NutriGuard

Nutritional problems, including deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, affect millions of people worldwide, leading to adverse health outcomes and reduced quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition, including undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, contributes to approximately 45% of all deaths in children under five years of age globally. Furthermore, according to the latest government data from G20, Approximately 18.7 percent women and 16.2 percent men in the age group of 15-49 in India suffer from undernutrition. On the opposite side, there are 21 percent women and 24 percent men in India under the same age group who suffer from overnutrition. This can have extreme consequences ranging from impaired physical and cognitive development to increased susceptibility and infectious diseases.

Up to 2 billion women globally experience anemia during pregnancy, often due to iron deficiency. This can lead to increased risk of complications during childbirth, fatigue and shortness of breath. This highlights the critical need for constant nutritional guidance throughout pregnancy, focusing on what women should consume and in what quantities.

As you can see there is a pressing need for a reliable and concrete solution to solve this problem spread throughout the globe. A major factor contributing to these nutritional problems include limited awareness of proper nutrition practices and how adopting such practices can be beneficial for themselves. Additionally more people have become aware about their nutritional choices and food intakes post covid-19 which is why people need to be aware about what they are consuming. While covid-19 has increased this to a certain extent, regular health checkups still involves a relatively big expenditure for the general population making it inaccessible especially to low income groups that consist of the majority of the population. Moreover, the awareness created as a result may have been short-lived and cultural and behavioral factors influence dietary choices, making it challenging for individuals to adopt healthier eating habits which leads to health problems all across the world. 

Upon a ground-level survey, we found out that many of the people do not look at the food labels of packaged food products but most of the individuals have started to follow this practice. The problem here was that despite looking at the food labels, the public was not aware about what the labels mean and what the values of the ingredients actually indicate about the product. They were unable to interpret the effect of the quantity mentioned which created a knowledge gap.

NutriGuard is a user-friendly mobile application designed to help individuals make healthier, environmentally and ethically responsible food choices by providing personalized analyses of food products. Our app makes use of  Barcode scanning and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to retrieve information about food products needed to generate personalized nutrition reports based on the user's unique profile.

The process is simple: Upon login, the user is asked to fill up a personalisation form which includes multiple questions like allergies, medical conditions, gender, age, preferred language which are then stored in the database. It is a one time process. Then the users can scan the barcode or scan the nutrition label using their smartphone camera of a packaged food product. The app then retrieves crucial data of the product including its ingredients, nutritional content, packaging materials, adherence to laws and regulations of food-governing authorities, etc. the AI algorithm uses the data from the personalisation forum and the data of the scanned product to generate a analysis report which aligns with the personal preferences of the user. 

The analysis reports incorporates multiple aspects of the food product, such as the nutritional values, ingredients, pros and cons of the food product, product overview which includes the main features of the product, the environmental aspect which includes carbon footprint, nutri scores: based on the nutritional values and its effect on the human health, ecoscore: which suggests the environmental impact of the packaging and the production of the product. Lastly, the report gives a conclusion stating whether the user should consume the product or not based on their allergies and medical conditions, backed up with proper reasoning. The report also states any healthier alternatives to the scanned food product.

Furthermore, NutriGuard incorporates an AI chatbot feature that allows users to interact with the app as they can question the bot about their curiosities and obtain further information about any product or health related services.. Users can ask questions about ingredients, nutritional content, or healthier alternatives, and the chatbot provides relevant answers and suggestions in real-time.

Overall, NutriGuard empowers users to make informed decisions about their food choices, considering factors such as nutrition, sustainability, and personal health preferences. By providing personalized analyses and recommendations, our app aims to promote healthier eating habits and contribute to improved overall well-being for individuals worldwide.

The target population that NutriGuard aims to directly and meaningfully improve are individuals in India, particularly the working-class population who may not have access to resources or information to make informed nutritional choices. This demographic often faces challenges in maintaining a balanced diet due to economic constraints and limited access to nutritious food options.

Data from various sources highlight the prevalence of nutritional issues among underprivileged and lower-class individuals in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), malnutrition remains a significant concern, with a large proportion of children and adults experiencing deficiencies in essential nutrients. Among the lower socio-economic groups, access to nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and protein sources is limited, leading to higher rates of malnutrition and related health problems.

