trials in collaboration with various healthcare institutions, conducting comprehensive assessments to validate the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of our solution.

2. Continuous Improvement: Feedback from stakeholders is vital. We implement iterative design and development cycles based on insights gathered from clinicians and users, ensuring the solution's relevance and effectiveness.

3. Regulatory Compliance: We engage with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with healthcare standards and policies, obtaining necessary approvals to validate and implement the solution in clinical practice.

4. Scaling and Implementation: With validated results and approvals, we work towards scaling the solution, targeting broad implementation within healthcare facilities and ensuring accessibility to diverse patient populations.

5. Education and Training: We develop training materials and workshops for clinicians to ensure seamless integration and utilization of our solution in their practice.

Cogny's plan for financial sustainability involves a multi-faceted approach to secure the necessary funding for continued development, scaling, and long-term sustainability:

1. Product Sales and Subscription Model:

• Sales of Diagnostic Tool: We plan to generate revenue by selling licenses or subscriptions to our standardized and automated diagnostic tool to healthcare institutions, clinics, and hospitals.
• Subscription Model: Offering a subscription-based model for access to the diagnostic tool, providing a recurring revenue stream as users continue to utilize and benefit from the solution.

2. Service Contracts and Partnerships:

• Healthcare Partnerships: Engaging in service contracts with healthcare institutions and organizations to implement our solution within their facilities, ensuring ongoing support and service provisions.
• Strategic Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with health systems or government bodies for the integration and adoption of our solution as part of their standard clinical practices.

3. Research Grants and Funding:

• Research Grants: Pursuing funding through research grants to further advance the development of our solution, especially in exploring new applications, features, or expanding to address additional disorders or populations.

4. Investment Capital:

• Seeking Investor Funding: Exploring investment opportunities from venture capital firms or impact investors interested in healthcare technology innovations and solutions addressing cognitive and neurological disorders.

Current Operating Costs:

1. Technology Development and Maintenance: Approximately $50,000 annually for software development, hardware acquisition, and maintenance.

2. Clinical Research and Trials: An estimated $30,000 allocated for ongoing clinical trials, including expenses for patient recruitment, data collection, and analysis.

3. Human Capital: Employee salaries and benefits contribute significantly to operating costs. Assuming a team of 5 professionals with varied roles (developers, researchers, clinicians, business development, etc.), the total annual cost could be approximately $10,000.

Projected Operating Costs for the Next Year:

1. Technology Enhancement and Scaling: With plans to optimize the solution and prepare for wider implementation, technology development costs might increase to around $70,000.

2. Clinical Validation and Regulatory Compliance: Expected to rise to $400,000 for expanded clinical trials and regulatory compliance measures.

3. Human Capital: Anticipating an increase in team size and skill diversification, the human capital expenses might grow by 30% to approximately $260 ,00, accommodating additional hires and skill diversification.

Total Projected Operating Costs for Next Year:

• Technology Development: $70,000
• Clinical Validation: $40,000
• Human Capital: $260,000

In 2024, Cogny is seeking $50,000 in funding to support various critical aspects of our work. We arrived at this figure based on a careful assessment of the specific needs critical for advancing our solution's development and scaling. The allocation of this funding is intended for the following purposes:

1. Technology Enhancement and Optimization ($20,000): This portion of the funds would be allocated toward further enhancing the technological aspects of our diagnostic tool. It includes software refinement, improving user interface and experience, as well as potential upgrades in hardware for increased efficiency.

2. Clinical Validation and Expansion ($15,000): The funding would support expanded clinical trials and validation processes, enabling us to engage more healthcare institutions, recruit additional participants, and cover the costs associated with data collection and analysis.

3. Human Capital and Team Growth ($15,000): The remaining portion would contribute to expanding our team, ensuring we bring in new talent and expertise to enhance our capabilities across research, technology development, and strategic partnerships

We are most excited about the prospect of gaining access to dedicated lab space within The Cure Residency. This facility would be instrumental in propelling our work forward in several critical ways:

1. Advanced Research: Lab space would enable us to conduct advanced research, refine our diagnostic tool, and explore new technological enhancements. The ability to work in a specialized environment dedicated to healthcare and biotechnology research would greatly accelerate our development process.

2. Clinical Trials: Having access to lab space would be invaluable for conducting clinical trials and assessments. It would provide a controlled and professional setting for data collection, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in our studies.

3. Hardware and Software Development: The lab space would also serve as a hub for hardware and software development, where we could fine-tune our solution, test new features, and make adjustments based on real-world usage.

4. Innovation: Collaboration and idea-sharing within a lab environment can be a hotbed for innovation. The creative atmosphere of a lab, combined with the mentorship and resources provided by The Cure Residency, would likely spark new ideas and approaches to solving challenges in our field.

5. Validation and Testing: Lab space is essential for the validation and testing of our solution, ensuring that it meets the highest quality and safety standards. This is particularly crucial in the healthcare sector, where precision and reliability are paramount