Stress is re(al)d.

CortisolX

“What time was it again?”

It was time to go to the hospital to meet Iris, my best friend who got hospitalized due acute stress syndrome. 

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Indian students faced multiple stressors: Online Learning Difficulties affected 40 %. Isolation took 50. Concern for the pandemic struck 60—uncertainty at 70. I was one of them and so was my best friend. Repetitive stress is considered to be the early onset of depression. For the many, it expresses as minor headaches or increased blood pressure. For the few, it becomes much worse. 

Firstly, to analyze why we need a solution that detects stress much more than one that reduces stress, we must analyze what’s wrong with Indian parents. The debate about whether stress just exists in the minds of amateur young students who want to escape working hard is one with no resolve in the minds of Indian parents. What’s wrong with Indian parents is that they don’t understand stress is a real problem. The naivety of such myths and notions has to be studied because it affects the youth of India. 26 students committed suicide in Kota, Rajasthan in 2023 which is the highest in the past 8 years. “Suicide Mat Karna Bas” or just don't commit suicide is the tagline given to the Kota crisis. Something must change. And with CortisolX,  something will. With CortisolX, detection would become as easy as taking a photo of your bio-fluid sample mixed with cortisol-detecting technology. Yes, that's exactly what CortisolX will do. At the heart of the solution presented in this application is Cortisol, the quantifying hormone for stress in the human body. 

Under our organisation, we provide cheap diagnostics for diseases like Hypercortisolism and Hypocortisolism (Cushing's and Addison's disease) as well as a medium through which students can validate their feelings for stress. 

Cortisol boosts glucose in the bloodstream and tissue repair but slows nonessential functions during stress. Long-term stress can cause high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, immune suppression, osteolysis, and myolysis in healthy individuals.

That being said, cortisol still has its merits. The newly emerging concept of “eustress” revolves around notions of the positive impact of stress on productivity and emotional well-being. Its merits and demerits are as hackneyed as they are ambiguous. This flexible dichotomy of cortisol levels and their impact varies from individual to individual. Therefore, a possible benefactor of this argument can be a method through which individuals can easily calculate their stress levels after various activities they do to understand the circumstances where their stress is not great for them. 

An early detection system like ours changes the game.Once launched as pilot, we will not only be giving proof to students across the globe that their stress is valid, but we’ll also be giving them an easy-to-use method to detect their stress levels when they do various activities and understand why their bodies feel like an opponent in the game of  “stress”. 

“For the next time you feel stressed, Stress is  Red!” 

The build-up from the previous prompt of this application allows me to introduce CortisolX in the right light. CortisolX is an easy-to-use stress detection mechanism focused on proving that stress is not just in the head but is out there, more accurately, it's in there.  this technology is based on the detection of cortisol which is present in biofluids. When the body experiences stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone, which prompts the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone. This in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a key hormone in the stress response. Cortisol circulates in the blood and can diffuse into various tissues, including the apocrine glands located in areas such as the armpits and groin. Moreover, apocrine glands also release small amounts of cortisol through passive diffusion, similar to how cortisol is handled by the salivary glands, indicating a minor but measurable level of cortisol directly from the apocrine glands under stress conditions.

This innovative approach is a leap towards a non-electronic biosensor for quantifying stress in humans. This research utilizes Blue Tetrazolium Chloride and Tetramethylammonium hydroxide to analyze the concentration of corticosteroids present. When hydrocortisone or cortisol is present in sweat or saliva, the Blue Tetrazolium solution changes from pale yellow to magenta red, a shift which is easily quantifiable via spectrophotometry based on Beer-Lambert’s Law. During the prototype stage of this project, saliva has been primarily used as the biofluid solely due to the ease of obtaining it. The working of the solution has been highlighted in the second part of this application. 

This easy-to-use biosensor allows them to track stress levels, crucial for early stress management and preventing depression. It encourages open discussions about mental health between young people and their parents, enhancing stress biomarker analysis and promoting mental health awareness, fostering a culture of proactive well-being management.

That being said, CortisolX is a two-part solution. There is an AI chatbot that is underway which we will launch in the pilot. Microsoft Founder's Hub has given us equivalent of USD 3500 of funding for this specific endeavour 

CortisolX is designed to serve a diverse group of individuals, each with unique needs concerning stress management and wellness. Our primary target audiences include students, stressed faculty members, and individuals interested in monitoring how different activities affect their cortisol levels, enabling them to harness the benefits of eustress effectively.

