Deepinder Goyal posted on the social network X on Thursday to respond to criticism from Indian doctors regarding his brain monitoring wearable device, Temple.
Defending the scientific basis of the device, he stated that if Temple were a scam or did not meet its claimed assertions, people would discover this within just a few days of using the product. He also mentioned that the company offers a no-questions-asked 14-day return policy.
Goyal emphasized that $30 million was invested in the development of the device, of which he personally contributed $20 million. He stated that his motivation is not financial, as he has sufficient funds for generations to come, and his interests are entirely aligned with ensuring scientific validity rather than seeking quick profits, for which he spent the reputation earned over 20 years.
He compared Temple to the Whoop fitness tracker, launched in 2015, asserting that most companies producing wearables start with internal research, and Whoop published its first validation several years later. Goyal added that Temple meets higher standards, noting that pre-prints are a step before peer-reviewed publications, which are forthcoming.
Expressing confidence in the product, he stated that they support their science and methods, and that every claim can be easily verified by individuals and institutions, and that numerous independent studies will appear once the device is available.
Furthermore, he clarified that this device is a fitness and health maintenance tracker, not a medical instrument. He added that if they clinically confirm any of their metrics at any point, they will announce it.
Nevertheless, some doctors remained unconvinced by Goyal's responses. Dr. Rishab Jain responded on X, pointing out that Goyal presented financial and personal sacrifices but did not provide scientific evidence. He called for an end to labeling legitimate scientific scrutiny as 'rage.'
Dr. Jain noted that answers to questions about medical accuracy revolved around investment figures, return policies, personal reputation, and promises of future research, none of which constitute scientific validation. Criticizing the return policy, he stated that 'subjective satisfaction cannot establish medical accuracy.'
Dr. Jain further stressed that doctors are not against innovation, but evidence must demonstrate it. He added that if Temple lives up to its promises, doctors will become among its staunchest supporters. He also reminded that science is not a popularity contest, and criticism is not 'rage,' demanding data that can be analyzed by independent researchers.
Temple is a wearable device that tracks blood flow and oxygen saturation inside the brain. The price of the device was not disclosed by Goyal. In May of this year, Goyal announced that the first 100 devices were ready to ship to selected founders, including athletes, scientists, doctors, founders, and creators who could provide feedback. The company reported that the device will be ready to ship by the end of this year. In February of this year, Temple raised $54 million in a seed funding round from friends and family investors at an estimated valuation of $190 million.
