BraInSight

Around the world, approximately 2.5% of adults and 5% of children are affected by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), creating patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This disorder is much more prevalent in children, disrupting their learning and creating difficulties connecting with peers. Children with ADHD are also less likely to outgrow symptoms, with trailing complications of stress in adulthood leading to increased rates of other disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Once diagnosed, ADHD cannot be cured, however, parents can take steps towards symptom mitigation and control. The standard treatments are doctor prescribed medication plans or educational training through routines and schedules. Children are generally not recommended to start with medication and stimulation treatment, but behavioral therapy also cannot address all symptoms effectively while also requiring significant amounts of time commitment from parents and children. The other treatment through medication can be expensive, time-consuming to administer, and may come with serious side effects for children. 

Our product merges two powerful technologies, trigeminal nerve stimulation and EEG monitoring, into a single device, revolutionizing the landscape of non-intrusive treatments and diagnostic tools. At its core, the trigeminal nerve, a vital cranial nerve, takes centre stage, offering a gateway to addressing a spectrum of cognitive and mental health challenges including depression, ADHD, and cognitive impairment. The trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve that, when stimulated, can improve cognitive impairment, depression, ADHD, and other disorder symptoms. Electric pulses are sent through a node or patch on the forehead on a nightly basis for improved behavior and cognitive action during the day. The synergy between trigeminal nerve stimulation and EEG monitoring unlocks a wealth of insights into the user's neural dynamics. Through EEG readings, our device unveils the intricate interplay of brainwaves, offering a real-time window into the user's cognitive state. Gamma and Beta waves illuminate periods of heightened focus and cognitive engagement, showcasing tangible improvements in concentration and cognitive performance. Meanwhile, Alpha and Theta waves signify states of relaxation and mild mental engagement, providing valuable feedback on the efficacy of the treatment regimen. Our device is made to be concealable in everyday hat-wear, meaning that children can attend school without drawing attention to their ADHD or their treatment.

Our solution is meticulously crafted to cater to a crucial demographic: children aged 8 to 12, whose cognitive development and mental well-being are at an important stage in their lives. However, despite the critical importance of this developmental phase, children in this age range often face significant barriers to accessing comprehensive mental health support and innovative treatment modalities. In Canada, as in many parts of the world, children grappling with cognitive challenges such as ADHD, depression, and cognitive impairment are frequently underserved by existing healthcare systems. Limited access to specialized care, long waiting times for appointments, and the stigma surrounding mental health issues contribute to a landscape where many children struggle in silence, their potential left untapped. Our solution aims to address these pressing needs by providing a user-friendly, non-intrusive treatment option that can be seamlessly integrated into children's daily lives. By combining trigeminal nerve stimulation with EEG monitoring, our device empowers children to take an active role in managing their cognitive health from the comfort of their own homes. The impact of our solution is multifaceted and profound. By offering children access to cutting-edge cognitive enhancement technologies outside of clinical settings, we democratize access to care and empower families from all walks of life. 

Our journey to develop this solution stems from a deeply personal connection to the challenges faced by our target population. As members of the student committee and mentors to younger students, we have witnessed firsthand the struggles of children who grapple with ADHD and the impact it can have on their school life. These experiences have served as a catalyst for our team's collective determination to offer a safer, more convenient alternative that enhances the well-being of children suffering from ADHD. From the inception of our project, we have actively sought feedback and collaboration from children, parents, and educators. Their insights have helped shape every aspect of our solution, from its design and functionality to its accessibility and usability.

We have created a prototype of our trigeminal nerve stimulation and EEG machine with an external case of a hat for a real life. For the electroencephalogram monitor, we accomplished this by rewiring a heart monitor such that the device is capable of capturing brain waves. Electrodes were attached to the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) region of the brain/scalp (this is because this is the region associated with concentration, motivation, stress etc.) and brain waves were captured by an algorithm, which then displays differences in brain wave frequencies on a frequency-time graph. We tested our subjects on academic activities of different rigor as well as other relaxed activities such as listening to music and spending time on social media. These experiments demonstrated that concentration levels can indeed be measured by an EEG monitor, hence serving as evidence for the feasibility of our product. We are still in the testing stage for our product and collecting data to ensure the correct development of our product.

We are applying to Solve because we recognize the power of collaboration in overcoming barriers to our mission of improving children's cognitive health. Specifically, we hope Solve can provide us with technical expertise to enhance our solution's capabilities, facilitate market access and validation, and navigate legal and regulatory compliance. By leveraging Solve's network of partners and resources, we aim to accelerate the impact and scalability of our solution, ultimately making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families dealing with cognitive challenges.

Our business model revolves around offering a multiuse device for EEG and TNS (Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation), providing value to children aged 8 to 12 and their families by offering innovative solutions for cognitive health. We plan to offer two subscription plans: a premium plan including EEG detection software and a basic plan focusing solely on TNS functionality. The hardware, competitively priced at $400, serves as the entry point, while the subscription-based software generates recurring revenue, starting at $49.99 per month. This model allows us to cater to varying needs and budgets while capitalizing on the ongoing demand for cognitive health solutions. Our justification lies in our commitment to superior materials, streamlined production processes, close proximity to our customers, and strategic partnerships, all of which contribute to a sustainable and impactful business model.