Students often face significant academic pressures that can lead to chronic stress, impacting their mental and physical health. By using CortisolX, students can monitor their stress levels in real-time, allowing for timely interventions such as counseling or lifestyle adjustments. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risk of stress-related disorders and improve their overall academic performance and well-being.

Stressed Faculty in educational institutions also stand to benefit greatly from our solution. The demands of teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities can accumulate, leading to burnout. CortisolX offers faculty members a tool to manage their stress more effectively, promoting a healthier work-life balance and enhancing job satisfaction and productivity.

Individuals analyzing activity-based cortisol variations will find CortisolX especially useful. This group comprises people who want to optimize their daily routines by understanding how specific activities impact their stress levels. Whether it's exercise, meditation, or work-related tasks, CortisolX can help them identify what increases or decreases their cortisol, enabling them to make informed decisions to maximize the positive aspects of stress and improve their overall quality of life.

 From ideating to penning the idea down; from spending days reading papers to spending nights executing experiments; from presenting the idea in Chennai and Delhi as a concept to conducting mass testing on the students of our school, CortisolX has come far.  These reasons allow Lakshya and Manvy to be capable of making this work. Here’s a detailed look at how these efforts collectively empower them to bring this innovative stress-detection tool to the forefront:

- Initial Working Version: CortisolX has developed an initial working version of its solution, which includes a non-invasive, colorimetric method to measure cortisol levels in sweat and saliva. This initial version is functional and can provide real-time insights into stress levels.

- Testing and Feedback: The prototype is undergoing testing and gathering initial feedback from users. For instance, it has been showcased at events such as ProjectX and the Iris National Fair, where it has been tested and received positive feedback from participants.

- Limited User Base: While the technology has been demonstrated and tested in controlled environments, it is still in the process of scaling to a larger user base. The testing conducted so far includes a limited number of users, such as students and faculty in specific schools.

- Ongoing Refinement: Based on the feedback received during these initial tests, the CortisolX team is continuously refining the product. This includes improving the reaction time of the cortisol detection process and integrating additional features, such as personalized stress management advice through an AI-powered chatbot.

- Pre-Market Stage: As a prototype, CortisolX has not yet reached the commercialization stage. It is still being refined to ensure it meets all necessary standards and effectively serves its intended purpose before a full market launch.

By being in the prototype stage, CortisolX is positioned to refine its technology and validate its effectiveness through real-world testing and feedback, ensuring it is robust and reliable for broader use.

By the time this reaches the respected researchers of academia at MITSOLVE, thousands of applications targeting equity health from a holistic point of view will be under review. A majority of them would be focused on utilizing AI to provide a direct or indirect service to different communities, and maybe one of them will get selected. A minority of them might involve technology that could cease the dynamic of a specific dichotomy, becoming the winner of the Global Health Equity challenge. Albeit, there might be 4, maybe 5 applications targeting a problem that seems to have normalized in the Indian community - the lack of understanding when it comes to mental health. What’s interesting is that, during this process, CortisolX will be tackling a problem affecting a majority, tackled by a minority yet solved by no one.

What makes CortisolX innovative is that it makes cortisol detection as accessible as it can be. It gives validation to students who have been neglected due to ancient notions of allegedly non-existing mental health problems. It allows people from across the world to analyze their stress levels during different activities of the day, easily accessing the powers of eustress. It also is an early detection system that can be used by hospitals to detect hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism. Moreover, the Cortisol website will tell users about the concentration of cortisol present and activities that can help them reduce stress. These are the main reasons why CortisolX is efficient and innovative.

CortisolX also uses electrospun technology where the Blue tetrazolium, TMAOH, and Polyvinyl solution have been used to make an electrospun patch that can change color upon contact with cortisol.

What truly sets CortisolX apart is that it’s both a community-specific and a world-based approach to mental health. Imagine the difference it could create, the suicides it could prevent, and the hope it could give to not just my people but our people.

