Innovation

Janitri, a pioneering startup, has made a significant impact in the healthcare sector with its AI-driven diagnostic tools aimed at early detection of maternal complications, thereby working towards reducing fetal and maternal mortality. The company has introduced innovative solutions tailored for both individual and hospital use. The standout product of Janitri is the Keyar ECHO, a handheld device that facilitates regular monitoring of the fetal heart rate, enhancing confidence and reducing uncertainties in expectant mothers. In a similar vein, the Keyar Mini, an AI-integrated portable device, tracks the fetal heartbeat and allows data sharing with healthcare providers, thereby aiding in early detection and intervention.

For hospital environments, Janitri offers the Keyar CM, a beltless fetal monitoring patch that aids in detecting fetal distress during labor, and the Keyar DT Wireless & Portable Fetal Monitor, a digital upgrade to traditional TOCO probes and Dopplers, suitable for electronic fetal monitoring during childbirth and prenatal assessments.Additionally, Janitri has developed two applications: the Digital Pregnancy Monitoring App (Daksh) for comprehensive hospital pregnancy monitoring, and the Mother’s App, which focuses on baby kick tracking and pregnancy monitoring for expectant mothers.

The inception of Janitri traces back to the personal experiences of its founder, Arun, who grew up witnessing preventable maternal and fetal deaths in Alwar, Rajasthan. His neighbor's loss during childbirth significantly influenced him, driving his commitment towards this cause during his engineering studies. Post-graduation from the Vellore Institute of Technology and a stint in healthcare, Arun launched Janitri in 2016, which now boasts collaborations with over 4000 hospitals and has contributed to saving 5000 lives. Arun's vision and dedication have been the cornerstone of Janitri. The company, now comprising a diverse team of approximately 50 individuals including doctors, engineers, and business developers, operates under the ethos of passion and determination towards a shared goal. This vision aligns with Janitri's mission: "To see a world where no mother or baby dies during pregnancy, labor, and post-delivery," reflecting their commitment to societal change through technological innovation and social responsibility.

CAREing for Every Heartbeat

Inspiration

Arun Agarwal, born in Alwar, Rajasthan, around 20 years ago, was deeply inspired to address the dire state of maternal healthcare in India's rural regions. His motivation stemmed from witnessing the harsh reality of stillborn babies, maternal deaths during childbirth, and complications during labor, both through news reports and personal experiences within his community. Despite being a student at the time, these incidents left a profound impact on him, igniting a desire to find solutions to these pressing issues. “So, till my class 12th, I was there, and I definitely have seen a lot of challenges of healthcare around me in around family, friends and all. But at times, those were just thoughts, they were just the stories for me because I was not having any sort of an awareness about it, what are those problem, how it can be solved and all.” It was during his college years, studying engineering in Vellore, that Arun Agarwal realized the global magnitude of the maternal mortality and infant mortality crisis in developing countries. This realization prompted him to pursue further education in Biomedical Engineering to explore how technology could revolutionize healthcare. After completing his studies, Agarwal embarked on a journey across India, visiting hospitals in various settings, immersing himself in labor wards, and engaging in extensive discussions with healthcare professionals, including doctors, experts, nurses, and midwives. His goal was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental challenges in maternal healthcare at the grassroots level.

What he discovered was a healthcare system plagued by inadequate facilities in both rural and urban areas. In rural regions, the lack of staff and technology made it difficult to obtain timely updates on the health parameters of both mothers and babies during labor. Meanwhile, even in high-end urban hospitals, using expensive cardiotocography devices with complex partograph graphs posed challenges for staff nurses who conducted the majority of deliveries.

Arun Agarwal's journey and insights eventually led him to work on innovative solutions to bridge the healthcare gap and improve maternal and infant care in India, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to make a positive impact in the face of these daunting challenges.

Overall impact

The integration of wearable technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ushered in a revolutionary era in maternal and infant care. This remarkable wearable device, enhanced with cutting-edge AI capabilities, serves as a vigilant guardian, constantly monitoring the vital signs of both mother and child. The real-time transmission of this critical information to healthcare providers has proven instrumental in facilitating timely interventions, thereby averting potential complications during childbirth and in the crucial postpartum period. It meticulously keeps track of essential parameters such as the fetal heart rate, maternal heart rate, contractions, and fetal movements. When combined with other diagnostic tests, the AI provides invaluable insights that assist doctors in making well-informed clinical decisions, ultimately ensuring the well-being of both mother and newborn.

The transformative impact of this innovative device on maternal and infant health is nothing short of extraordinary. Over 60,000 mothers have experienced firsthand the benefits of this groundbreaking technology, witnessing marked improvements in their health and that of their infants. Perhaps even more striking is the fact that this device has played a pivotal role in saving over 5,000 lives. This statistic stands as a testament to its life-saving potential and underscores the invaluable contribution it has made to healthcare. In instances where irregularities are detected, the device acts as an immediate notifier, alerting the attending physician and the mother, thus enabling swift medical intervention if necessary. The advanced sensors and technology embedded within the device function as unwavering sentinels, ceaselessly working to prevent any potential harm or disability to the child.

