Startup Originals Team
Delhi NCR-based wearable technology startup Sychedelic has raised $3.5 million in a seed funding round to develop AI-powered headphones focused on stress reduction, focus enhancement, and mental wellness. The round was backed by investors including Cultadvisors LLP, TurboStart, Ideabaaz, and Praveek Ventures, along with several angel investors.
The startup plans to use the funding to expand manufacturing, strengthen research, boost marketing, and prepare for a global Kickstarter launch in 2026.
From Neuphony to Sychedelic
Founded in 2020 by Ria Rustagi and Bhavya Madan, the company originally operated under the name Neuphony.
At first, the startup focused on EEG-based neurofeedback headbands that monitored brain activity and mental wellness indicators. Over time, the founders pivoted toward a broader and more consumer-friendly product category with the launch of Sychedelic.
The company is now building wearable headphones that combine AI, biometric tracking, and neurostimulation technologies to support mental wellbeing in everyday life.
How the AI-Powered Headphones Work
Sychedelic describes its product as a “closed-loop neuromodulation wearable” designed in headphone form.
The device combines:
- Real-time biometric tracking
- Adaptive AI systems
- Neurostimulation technologies
Its technology stack includes:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
- Binaural beats
- Heart rate variability biofeedback
According to the startup, the headphones continuously monitor a user’s stress and cognitive state and automatically adapt stimulation levels in real time.
Real-Time Stress Monitoring Through Sensors
The wearable uses photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, a non-invasive optical sensing technology that tracks changes in blood flow.
This allows the system to:
- Detect stress levels
- Monitor cognitive states
- Adjust stimulation dynamically based on live biometric data
The startup claims this makes its system one of the first wearable technologies capable of delivering adaptive neuromodulation using real-time feedback.
Product Testing and Regulatory Progress
More than 100 early users reportedly tested the product over the last six months. Their feedback helped improve:
- Hardware systems
- Stimulation technologies
- AI-driven adaptive algorithms
Sychedelic also stated that it has:
- Received approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- Filed global patent applications for its technology
These steps could help strengthen the startup’s credibility as it expands internationally.
Global Expansion Plans
The company currently operates across:
- India
- The United States
It also maintains:
- A Delaware-based entity
- A science adviser in New York
- International freelance marketing teams
The startup plans to use its upcoming Kickstarter launch to reach global consumers and expand brand awareness.
The Bigger Picture
Mental wellness and wearable technology are becoming rapidly growing sectors worldwide. Increasing stress levels, digital fatigue, and awareness around mental health are driving demand for specialised wellness devices.
India’s smart wearable market is projected to reach $10.26 billion by 2031, creating significant opportunities for startups focused on health-tech innovation.
Sychedelic sits at the intersection of:
- AI
- Wearables
- Mental wellness
- Neurotechnology
Conclusion
With $3.5 million in fresh funding, Sychedelic is positioning itself as a next-generation mental wellness technology company. By combining AI, biometric sensing, and neurostimulation into everyday wearable headphones, the startup aims to bring advanced wellness technology into mainstream consumer use.