Additionally, CortisolX can target hypercortisolism (Cushing's disease) and hypocortisolism (Addison's disease) by providing early detection and monitoring of abnormal cortisol levels. This allows for timely medical intervention, potentially preventing the severe health impacts associated with these conditions. Hospitals and healthcare providers can use CortisolX to detect these conditions early, ensuring patients receive the appropriate treatment promptly.

Funding for Scaling.

• Barrier: The initial costs of scaling production and distribution of the CortisolX devices are significant.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: The financial support provided by the Amgen Prize can be used to cover manufacturing costs, enabling us to produce CortisolX devices at a larger scale, ensuring they are affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

RND:

• Barrier: Continuous improvement of the technology, including the integration of additional biomarkers, requires substantial investment in R&D.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: Funds from the Amgen Prize can support ongoing R&D efforts, allowing us to enhance the accuracy and functionality of CortisolX.

Advanced Technological Integration:

• Barrier: Integrating AI and NLP technologies seamlessly into the CortisolX platform requires sophisticated technical expertise and resources.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: The prize can provide access to technical resources and expertise needed to refine and optimize the AI and NLP components of CortisolX, ensuring robust and reliable performance.

Data Security

• Barrier: Ensuring the highest standards of data security and privacy is a complex and resource-intensive process.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: The prize can help fund the development and implementation of advanced security protocols to protect user data, ensuring compliance with global data protection regulations.

Legal Barriers

Regulatory Approvals:

• Barrier: Navigating the regulatory landscape to obtain necessary approvals for medical devices can be time-consuming and costly.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: Financial support from the prize can be used to hire legal experts who specialize in medical device regulations, expediting the approval process and ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.

Intellectual Property Protection:

• Barrier: Securing patents and intellectual property rights to protect the technology involves substantial legal fees.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: The prize can cover legal costs associated with patent applications and intellectual property protection, safeguarding our innovations from infringement.

Cultural Barriers

Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptation:

• Barrier: Adapting the technology to be culturally sensitive and relevant in diverse regions requires thorough understanding and customization.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: The prize can fund research into cultural variations in stress perception and management, allowing us to tailor the CortisolX platform to meet the needs of different cultural groups effectively.

Awareness and Acceptance:

• Barrier: Raising awareness and gaining acceptance for a new health technology in various cultural contexts can be challenging.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: The prize can support awareness campaigns and educational initiatives that promote understanding and acceptance of CortisolX in different communities.

Market Barriers

Market Penetration:

• Barrier: Entering and establishing a presence in competitive markets, particularly in different countries, requires substantial marketing and distribution efforts.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: The prize can fund strategic marketing initiatives and partnerships that enhance market penetration and brand recognition, facilitating the expansion of CortisolX.

Partnerships and Collaborations:

• Barrier: Building partnerships with healthcare providers, educational institutions, and NGOs is crucial for widespread adoption.
• How Amgen Prize Can Help: The prize can provide the financial and networking resources needed to forge strong partnerships and collaborations, ensuring the successful implementation and adoption of CortisolX across various sectors.

Why My Team and I Are Well Suited to Solve This Problem

Personal Motivation and Connection:

• Understanding Stress: We have personally experienced the debilitating effects of stress, which drives our commitment to finding effective solutions. Our personal connection ensures that every aspect of CortisolX is crafted with genuine care and empathy, aiming to deliver a transformative tool for stress management.

Interdisciplinary Expertise:

• Research and Development: I lead the R&D sector, focusing on the scientific and technical aspects of CortisolX. With a background in biochemistry and experience in developing cortisol detection methods, I bring the necessary expertise to ensure the efficacy and reliability of our technology.
• Design and Outreach: Manvy Devraj is responsible for the visual aspects and public engagement. Her skills in design and public relations help create an approachable and effective product that resonates with our target audience.
• Logistics: Nandini Tambi handles the operational needs of the project, ensuring smooth coordination and effective execution of our initiatives. Her organizational skills are crucial for managing supplies, events, and administrative tasks.

Proven Track Record:

• Recognition and Awards: Our project has been prominently featured at major events such as ProjectX and the Iris National Fair, showcasing our innovative approach to stress detection. We have received recognition from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), affirming the scientific credibility and potential impact of CortisolX.
• Funding and Support: We have secured funding from the Microsoft Starters Hub, equivalent to $3,500 USD. This financial support highlights the trust and belief that established organizations have in our project's potential.

