Innovation

PredictView’s patent-pending transformative innovation pioneers the use of Artificial Intelligence integrated within users’ social media to empower individuals to proactively seek and care for their mental well-being. Such innovation not only reveals an individual's mental health status but also provides opportunities to self-assess their readiness and need for help. PredictView’s innovation achieves this by identifying early signals of potential negative behavioral health issues from online content individuals are either contributing to, consuming, or connecting with.

Based on these signals, the “PredictView Platform uses neuro-linguistic and machine learning technology to properly detect and flag emotional distress signals and deliver insights to individuals''. Once these signals are detected, individuals then have the option to seek mental health services. There are many reasons why individuals do not seek help, but a primary reason is due to a lack of knowledge of what kind of help to seek and where to get it. Additionally, and equally important, this entire process of innovation is confidential, private, and secure. In short, PredictView acts as a proactive “middle-man” for individuals and mental health services. Similarly, their mission statement is “PredictView is committed to assisting psychotherapists with proactive outreach to those in need of mental health care”.

Inspiration

PredictView's inspiration lies within the collaborative efforts of co-founders Ross Comerford and Randy Waters, who both have extensive experience within the startup ecosystem, along with backgrounds encompassing software, data analytics, engineering, and statistics. Equally significant is their shared bond with close colleagues and loved ones who have been impacted by mental health challenges, ultimately inspiring their mission. Randy Waters, an industry veteran with 40 years of experience, embarked on this mission after his first-hand, personal encounter with the impact and burden of mental health, witnessing his son’s return from Afghanistan with PTSD, and in his own words, “came back home very, very broken.”

Originally, both Comerford and Waters were founders of a startup focused on providing analytical solutions and statistics for major basketball leagues, including the NBA and NCAA. Yet, in March 2020 during an early field trial of the analytics platform, the system proactively identified and prevented a suicide attempt. Additionally, Waters shared that initially, the target audience for such a pivoted platform would address the athletic program in universities; however, Waters described an incident where their AI detected and flagged an end-of-life message from a 15-year-old girl. Ultimately, this intervention saved this girl’s life and, in Randy’s words, “was an aha moment for us. This is way bigger than a tool for athletic departments at universities. This is the tool that can be used for all people, to help people across all age groups, all ethnic boundaries, all other demographics that you can think of, and we were purpose-driven.”

Overall impact

PredictView can detect early signs of distress and mental health concerns, potentially saving lives, bringing awareness to mental health, and making consumers more conscious of what they surround themselves with, especially on social media. Furthermore, it changes the stigma about mental health. Predict View is much more than just an algorithm; this tool could create more data-driven insights, leading IT companies and health organizations to better understand the population’s mental health.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development across various dimensions. The two SDGs relevant to PredictView are Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The third SDG focuses on reducing maternal mortality, ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5, combating communicable diseases, and addressing non-communicable diseases. By identifying potential mental health issues early on, PredictView can play a role in preventing severe mental health crises and potentially saving lives. The ninth SDG aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. It emphasizes the importance of technological progress and innovation for sustainable development. PredictView represents an innovative approach to mental health monitoring, utilizing algorithms and technology to provide early insights into individuals' mental well-being. By integrating mental health considerations into technology, PredictView sets an example for other companies, promoting a holistic approach to well-being and contributing to a positive societal standard.

Business benefit

The mental health industry has been growing since COVID-19 – first measured as a $130 billion global market in 2019. It grew strongly throughout the pandemic, reaching $181 billion in 2022. “The United States is the largest market ($87 billion in 2022), followed by China, Canada, Germany, and Japan.” (Global Wellness) The global mental wellness market is slated to reach USD 280.52 billion by 2030. At the heart of the industry is the recognition of health issues, such as anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common mental disorders, affecting 970 million people globally, or 1 in every eight. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) The expansion of social media has led to an increase in the desire for company involvement in supplying mental health resources. PredictView’s revolutionary technology will lead the modernization of mental health tools, contributing to the growth of like-minded businesses globally.

PredictView stands at the forefront of business innovation, benefitting social media users by introducing groundbreaking AI-based Mental Health Service Applications. With a recent infusion of $4 million in Seed II funding and a valuation cap of $25 million with a 20% discount, PredictView is poised for significant growth and impact. The platform's ability to detect early signs of mental health issues in social media users by flagging posts immediately through AI, reflects a commitment to user well-being across all social media platforms. The deployment of funds for a Peer-Reviewed Clinical Study in 3Q24, Customer Trials in 4Q23, and securing the First Customer Contract in the same quarter showcases a strategic and rapid approach to market entry and product validation. The company has swiftly expanded its team to over 30 employees, demonstrating a commitment to scalability and expertise. Notably, PredictView places a high emphasis on employee well-being, fostering a positive work environment that translates into heightened productivity and innovation. The introduction of the Mental Health Crisis AI as a new service underscores PredictView's dedication to addressing crucial societal challenges through technology. As PredictView continues to open new markets, it concurrently contributes to shaping new investment opportunities. Its focus on the mental health and telehealth space, along with collaborative efforts with social media platforms to adjust content algorithms for user well-being, positions PredictView as a pivotal player in the intersection of technology, mental health, and social media. The platform's multifaceted approach not only drives business success but also brings about positive societal change by prioritizing mental health awareness and intervention in the digital realm.

Social and environmental benefit

PredictView's innovative AI-based Mental Health Service Applications align with Sustainable Development Goal 9, which focuses on "industry, innovation, and infrastructure." By leveraging cutting-edge technology, PredictView not only addresses societal well-being but also minimizes its environmental impact. The platform's emphasis on early detection and proactive outreach aligns with the goal's objective of fostering innovation for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Furthermore, by offering remote access to mental health services, PredictView contributes to reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional healthcare infrastructure. In this way, PredictView exemplifies a holistic commitment to sustainable development, intertwining advancements in industry and innovation with a positive societal and environmental impact.

Additionally, PredictView's income strategy extends beyond just the innovation it offers but rather envisions being included within companies' insurance policies similar to dental or vision care. It is understood that employee mental health positively impacts job performance, and such a relationship is mediated by innovative behavior and work engagement (Lu, Yu, and Shan). As a result, PredictView aims to emphasize employee well-being, reshaping the workplace infrastructure and fostering a more supportive, innovative, and successful environment. This strategy not only drives PredictView's growth but also emphasizes the crucial link between mental health and industrial success, contributing towards Sustainable Development Goal 9.

Interview

Randy Waters, Co-founder