A recent appearance by Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal on the 'Figuring Out' podcast hosted by Raj Shamani captured widespread attention, but not solely for his business insights. The online spotlight quickly shifted to a small, metallic object discreetly attached to Goyal's temple, igniting a firestorm of speculation across social media platforms.
From Viral Speculation to Scientific Revelation
While many viewers joked that the object might be chewing gum or a hidden charging port, the reality is far more advanced. The device is named 'Temple', an experimental wearable focused on monitoring brain function by tracking blood flow in real-time. This clip-on device continuously measures the circulation of blood to the brain, a critical indicator of neurological health and cognitive ageing processes.
The principle behind Temple is significant. The brain relies on a steady, robust blood supply to operate optimally. Fluctuations or reductions in this flow are linked to issues like fatigue, poor concentration, memory lapses, and age-related cognitive decline. Traditionally, studying this required large imaging machines in lab settings. Temple aims to bridge that gap by enabling continuous, real-world monitoring, allowing users to observe how blood flow patterns change during work, stress, or rest.
The 'Gravity Ageing Hypothesis' and a Personal $25 Million Bet
The development of Temple is underpinned by what Goyal calls the 'Gravity Ageing Hypothesis'. This theory suggests that the long-term effects of gravity may gradually impair the body's efficiency in pumping blood upward to the brain, potentially contributing to the ageing process. While intriguing, this hypothesis is met with scientific caution, as ageing involves a complex mix of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
It is crucial to note that Temple is not a Zomato product nor is it available to the public. It has been developed privately by Eternal, the parent organisation of Zomato, as part of Goyal's personal research initiative named 'Continue Research'. Reports indicate that Goyal has invested approximately $25 million into this project. There are no details on regulatory approvals or pricing, confirming its status as an experimental prototype.
Goyal's Personal Health Optimization Journey
Deepinder Goyal has been using the Temple device on himself for over a year, not as a launched product but as a tool for personal experimentation. This aligns with his long-stated interest in health optimisation, which has previously included tracking biological markers, following specific fasting regimens, and exploring various wellness modalities. For Goyal, Temple represents the next step: a way to study the direct impact of these lifestyle interventions on cerebral blood flow.
The viral moment from the podcast has inadvertently shone a light on the cutting-edge, albeit experimental, intersection of wearable technology and preventative brain health. While Temple's commercial future remains uncertain, it underscores a growing trend of tech entrepreneurs investing deeply in personal health biohacking and longevity research.