Collaborations and Partnerships:

• NGOs and Mental Health Professionals: We have established successful collaborations with various NGOs and engaged in meaningful discussions with psychiatrists. These partnerships provide us with valuable insights and help integrate medical knowledge into our development process.
• Technological Integration: Our collaboration with Serenity has been instrumental in linking cortisol testing with mental health support, creating a comprehensive wellness tool for both students and faculty.

User-Centered Design and Testing:

• Feedback-Driven Development: We have conducted extensive testing within schools, engaging with students and faculty to gather feedback. This hands-on approach helps tailor CortisolX to better meet the needs of its users, emphasizing the importance of designing with empathy and user feedback at the forefront.
• Community Validation: Organizing events to test our technology with hundreds of people has raised awareness and directly engaged the community, showcasing the practical benefits of CortisolX.

Educational and Awareness Efforts:

• Awareness Page: Our awareness page educates users about cortisol and stress management, helping to demystify stress and promote mental health literacy. This educational component is essential for empowering users to understand and manage their stress effectively.

Our team's diverse expertise, personal motivation, proven track record, strong partnerships, user-centered design approach, and commitment to education make us exceptionally well-suited to solve the problem of stress management.

To systematically progress CortisolX from a prototype to a widely available product, we have outlined strategic goals over the next six months, one year, and five years, with a focus on targeting hospitals for the management of hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) and hypocortisolism (Addison's disease).

Six-Month Goals

• Advancing the Prototype: Conduct rigorous testing with students at coaching institutes to gather critical data. This will support our application for a patent and facilitate commercialization.
• Pilot Study: Conduct a pilot study and publish results to substantiate the biosensor’s efficacy on a larger scale.
• Hospital Integration: Begin discussions with hospitals to implement CortisolX for detecting and managing hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism. This will involve initial trials in clinical settings to demonstrate the effectiveness of CortisolX in monitoring cortisol levels in patients.

One-Year Goals

• Expansion Across India: Scale operations and grow the team to support increased demand and production. Launch the product through specialized testing centers to ensure controlled dissemination and feedback collection.
• Provisional Patent: Complete a provisional patent to secure our innovation. This will protect our technology as we expand.
• Hospital Collaboration: Work closely with hospitals to integrate CortisolX into their diagnostic tools for managing cortisol-related disorders. Provide training and resources to healthcare professionals on using the technology for monitoring and managing patient cortisol levels effectively.

Five-Year Goals

• Commercial Establishment: Establish CortisolX commercially not only in India but also in regions with emerging youth populations, such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
• Utility Patent: Secure a utility patent to ensure comprehensive protection and recognition of our technological innovation.
• Standard Practice in Hospitals: Aim to make cortisol testing a standard practice in hospitals for assessing and managing stress, hypercortisolism, and hypocortisolism. Develop partnerships with major healthcare providers to facilitate widespread adoption and establish protocols for using CortisolX in clinical practice.
• Global Health Standards: Influence broader health and wellness standards globally by promoting cortisol testing as a crucial component of stress management and endocrine disorder treatment.

Conclusion

This roadmap guides our efforts in transforming CortisolX from an innovative concept into a fundamental tool for stress management and endocrine disorder diagnosis, enhancing the well-being of individuals across multiple geographies. By targeting hospitals at each stage, we ensure that CortisolX is not only a tool for individual users but also an integral part of medical diagnostics for cortisol-related health issues.

Theory of Change for CortisolX

Stress is a significant public health issue that affects mental and physical well-being, leading to decreased productivity, poor academic performance, and deteriorated health outcomes. Chronic stress can also result in serious conditions such as hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) and hypocortisolism (Addison's disease).

1. Developing the CortisolX Device:

   • Create a non-invasive, colorimetric method to measure cortisol levels in sweat and saliva.
   • Integrate AI-driven Natural Language Processing (NLP) to provide personalized stress management advice.

2. Testing and Feedback Collection:

   • Conduct rigorous testing with students and faculty at educational institutions.
   • Gather feedback from healthcare professionals in hospitals to refine the device for medical use.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations:

   • Establish partnerships with NGOs, educational institutions, and hospitals.
   • Collaborate with mental health professionals and endocrinologists for expert insights.

4. Educational Campaigns:

   • Develop an awareness page and conduct educational workshops to inform users about cortisol, stress management, and related health issues.

