Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has a new wearable called Temple. In India, it costs Rs 85,000, and pre-orders are now open.
The device has sparked a heated debate among medical experts.
IBTimes India reported that doctors are questioning its scientific claims.
Key points
- Temple is a Rs 85,000 forehead wearable from Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal.
- Doctors question whether its sensors can measure blood flow inside the brain.
- Goyal has spent $30 million on the device, including $20 million of his own money.
- Several startup founders back Temple, while doctors want stronger scientific evidence.
What is Temple, and what does it claim?
Temple is worn on the side of the forehead. It uses light-based sensors to track blood flow and other signals.
Its BrainFlow feature aims to show blood flow and oxygen in the brain.
A metric called Entropy is described as a possible sign of body strain and ageing.
The company presents Temple as a fitness and wellness tracker, not a medical diagnostic tool.
However, its claims about brain circulation and longevity have raised questions.
Why are doctors raising doubts?
Several doctors ask whether a sensor placed on the temple can measure blood flow inside the brain.
That spot sits near an artery that mainly supplies the scalp and face.
Doctors say changes in blood flow near the scalp do not always reflect changes in the brain.
They also question whether Entropy has enough independent validation.
Neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar said the idea is intriguing but needs stronger evidence.
Doctors want transparent research, larger studies and independent clinical validation.
Goyal responded on X on November 5. He apologised for grouping all Indian doctors into one box.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
He said his anger was aimed at a few doctors he called influencers.
How are startup founders responding?
Several startup founders have backed Goyal.
India Today reported that they see the device as a sign of bold, science-led innovation.
Unacademy co-founder Gaurav Munjal said he wore Temple on and off for a few weeks.
He said it could become a global product built in India.
CARS24 co-founder Gajendra Jangid said the device could find buyers overseas.
He also said its Entropy biomarker still needs independent validation.
Prakash Dadlani said India should encourage people who take big risks.
He added that consumers can decide whether the Rs 85,000 product is worth buying.
So what does this mean for buyers?
The debate is still open. Doctors want proof, while supporters want room for new ideas.
For now, buyers have a clear choice to make.
They can weigh the price against the evidence, and the company's claims, before they decide.
Startup Story
The story so far
- The start: Goyal reportedly stepped away from running Zomato to build Temple, according to Prakash Dadlani's post.
- The debate: Doctors question the sensor science behind Temple, and Goyal has apologised for his remarks about doctors.
- Now: Temple is open for pre-orders at Rs 85,000 in India, and some startup founders are backing it.
How it makes money
Temple is sold as a wearable priced at Rs 85,000 in India, with pre-orders open. The article does not describe any other source of revenue.
One lesson
Strong health claims need independent evidence, and doubts about the science can matter as much as the product itself.
The numbers
| Development spending | $30 million (Source: IBTimes India) |
|---|---|
| Goyal's personal funds | $20 million (Source: IBTimes India) |
| Price in India | Rs 85,000 (Source: IBTimes India) |
This is general information from news reports, not financial or investment advice.