These lower income groups often rely on inexpensive, processed foods that are high in calories but low in nutritional value. Additionally, factors such as lack of awareness about proper nutrition, limited education, and cultural practices further add onto the problem of inadequate nutritional intake.

NutriGuard addresses the needs of these individuals by providing a solution that enables them to maximize their nutritional intake within their budget constraints. The app leverages technology to analyze food products and offer personalized recommendations tailored to the user's dietary preferences, health goals, and financial limitations.

By offering insights into the nutritional content of various food products, including cheaper options that are still nutritious, NutriGuard empowers users to make informed choices that support their health and well-being. For example, the app can suggest affordable sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are readily available in local markets, helping users optimize their diet within their means.

Lastly, in the longer run, we want to decrease the burden on the health industry in India because it is over-exhausted and has a huge burden of 141.72 crore Indians. As the users will integrate our app in their lives, their overall health over time will increase making them less prone to make use of the medical facilities in the country, benefitting the overworked health workers as well as the users themselves.

The NutriGuard team is uniquely positioned to understand and address the nutritional needs of the communities we serve, as our team lead and members are deeply invested in fitness and well-being. We recognize the importance of proper nutrition in achieving fitness goals, and this shared commitment to personal health motivates us to develop an app that provides accurate and valuable information to users.

Moreover, our CEO, Vivaan is born in Hong Kong where he has witnessed this same problem in different communities which shows that this problem prevails all over the world not only in a single community, which is why due to having personal experience “NutriGuard” is the best way to overcome this problem. Furthermore, our co-founder, Shrey Bajiya has been a gym enthusiast for a long time, monitoring closely what he eats and our second co-founder, Divyansh Koolwaal previously struggling with weight loss allowed for the foundation of the app. A combination of all three of our past experiences, joining with all our different backgrounds (caste) we can strongly deliver this solution and target different communities making us the best people to provide the solution. Furthermore, a large part of our families being in the health industry (doctors, pharmaceutical manufacturing) has allowed us to gain in depth knowledge of what is required to deliver accurate information. 

Our team's dedication to fitness and nutrition allows us to relate to the general public and understand the challenges they face in making healthy food choices. We continuously draw from our own experiences and insights to improve the app and ensure that it meets the highest standards. By staying informed about the latest developments in nutrition science and technology, we strive to provide users with the most up-to-date and evidence-based information available.

In terms of design and implementation, the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve are central to our decision-making process as we actively seek feedback from users .This community-driven approach guides the development of new features, updates, and improvements to the app, ensuring that it remains relevant and impactful.

Furthermore, our extensive network of contacts enables us to make a substantial impact in the communities we serve. For example, we have established partnerships with state governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote nutrition awareness and education initiatives. By collaborating with key stakeholders, we can amplify the reach and effectiveness of our app, reaching underserved populations and addressing systemic barriers to healthy eating.

Through multiple initiatives, we have laid the foundation for NutriGuard's piloting stage. We have built a functional app, initiated partnerships with key stakeholders, and begun outreach efforts to raise awareness and drive user adoption.

App Launch: NutriGuard has been successfully launched on the Google Play Store and is currently under review on the Apple App Store. By making the app accessible to users on both Android and iOS platforms, we aim to reach a wider audience and provide valuable nutrition resources to individuals across different devices.

Went to an NGO: We've partnered with NGOs aiding mentally challenged children, hosting workshops on nutrition and healthy eating habits. Our tailored sessions aim to raise awareness and empower participants with practical knowledge for making healthier dietary choices. Through these efforts, we're dedicated to fostering better nutrition and overall well-being among vulnerable populations.

We have reached out to famous food influencers to endorse our product and promote awareness about NutriGuard among their followers. Collaborating with influencers allows us to leverage their influence and credibility to increase visibility and user adoption of the app.

Endorsement from State Government: The Food Minister of the Rajasthan state government has endorsed NutriGuard, recognizing its potential to address nutritional challenges and promote healthy eating habits among the population. This endorsement lends credibility to our app and strengthens our partnerships with governmental stakeholders.

Marketing Efforts: We have engaged in marketing activities at local gyms and supermarkets, promoting NutriGuard to fitness enthusiasts and shoppers. By partnering with gyms and supermarkets, we aim to increase user engagement and encourage adoption of the app among individuals interested in health and nutrition.