Immediate Outputs

1. Prototype Development:

   • A functional CortisolX device that accurately measures cortisol levels in real-time.
   • An AI-powered chatbot that offers personalized stress management advice.

2. Pilot Studies and Data Collection:

   • Published results from pilot studies demonstrating the efficacy of CortisolX.
   • Initial user feedback highlighting areas for improvement.

3. Established Partnerships:

   • Formal collaborations with NGOs, educational institutions, and hospitals.

4. Increased Awareness:

   • Educated user base about the importance of monitoring cortisol levels and managing stress.

Longer-Term Outcomes

1. Improved Stress Management:

   • Users can monitor and manage their stress levels proactively, leading to better mental and physical health outcomes.
   • Early detection of cortisol-related disorders (hyper- and hypocortisolism) allows for timely medical intervention.

2. Widespread Adoption:

   • CortisolX becomes a standard tool in educational institutions and hospitals for stress and cortisol disorder management.
   • Integration into routine health check-ups and wellness programs.

3. Enhanced Well-Being:

   • Reduced prevalence of stress-related health issues among users.

Evidence to Support the Theory of Change

• Third-Party Research:

  • Studies indicate that real-time health monitoring can significantly improve health outcomes by allowing immediate response to physiological changes (Harvard Business Review).
  • Non-invasive techniques are increasingly valued in medical diagnostics for their ease of use and patient comfort (National Institutes of Health).

• Pilot Study Findings:

  • Initial testing and feedback from users and healthcare professionals validate the accuracy and usability of the CortisolX device.

• Expert Collaboration:

  • Engagement with mental health professionals and endocrinologists provides insights into the practical applications and benefits of CortisolX in managing stress and cortisol-related disorders.

• User Feedback:

  • Data from user interactions with the AI-powered chatbot highlights the importance of personalized support in stress management, confirming the effectiveness of this approach (Journal of Medical Internet Research).

Conclusion

CortisolX leverages innovative technology to address the widespread problem of stress by providing a non-invasive, real-time solution for monitoring and managing cortisol levels. Through our Activities, we can demonstrate a clear and evidence-based pathway to improving the health and well-being of our target population. This theory of change not only illustrates the logical connections between our activities and their intended impacts but also provides robust evidence to support these links.

The blue tetrazolium reaction, utilized for quantitatively determining corticosteroids, involves the oxidation of the α-carbonyl moiety of the corticosteroid by blue tetrazolium, resulting in the formation of a highly colored formazan compound. 

This reaction is widely employed in pharmaceutical analysis and is based on a mechanism proposed by Oteiza et al. The proposed mechanism suggests that the reaction proceeds through the transfer of an electron pair and a proton from the anion formed by the action of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) on the α-carbonyl moiety of the corticosteroid to blue tetrazolium. This mechanism was supported by experimental data, including kinetics studies and observations of the reaction rate's dependence on the molecular structure of corticosteroids.

 The proposed mechanism involves the formation of a complex between the enolate ion of the corticosteroid and blue tetrazolium, followed by the transfer of an electron pair and a proton to produce a glyoxal derivative and a formazan compound. The intermediate complex formed during the reaction is consistent with the observed experimental data and supports the proposed mechanism.

the transfer of an electron pair and a proton to blue tetrazolium. Overall, the blue tetrazolium reaction provides a reliable method for quantitatively determining corticosteroids in pharmaceutical analysis, with the proposed mechanism offering insights into the underlying chemical processes involved.

1. Lakshya Mutha:

   • Role: Leads Research and Development.
   • Responsibilities: Focuses on the scientific aspects of CortisolX, conducting experiments, refining biochemical processes, and ensuring the efficacy of the technology.

2. Manvy Devraj:

   • Role: Responsible for Design and Outreach.
   • Responsibilities: Manages the visual aspects of CortisolX, including design and promotional materials. Additionally, handles public relations and outreach efforts to foster engagement and awareness within the community and at public events.

3. Nandini Tambi:

   • Role: Oversees Logistics.
   • Responsibilities: Manages supplies, coordinates events, and handles the administrative aspects for the smooth functioning of CortisolX as a non-profit organization.

