From Home Lab to Healthcare Transformation: Agatsa’s Journey in Pioneering AI and ML-Infused Health Technology

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Neha Rastogi and Rahul Rastogi, Founders Agatsa Software Private Limited                      

Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey so far? What were the initial challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? 

In 2013, Rahul and I began our entrepreneurial journey following a life-altering event when Rahul’s father experienced a heart attack, necessitating continuous cardiac monitoring. We searched for devices that could detect heart problems early, especially for individuals like Rahul’s father, who were not tech-savvy. Finding no suitable solution, we decided to design our own device. Leveraging our backgrounds as electronics and telecommunications engineers, we set up a lab at home and worked on a prototype, this is our flagship product SanketLife came into existence.

The initial challenges we faced included limited resources for electronics manufacturing and prototyping in India. We had numerous failures while designing the microcircuit and faced difficulty in manufacturing the printed circuit board (PCB) domestically, leading them to outsource to China. Additionally, funding research and development was a significant challenge as most investors were more interested in established businesses than innovative start-ups.

Another major obstacle was obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for our medical device. Despite the challenges, we persisted and launched the beta version of SanketLife in 2016, followed by the commercial launch on Amazon in 2017. Over time, we improved and refined the product to make it accurate and visually appealing, ensuring it works in various settings and removes noise interference during ECG recordings.

We further expanded our product line with the launch of Multivital in 2020 and H360 in 2023, which are multi-parameter health monitoring devices capable of taking multiple health vitals along with ECG such as blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, temperature etc with a simple touch.

Throughout our journey, we clinically validated our devices in top hospitals and clinical settings in India, earning high praise from cardiologists and medical professionals. Our innovation has helped save lives and provide quality healthcare to people, especially in remote areas.

Overall, despite facing initial challenges with resources, funding, and regulatory approvals, our perseverance, technical expertise, and commitment to creating life-saving devices have helped us move and grow through this very tough and unexplored area of entrepreneurship which is Consumer oriented medical devices.

Tell us something about the footprint of  your manufacturing facilities?

We are 100% Made in India company which started from home based lab set-up. As the company expanded its product line and introduced newer versions of their devices, such as SanketLife Pro+ and H360, our manufacturing facilities evolved to accommodate the increased production volume and the integration of additional health monitoring parameters. Today, we have a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and quality control professionals overseeing the production process. Our largest manufacturing facility is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Our other manufacturing hub is located in AMTZ Vizag. Moreover, we are growing our footprints in overseas markets as well.

Tell us about the funding rounds you have completed so far, and what are your plans for raising more funds in the future?

We have successfully completed multiple funding rounds to support our growth and development. We have raised funds from Angels, HNIs, Government agencies and seasoned investors. Recently, we raised approximately $3.6 million in a funding round led by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries. Moving forward, we plan to explore further funding opportunities from Venture capital funds to continue our mission of transforming healthcare through technology and expanding our innovative offerings.

How is your company utilizing technologies like AI and ML to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of your product offerings?

By integrating cutting-edge technologies into our product offerings, we have unlocked numerous benefits for healthcare diagnostics. Technological advancements have facilitated swift and efficient analysis of medical data, resulting in quicker and more precise diagnoses.

Additionally, AI’s ability to detect subtle patterns and anomalies that may go unnoticed by human observers has been instrumental in early disease detection and preventive measures. This capability holds the potential to save lives and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Agatsa harnesses data-trained algorithms to serve multiple use cases, including disease detection and early alerts. Moreover, these advanced algorithms augment doctors’ decision-making processes, facilitating quicker and more precise diagnoses.

By leveraging the continuous learning capabilities of machine learning algorithms, Agatsa has achieved enhanced diagnostic accuracy, leading to a reduction in errors and ultimately improving overall healthcare outcomes. These algorithms adapt and evolve based on new data and insights, ensuring that the diagnostic process remains up-to-date and effective.

Overall, Agatsa’s use of AI and ML technology demonstrates our commitment to advancing healthcare diagnostics and delivering better patient care through cutting-edge innovation and continuous improvement.

What future projects or advances is Agatsa Software Private Limited working on or considering in the field of health technology when it comes to AI and ML?

Agatsa is determined to change consumer behaviour towards health, from reactive to preventive. Our products are also designed such that they can be used by any individual for detecting, monitoring and managing non communicable diseases like cardiac diseases. In the same direction,  our R&D team is working towards better and intelligent products to solve customer needs so that individuals can monitor their health around the clock, anytime anywhere. As our products are proudly Made in India, we are determined to scale our production line and distribute our products in every nook and corner of the country.