Microsoft-backed Healthtech Startup IWill Introduces GenAI Powered Reproductive Health Assistant "IWill Raksha"

Under IWill Raksha, the startup has launched two AI Programs for pregnancy planning and youth empowerment.

IWill, a Microsoft-backed AI and digital health startup has launched "IWill Raksha," a GenAI assistant for reproductive health. The platform is available in both Hindi and English.

The Controlled Generative AI Reproductive Health and Agency Assistant is developed in collaboration with USAID Momentum, Villgro, and Jhpiego, under the Yash Entrepreneurship program.

The initiative is supported by the Lloyds Infinite Foundation and Microsoft’s Startup Hub Founder Program.

IWill was founded in 2015 by Shipra Dawar. The team includes Ashish Dwivedi, Nayamat Bawa, and over 15 dedicated professionals. Dr. Rashmi Adrey, senior professional with over three decades of experience is a mentor to the team.

IWill Raksha seeks to focus on compiling and publishing improvement data, collaborating with diverse partners such as public health bodies, governments, and NGOs, and advocating for the use of controlled Generative AI as part of its immediate goals.

The platform focuses on safer pregnancies, reduced maternal health complications, enhanced family well-being, and early detection of health issues among the youth, addressing critical global SRH challenges, IWill said.

AI in Reproductive Health

According to the digital health startup, Rakshais the acronym for Reproductive health, Agency, Knowledge & Services Health AI-Assistant.

It is a comprehensive AI-driven assistant designed to bolster reproductive wellness, pregnancy planning, sexual agency, and awareness.

The platform offers guided counseling and aggregates affordable services tailored to individual needs, serving diverse audiences, including women, men, and individuals of different gender identities.

IWill Raksha aims to deliver essential healthcare services regarding reproductive health to underserved communities across Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-NCR, the startup said in a statement.

Under IWill Raksha, IWill Raksha has launched two AI Programs for pregnancy planning and youth empowerment.

The startup said its planned pregnancy program, powered by OpenAI, aims to enhance health outcomes for mothers and children by supporting couples and women during the pregnancy planning phase, covering physical, emotional, sexual, and financial well-being.

Whereas, the youth empowerment program provides access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

This initiative claims to offer a safe space for young adults, including men and individuals of various gender identities, to explore health-related questions and receive support, crucial in a country where less than 15% of young girls have access to reproductive healthcare.

With availability in Hindi and English, IWill Raksha caters to over 615 million Hindi-speaking users and ensures accessibility for the Indian and global population.

Microsoft’s Backing for Mental Health Platform

In April 2024, IWill received renewed funding from Microsoft for its mental health platform IWill GITA under the tech behemoth’s ‘AI for Accessibility’ program.

Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, the platform harnesses the transformative potential of Generative AI while maintaining clinical rigor and responsible AI usage, IWill claimed.

The app developed by the startup can analyze user’s emotional and mental health concerns and then creates personalized therapy. The startup says it is the first mental health application to provide services in Hindi.