We are applying to Solve because we believe that our solution, NutriGuard, has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals by empowering them to make healthier food choices. While our primary goal is not solely to raise funds, we recognize that financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers may hinder the advancement of our solution, and we believe that Solve can provide valuable support in overcoming these challenges.

Financial support is crucial to cover the expenses associated with marketing NutriGuard and reaching out to form partnerships with nationwide grocery stores globally. This financial backing would enable us to expand the reach of our app internationally, ultimately benefiting people worldwide by providing access to valuable nutrition resources. Additionally, it would facilitate the growth of our user base, allowing us to make a broader impact on public health and well-being.

On the technical front, we require assistance to navigate the complex requirements for app store approval by transitioning NutriGuard into a profit-making company, which involves legal complexities like registration, compliance, and business model development. Solve’s technical team can help in including privacy and security standards. Additionally, we need guidance on how to make the app more efficient. Additionally with our future plans of incorporating in-app purchases and a subscription model, Solve can connect us with technical experts who can provide insights and support in these areas, enabling us to enhance the usability and accessibility of our app on a global scale.

Furthermore, we recognize the importance of marketing and business development in reaching our target audience and generating revenue. We hope to leverage Solve network to access experienced professionals in these fields who can offer strategic guidance and mentorship on how to effectively market NutriGuard and monetize our unique value proposition.

Nutriguard revolutionizes the market of the packaged food scanning industry. Unlike existing non-personalised unreliable apps, NutriGuard incorporates user’s personal data i.e allergies, medical conditions, dietary conditions and many more fields into considerations while generating its analysis. This ensures the users can make healthier food choices without being concerned about their personal constraints such as allergies, a feature unparalleled in the current landscape.

NutriGuard incorporates the concept of NutriScore and EcoScore. Most of the time, users misinterpret or choose to ignore food labels behind food products. For example, the three pack of oreo- a popular cream cookie- contains 24 grams of sugar. It is difficult to understand the consequences and gravity of this fact without putting it in reference to other food items. NutriScore is a concept which ranges from A to E where A being extremely nutritional and E being the biggest health-hazard. Furthermore, humans have a tendency to interpret comparative scores relatively better rather than just from general information. 

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the pace of development comes at a significant environmental cost. As awareness of individual carbon footprints rises, there's a growing demand for eco-friendly products. NutriGuard addresses this concern by integrating environmental considerations into its analysis process.  Through the integration of EcoScore, our food analysis also includes the environmental impact of the food product, considering the carbon emissions and recyclability of its packaging. Using this information, our AI generates an EcoScore ranging from A to E where A being the best and E being the worst. The calculation of both the scores is solely based on a dedicated algorithm which takes in account factors including carbon footprints or nutrition values and goes through a regressive checklist. 

The integration of AI is the key differentiator of NutriGuard from its competitors utilizing Gemini API services and further integrating ML techniques to improve its efficiency in the  analysis page. The AI not only considers the personal details of the user but also inquires the users about their country to provide them the information about any prohibited ingredient or directions issued by the local authorities, making users more aware and encouraging informed nutrition choices.

Furthermore, NutriGuard contains an integrated chatbot to answer any questions from the user. The chatbot makes use of machine learning, enabling the algorithm to learn gradually from the prompts the user provides which refines the quality of the responses. Adding to it, the chatbot has been trained over a set of data for a set period of time which allows it to resolve unique questions given by the users, which increases the overall user experience.

Visual representation is also used in the analysis page like a pie chart which represents the compositions of nutrients in the food product, helping the user to make choices wisely and in a more informed way. For the chart, the data of the nutrients is retrieved from the database and it runs into an algorithm which color codes them and divides them into divisions according to their values.

During the idea stage of NutriGuard, there were several interviews conducted at gyms, supermarkets and health-related places where a persistent issue came up. Supermarket owners complained that their customers inquire about the health and environmental impacts of the food products in their store but due to lack of knowledge, they are unable to answer them leading to a dis-satisfactory customer experience, while people related in health-related activities complained about their lack of expertise and knowledge about identifying the right choice of healthy foods to consume. As we see, there is an untalked yet existing issue in the market that has not been explored. The existing food scanning applications do not meet the expectations of the users which are not accepted amongst the consumers. But NutriGuard is a revolutionary health app that explores every issue encountered by a consumer who wants to know about the food products they are consuming. 

