IWill, a leading AI and Digital Health Startup from India, has secured fresh funding from Microsoft‘s ‘AI for Accessibility’ program. The funding is earmarked to accelerate IWill GITA, the World’s First Controlled Generative-AI Mental Health Companion in Hindi.

Back in 2022, Microsoft had initially backed IWill under the same program, facilitating the genesis of the project. IWill GITA, based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, leverages the potential of Gen-AI while maintaining clinical flows and responsible AI use.

Commencing its pilot launch in January 2024, it aims to provide 615 million Hindi-speaking population across rural and urban landscapes with the most effective mental health support at the most affordable price. The initiative strives to bridge the staggering 80%+ treatment gap prevalent in the country.

“We are very excited to support the IWill team as they further develop IWill GITA. Our shared vision is to broaden the horizons of mental health support, reaching out to an even larger audience and serving more people within the Hindi-speaking community,” said Ioana Tanase, Accessibility PM at Microsoft.

“We’re so excited and humbled to receive the continued support from Microsoft. Microsoft’s immense support was invaluable in helping us create IWill GITA and we feel honored that basis its success and future vision, Microsoft AI4A extended the funding and support,” added Shipra Dawar, Founder & CEO of IWill and ePsyClinic.

IWill GITA, acronym for ‘Gen-AI Inclusive Therapy Assistant,’ draws inspiration from the ethos of Lord Krishna’s teachings encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita. Ms. Dawar emphasised the alignment of their mission with the national agenda for mental health awareness, citing PM Narendra Modi’s call for greater efforts in this domain. She underscored the pivotal role of Microsoft’s financial, technical, and mentorship support in enabling accessible and effective mental healthcare solutions for all.