The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $1 million grant to mental health vocal biomarker startup TQIntelligence. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding is earmarked for the Atlanta-based startup to investigate how to use AI to diagnose potential mental health issues by analyzing audio recordings of children and teens speaking.
TQIntelligence
TQIntelligence has developed an AI tool to analyze speech patterns for indicators of mental distress such as anxiety and depression. The proprietary algorithm learns from existing data sets what kinds of subtle speech patterns may indicate concerns and shares real-time feedback with therapists, including insights into psychiatric symptoms the patient might be exhibiting. Vocal biomarkers could be very useful for younger people who struggle with trying to explain how they feel or are reluctant to open up to therapists or counsellors. Early detection of depression and other mental health problems could reduce the rate of suicide and other harmful behaviors. TQIntelligence presents the technology as a support for more traditional therapy, especially in underserved communities with limited mental health resources.
“Health equity is a serious social justice issue and children and adolescents in underserved communities disproportionately suffer from pediatric trauma,” said Dr. Yared Alemu, founder and CEO of TQIntelligence. “By introducing objective data, transparency and accountability into the process, we can transform behavioral health care for at-risk youth.”
Vocal biomarkers of mental health
TQIntelligence is one of a growing number of voice biomarker startups interested in applying voice AI to mental health, such as mobile app and API. probe health launched in October to analyze mental health through voice recordings. There is also a growing channeling of funds to the industry. Ellipsis Health collected $26 million to grow its depression and anxiety voice test last fall, not long after Kintsugi, the mental health vocal biomarker startup, closed a $8 million funding round. However, obtaining the NSF grant is a significant victory for TQIntelligence, as only 5% of applicants receive the requested funding.
“NSF is proud to support the technology of the future by thinking beyond incremental developments and funding the most creative and impactful ideas across all markets and areas of science and engineering,” said Andrea Belz, NSF Division Director. “With the support of our research funds, any deep tech start-up or small business can guide basic science toward meaningful solutions that address tremendous needs.”
Follow @voicebotai Follow @erichschwartz
Ellipsis Health raises $26 million for behavioral health voice tests
Sonde Health Introduces Mental Health Vocal Biomarkers API and App
