Savonix

Savonix developed a digital neuropsychology platform to assess and monitor cognitive health, founded in 2014 by Dr. Mylea Charvat. The company's creation was deeply rooted in Dr. Charvat's personal experiences; her interest in neuroscience began at age 13 when her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, and was later solidified when her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury. As a clinical neuropsychologist with a fellowship in clinical neuroscience at Stanford, she experienced firsthand the prohibitive costs and long waiting times for traditional pen-and-paper cognitive tests, which inspired her to leave a career in academic medicine to democratize cognitive assessment.

The company operated on a B2B2C model, serving a diverse client base that included healthcare providers, payers, pharmaceutical companies, and corporations for employee wellness programs. Its primary market focus was in the United States and Asia, with a significant presence in Japan, where it partnered with major companies like Fujitsu and Mitani Sangyo. Revenue was generated by providing access to its digital assessment platform, which allowed for large-scale, cost-effective cognitive screening. The company has been reported as 'deadpooled' after filing for bankruptcy liquidation in October 2022.

Savonix's core product was a mobile application that digitized standard neuropsychological tests, making them accessible on any smartphone or tablet. The platform, built on the Unity gaming engine, was designed to be engaging and user-friendly, especially for seniors, featuring 3D technology to mimic traditional test interactions like drawing and tapping. A comprehensive assessment evaluating 13 cognitive domains could be completed in about 30 minutes, with shorter, three-minute micro-tests also available. Beyond test scores, the platform incorporated lifestyle and medical history to provide a holistic view of a person's brain health, identifying risks for cognitive impairment and supporting early detection of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Keywords: cognitive assessment, digital health, neuropsychology, brain health, dementia screening, mobile health, cognitive testing, mental health, Alzheimer's detection, MedTech, health technology, cognitive function, clinical neuroscience, population health, digital biomarkers, neuropsychological tests, employee wellness, remote monitoring, healthcare data, preventative medicine