The scams and false advertising by the packaged food industry have hurt customer trust which resulted in cognitive behaviours in the consumers. A tool is required in the market to sort out the food choices that are healthy but are not accepted by the customers due to a lack of trust. NutriGuard bridges this gap in the market and positions itself as a tool to provide non-biased responses to the customers allowing them to prevent harmful products while making healthier choices by giving them information about related products.

India is a diverse country with over 270 mother tongue languages and 22 officially recognised languages with most of the population not being familiar with English. To solve this problem, we provide the users with multiple language options for the app to make it accessible for the audience to use the app without any restrictions, increasing our user base and the impact. Adding to it, NutriGuard also has international language options to target a global audience.

NutriGuard is dedicated to enhancing user health in alignment with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Primarily, it contributes to SDG 3: good health and well-being by providing personalized nutrition insights to users, promoting healthier lifestyle choices. Moreover, NutriGuard actively addresses SDG 10: reduced inequalities by ensuring its services are accessible to individuals across all income levels, thereby fostering inclusivity in health management. Additionally, the app supports SDG 12: responsible consumption and production by integrating environmental considerations into its analysis, enlightening users about the ecological footprint of their food choices.

To further advance SDG 3, NutriGuard organizes weekly NGO-led events aimed at educating individuals of all ages about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through these interactive sessions, participants learn about making informed food choices and dietary adjustments, empowering them to prioritize their well-being. By leveraging technology and community engagement, NutriGuard strives to create a positive impact on health outcomes while contributing to the broader global goals of sustainability and equity.

We visited an old age home where we selected 11 individuals to test upon over 5 weeks. They were instructed to consume products that are considered healthy according to NutriGuard.

The data tests were conducted under collaboration with Dr B.Lal Path Labs in Jaipur: a trusted lab in the city. They provided us with the data of the patients which we used and plotted a line graph for each of the patients to measure any change in their values. We found the gradient and the shape of the graphs which suggested the progress of the patient as a negative gradient and negative exponential shape suggests a decrease in the values of the conditions.

For a representation, we have used the data of patient Gaurav Kapoor to analyze the effect of using the application to monitor his diet. As we see, in the first week, he had high levels of LDL cholesterol at 159 mg/dL but upon using the app till week 2, there was a decrease in the level to 148 mg/dL in the third week, the change was significant as the levels dropped to 111 mg/dL which is approaching near the healthy levels. Upon further usage, we predict the values to fall under 100 mg/dL: healthy values for LDL cholesterol.

Under the inequality indicator, we have made the application available on PlayStore and AppStore for free, increasing the target audience and making the service more accessible to all income groups. We also organize our events in rural areas where health literacy is not prevalent.

Furthermore, we aim to reduce the carbon emissions by the users to promote sustainability through our app. As an environmental indicator, we are measuring the amount of plastic and non-recyclable waste generated each month in 3 of our target NGOs. We saw a 31% mean reduction in the waste over 4 months which indicates that the users are responsibly consuming the food products upon becoming aware through NutriGuard.

NutriGuard integrates the barcode technology and OCR technology to scan the barcodes and ingredient labels respectively, this allows the data to be provided to the software for further analysis. Furthermore, the main essence of the app lies with the incorporation of the AI which includes machine learning.. AI is used in two major components of the app, firstly, the generation of the analysis page is solely based on AI responses which is manipulated by the data of the product- provided through barcode, OCR or manual input- and the personal data of the user. Further used in the AI chatbot feature of the app which provides generated responses

Behind the scenes, NutriGuard utilizes Firebase as the database for securely storing user credentials, ensuring a seamless login experience for returning users. The app is developed using a combination of programming languages, including Dart, CSS, HTML, Ruby, Cmake, and Swift, to create a smooth and responsive user interface across different platforms.

Upon market research, we realized a huge portion of the audience for the application will be aged above 60. At this age, it is difficult to recognise small figures and differentiate between non-contrasting colors. NutriGuard solves this problem by providing an friendly user interface with contrasting colors and big buttons to assist this set of audience. The interface is aesthetically pleasing making it users to be comfortable with the atmosphere and the navigation through the app is made simpler for feasibility.

