In a funding development that reflects the growing global interest in consumer neurotechnology and mental wellness, Gurugram and New York-based startup Sychedelic has raised $3.5 million (around Rs 31.5 crore) in a seed funding round led by TurboStart, Ideabaaz and Praveek Ventures, along with participation from angel investors across India, the UAE and the NRI ecosystem.
Founded by Ria Rustagi and Bhavya, Sychedelic is building what it calls the world’s first closed-loop neuromodulation wearable designed in a headphone format for daily use. The startup sits at the intersection of neuroscience, AI and consumer wellness, aiming to make mental wellbeing more proactive, personalized and accessible.
At the core of the company’s innovation is a wearable device that combines neurostimulation, biometric sensing and adaptive AI to understand and respond to a user’s mental state in real time. The product integrates technologies such as tDCS, binaural beats and HRV biofeedback to create tailored neuroadaptive experiences focused on stress reduction, better focus, improved sleep and overall cognitive wellness.
The newly raised capital will primarily be used to strengthen marketing efforts, scale manufacturing capabilities, expand research initiatives and support the company’s upcoming global Kickstarter launch scheduled for May 2026.
Over the last six months, more than 100 early adopters have reportedly used the product, allowing the startup to fine-tune its hardware systems, stimulation technology and AI-driven adaptive algorithms through continuous real-world feedback.
In a significant regulatory milestone, Sychedelic has also received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, giving its product medical device status in India. The company has additionally filed global patent applications, which are currently under patent-pending status.
With operations already spanning India and the United States, Sychedelic is now preparing for a broader international rollout as it looks to position itself within the rapidly evolving neuro-wellness and wearable technology space.
-By Muskan Dengra