Presently, this state-of-the-art technology has permeated the healthcare landscape, finding a home in more than 400 hospitals across various regions. Its widespread adoption signifies a paradigm shift in maternal and neonatal care, demonstrating its far-reaching impact. Moreover, the comprehensive training provided to over 1200 healthcare providers ensures that this device is wielded with the utmost proficiency, guaranteeing its optimal utilization in diverse clinical settings. Noteworthy features such as automated interpretation, remote monitoring capabilities, and an exemplary level of safety and accuracy have further solidified its standing as an indispensable tool in safeguarding the health and well-being of both mothers and their newborns.

To quote Arun from the interview, “During the initial phase of my research, I didn't have Janitri registered or any product developed yet. However, those two years of immersive research have been precious. They provided me with a deep understanding of every stakeholder involved in the 1000-day journey, covering the entire process from pregnancy to the first two years of a child's life. This knowledge has had a profound impact on building the product, shaping its use case, and refining the user experience across all aspects of the journey. It laid a solid foundation for addressing the needs and challenges faced by each stakeholder during pregnancy, labor, and the newborn phase.”

The noble idea garnered widespread support from organizations like BIRAC, the Gates Foundation, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Karnataka. Such was its impact that it even secured substantial funding on Shark Tank India, propelling the business forward. It stands as a beacon of hope, offering reassurance to expectant mothers and their families, knowing that they are supported by a state-of-the-art system that prioritizes their safety and well-being. The amalgamation of wearable technology and AI in maternal and infant care represents a monumental leap forward in healthcare. This groundbreaking device, with its capacity for real-time monitoring and data transmission, has emerged as a game-changer in preventing complications and ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child. Its widespread adoption and impact on thousands of lives underscore its significance in modern healthcare. As it continues to evolve and be embraced by more healthcare providers, it stands poised to redefine the standard of care in maternal and neonatal medicine, offering a brighter and healthier future for mothers and their precious newborns.

Business benefit

Because Janitri has innovatively harnessed AI technology to enhance maternal and fetal healthcare, the business has reaped significant benefits. Janitri's development and deployment of products like Keyar ECHO and Keyar Mini, which offer advanced, AI-driven diagnostic capabilities, have not only fulfilled a critical healthcare need but have also positioned the company as a leader in medical technology innovation. This leadership in a niche yet vital sector has opened new markets for Janitri, particularly in regions where access to quality maternal healthcare is limited.

The introduction of these products, particularly the Keyar CM for hospitals and the Keyar DT Wireless & Portable Fetal Monitor, has expanded Janitri’s customer base to include not only individual consumers but also healthcare institutions. This diversification has potentially increased the company’s revenue streams, as it caters to a broader market with varying needs. Moreover, the development of the Digital Pregnancy Monitoring App (Daksh) and the Mother’s App indicates Janitri's commitment to continuous innovation, creating new products and services that respond to evolving market demands. Furthermore, Janitri's success in collaborating with over 4000 hospitals and its contribution to saving lives have likely enhanced its reputation, potentially leading to new investment opportunities. The company's focus on a mission-driven approach to business aligns with the growing trend of socially responsible investing, making it an attractive option for investors who are keen on supporting businesses with a positive social impact.

On the internal front, Janitri's growth and success in making a meaningful impact have likely contributed to increased employee satisfaction and retention. Working for a company that is directly contributing to the betterment of society can enhance employee well-being and foster a sense of pride and motivation. This positive work environment, coupled with the company’s growth and success, makes Janitri an attractive employer, aiding in talent acquisition and retention.

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Social and environmental benefit

Janitri's innovative AI solutions for monitoring pregnant women offer a multitude of benefits to both society and the environment. In a society where high infant and maternal mortality rates have been a persistent concern, Janitri's technology directly addresses this pressing issue. By providing affordable, medical-grade fetal and maternal monitoring solutions, the startup helps ensure the well-being of expectant mothers and their newborns. This not only leads to healthier outcomes for families but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system, resulting in cost savings and a more efficient allocation of resources. Furthermore, Janitri's remote monitoring capabilities enable healthcare providers to offer timely and accurate care, reducing complications during pregnancy and labor. This has a profound societal impact by potentially saving lives and reducing the physical and emotional toll on families. Additionally, by promoting remote monitoring, Janitri's innovation aligns with environmental sustainability goals by reducing the need for frequent physical check-ups, ultimately lowering carbon emissions associated with healthcare-related travel. In essence, Janitri's innovation transcends business success, contributing to a healthier and more environmentally conscious society.

Interview

Mr. Arun Agarwal, Founder & CEO

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