NutriGuard adopts strong privacy and data storage policies to ensure sensitive user data collected by our app such as data on medical records, allergies, etc is handled and stored securely. Using end-to-end encryption in its database, we ensure integrity and restrict any unauthorized use of user data. Moreover, our app provides the user the option to delete any data that we possess, belonging to them. Furthermore, we do not share/sell user data to any external party and only share it with our official partners for a limited period with the approval of the user. If the user declines, their data is simply not touched upon in any form.

SMS technology is being utilized for login services through the users' phone numbers

The database of the app consists of more than 28,00,000 food products which covers most of the popular food products from popular brands, providing users with the advantage of exploring multiple food products in their scanning journey!

1- Divyansh Koolwal - A senior in High School- part-time- founder

2 - Shrey Bajiya - A senior in High School- part-time- founder

3 - Vivaan Daga - A senior in High school -part-time- CEO

1 year

NutriGuard as a team builds a strong foundation for growth and collaboration. The team consists of individuals with different backgrounds our CEO Vivaan Daga brings unique and diverse solutions to the table at NutriGuard as he belongs to Hong Kong: his home country, where the population faces different health problems. furthermore, our founder Divyansh Koolwal has transformed from fat to fit which benefits the team by providing personal insights he can share about the impacts of having an unhealthy diet and body for a long period. he also shares his experience of his boost in confidence and improved well-being after he started eating healthy and got in shape.

at NutriGuard, we ensure that the team members do not get pressured by the workload so we divide the tasks equally. we also make sure that the tasks are distributed according to one's skillset and capabilities. being high-school students, we balance our academic journey with NutriGuard to excel in both. this makes them feel valued in the work environment 

if one of our teammates fails to acquire a certain skill set, instead of demotivating him, we teach him the required skills so that he can be independent. furthermore, we collaboratively complete certain tasks where extensive research and analysis is needed to be done.

NutriGuard aims to address healthcare disparities and quality care worldwide, particularly among low-income households. The growing demand for food scanning technology, which is projected to increase at a CAGR of 6.4% annually, is the highest it has been in past years. As technology continues to advance, NutriGuard is committed to democratising access to good health and quality care for all.

To capitalise on this market opportunity, NutriGuard has developed a strategic business model with a focus on diversifying revenue streams soon. Our goal is to deliver essential value to users while ensuring sustainable growth.

Our existing business model consists of two revenue streams. The first includes placing brief, non-intrusive ads inside the app during the timeframe while our AI analyses the food product. These ads, lasting no more than 5 seconds, provide users with instant results once they conclude, maintaining engagement without disrupting the user experience.

The second stream involves charging a small, nominal fee from tie-ups with organic grocery stores and health-based startups to include and promote their food items within the app. The promotion will only take place after strong research and approval of the products based on several policies and health measures. Moreover, a sponsored sticker will be displayed with its analysis as well.

As illustrated by the case study here, this stream has proved to be highly beneficial for both NutriGuard and businesses such as Aayush Ayurveda Pvt Ltd., a business specialising in selling organically and ethically sourced healthier alternatives like fox nuts for fast food items. These food items were integrated into NutriGuard in 2023 and since then Aayush Ayurveda has experienced a 47% surge in sales revenue.

To become financially sustainable, NutriGuard adopts a circular flow approach. This approach involves reinvesting revenue generated from advertisements back into marketing efforts, creating a self-sustaining cycle. While this can be difficult to attain with a small user base, it will have a compounding effect once we have a substantial user base, progressing exponentially. Moreover, strategic government and influencer partnerships will further amplify our reach and build credibility, raising substantial awareness. 

As we grow to become an industry-leading platform, we plan to partner up with multinational corporations and world organisations such as the UN World Food Program to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating habits on a global scale.

We have had several successful investment runs to date - 

A 15,000 rupees prize money from the International School of Bangalore Hackathon, recognising the sheer potential of our idea and raising funds through crowdfunding on Milaap. 

Future goals- Lastly, we plan to introduce a subscription model for customers to gain access to premium features, while keeping the standard version completely free of cost. This premium subscription will include the ability to talk to real-time support, build and monitor diet plans and connect with professional dieticians and health instructors. Moreover, we aim to expand our database of food products and reach an estimated of 1 million downloads. We also have the opportunity to diversify into areas such as offering direct links to purchasing healthy products that the user browses, and utilising the potential benefits of affiliate marketing.