Duration of Work on CortisolX

We have been working on CortisolX for the past 1.5 years. This period has involved the initial concept and ideation, extensive research and development, and rigorous testing and feedback collection. Our efforts have focused on creating a non-invasive stress detection tool, refining the technology, and gathering valuable insights from users and experts to ensure its effectiveness in managing stress and detecting cortisol-related disorders.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at CortisolX

Diverse Leadership Team:

• Our leadership team at CortisolX is comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. This diversity helps us better understand and address the varied needs of our users.
• Example: Our co-founders include Lakshya Mutha, who leads Research and Development with a focus on biochemistry; Manvy Devraj, who oversees Design and Outreach with expertise in public relations and visual communication; and Nandini Tambi, who handles Logistics and Operations, ensuring efficient project management.

Goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

• Goal: We aim to continually enhance our team’s diversity by actively recruiting individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
• Equity: We strive to provide equal access to opportunities and advancement for all team members, addressing systemic barriers and ensuring fair treatment.
• Inclusion: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every team member feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

Actions Taken:

1. Inclusive Recruitment Practices:

   • We have implemented recruitment strategies that focus on reaching a diverse pool of candidates, including partnerships with organizations that support underrepresented groups in STEM.
   • Source: Research shows that diverse teams are more innovative and effective (Harvard Business Review).

2. Equity in Opportunity:

   • We ensure equitable access to professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs, training, and career advancement support.
   • Source: Equitable practices in the workplace improve employee satisfaction and retention (Society for Human Resource Management).

3. Welcoming Environment:

   • Our workplace culture promotes respect and inclusion through regular DEI training, open communication channels, and support networks.
   • Source: Creating inclusive environments enhances team collaboration and productivity (Deloitte Insights).

4. Feedback and Continuous Improvement:

   • We actively seek feedback from team members on our DEI initiatives and make necessary adjustments to improve inclusivity.
   • Source: Continuous feedback mechanisms are essential for fostering an inclusive workplace (McKinsey & Company).

Commitment to Continuous Improvement:

• Long-Term Goals: We are committed to continually assessing and improving our DEI practices. Our long-term goal is to establish CortisolX as a model of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the health technology sector.
• Monitoring Progress: We will regularly review our DEI metrics and report on our progress to ensure transparency and accountability.

By fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, CortisolX not only enhances its internal team dynamics but also ensures that our solutions effectively serve a broad and diverse user base. This commitment aligns with MIT Solve’s dedication to DEI and helps us create a more equitable and inclusive society.

CortisolX Business Model

Value Proposition: CortisolX aims to revolutionize stress management and cortisol-related disorder detection through a non-invasive, real-time monitoring system. Our solution provides significant value by empowering users with the ability to monitor their stress levels, understand personal stress triggers, and manage their mental health proactively.

Key Beneficiaries

1. Students and Educators:

   • Need: High levels of stress due to academic pressure and teaching responsibilities.
   • Value: Real-time monitoring of cortisol levels helps in identifying and managing stress before it leads to severe mental health issues.

2. Healthcare Providers:

   • Need: Efficient tools for diagnosing and managing cortisol-related disorders such as hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism.
   • Value: CortisolX offers a reliable, non-invasive method for early detection and monitoring of these conditions, facilitating timely medical intervention.

3. General Public:

   • Need: Accessible and affordable means to monitor and manage stress.
   • Value: CortisolX provides a simple, user-friendly tool that can be used at home or work to maintain mental well-being.

Products and Services

1. CortisolX Device:

   • Description: A non-invasive, colorimetric patch that measures cortisol levels in sweat and saliva, providing real-time stress level readings.
   • Delivery: Distributed through schools, universities, healthcare facilities, and direct online sales.

2. AI-Powered Chatbot:

   • Description: A personalized chatbot that offers stress management advice based on real-time cortisol readings and user interactions.
   • Delivery: Integrated into the CortisolX mobile app, available for download on major app stores.

3. Educational Resources:

   • Description: An awareness page and workshops that educate users about cortisol, stress management, and related health issues.
   • Delivery: Online resources available on the CortisolX website and in-person workshops in collaboration with educational institutions and NGOs.

Revenue Streams

1. Direct Sales:

   • Model: Selling the CortisolX device and associated products directly to consumers through an e-commerce platform and partnerships with retail stores.

2. Institutional Sales:

   • Model: Partnering with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and corporate wellness programs to bulk-sell CortisolX devices and services.

3. Subscription Services:

   • Model: Offering subscription plans for continuous access to the AI-powered chatbot, regular updates, and additional features such as personalized stress reports and advanced analytics.

Why Beneficiaries Want or Need CortisolX

1. Students and Educators:

   • Reason: Managing stress effectively can improve academic performance and overall well-being. Real-time feedback helps in taking timely actions to mitigate stress.
   • Benefit: Better mental health, reduced risk of stress-related disorders, and enhanced academic and teaching performance.

2. Healthcare Providers:

   • Reason: Early detection of cortisol-related disorders enables timely intervention, improving patient outcomes.
   • Benefit: Efficient diagnosis and monitoring of patients, leading to better healthcare services and reduced long-term healthcare costs.

3. General Public:

   • Reason: Easy-to-use, affordable stress management tools are essential for maintaining mental health in a fast-paced world.
   • Benefit: Improved mental well-being, reduced risk of chronic stress, and better quality of life.

By addressing the specific needs of these key beneficiaries and providing them with valuable, easy-to-access products and services, CortisolX aims to make a significant impact on stress management and mental health care.

Financial Sustainability Plan for CortisolX
Revenue Streams

1. Direct Sales

• Model: Selling CortisolX devices and associated products directly to consumers.
• Channels: E-commerce platform, partnerships with retail stores, and direct sales at events.
• Pricing Strategy: Competitive pricing to ensure affordability and accessibility while maintaining a healthy profit margin.

2. Institutional Sales

• Model: Bulk sales to educational institutions, healthcare providers, and corporate wellness programs.
• Channels: Partnerships with schools, universities, hospitals, and corporations.
• Value Proposition: Offering discounted rates for bulk purchases to encourage large-scale adoption.

3. Subscription Services

• Model: Subscription plans for continuous access to AI-powered chatbot, regular updates, personalized stress reports, and advanced analytics.
• Channels: Subscription through the CortisolX mobile app.
• Pricing Strategy: Tiered subscription plans to cater to different user needs and budgets.

4. Workshops and Training Programs

• Model: Charging fees for educational workshops and training programs conducted in collaboration with schools, universities, and NGOs.
• Channels: Partnerships with educational institutions and NGOs.
• Value Proposition: Providing valuable knowledge and skills on stress management and cortisol monitoring.

Evidence of Success

Grants and Funding

• Microsoft Starters Hub: Secured $3,500 USD in funding, demonstrating confidence in CortisolX’s potential and providing initial capital to support R&D and early-stage operations.
• Department of Science and Technology (DST): Recognition from DST underscores the scientific credibility of CortisolX, which can aid in securing further grants and funding from governmental and non-governmental sources.

Sales Revenue

• School Event: Generated 40,000 INR (approximately $500 USD) in sales from testing events conducted at our school, proving market demand and willingness to pay for the product.
• Initial Market Penetration: Positive feedback and sales from early adopters indicate a promising market for CortisolX, with potential for scaling up.

Long-Term Financial Sustainability

Scaling Operations

• Expansion Plan: Gradually expand market reach across various states in India within the first year, and to other regions like Hong Kong and Singapore over five years. This will be achieved through strategic marketing and partnerships.
• Operational Efficiency: Focus on optimizing production processes to reduce costs and improve profit margins. Implementing scalable business practices to handle increased demand efficiently.

Diversifying Revenue Streams

• Research Grants: Continuously seek research grants and funding opportunities from governmental and private organizations to support ongoing R&D efforts.
• Corporate Partnerships: Establish partnerships with corporations for wellness programs, providing steady revenue through service contracts and bulk sales.

Sustained Donations and Grants

• NGO Collaborations: Partner with NGOs for fundraising and donations to support the distribution of CortisolX in underprivileged communities, ensuring broad accessibility and impact.
• Grant Applications: Regularly apply for grants aimed at innovative health solutions, leveraging our successful track record and recognized credibility to secure additional funding.

Conclusion

CortisolX ensures financial sustainability through diversified revenue streams, successful initial funding, and strategic expansion, aiming to secure ongoing support and optimize operations for long-term impact and accessibility. At the same time, we donate most of our margins that we don't use in operations to provide an added benefit from our organization.