Microsoft has reaffirmed its commitment to IWill, an Indian mental health startup, by extending its funding through the 'AI for Accessibility' initiative. While the exact funding amount remains undisclosed, this renewal follows Microsoft's initial investment in IWill in 2022, supporting startups leveraging AI-driven solutions.

This fresh investment aims to accelerate the development of IWill GITA, heralded as the World's First Controlled Generative-AI Mental Health Companion in Hindi. According to IWill, GITA is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, utilizing Generative AI responsibly while upholding clinical standards.

Ioana Tanase, Accessibility PM at Microsoft, conveyed her excitement about backing the IWill team in their mission to enhance IWill GITA. "We're thrilled to continue supporting the IWill team in advancing IWill GITA. Our shared objective is to expand mental health support, reaching and assisting a broader Hindi-speaking audience," Tanase commented.

IWill's Mental Health Solutions

IWill has crafted an app capable of assessing users' emotional and mental health concerns, generating personalized therapy plans accordingly.

'IWill GITA' stands for 'Gen-AI Inclusive Therapy Assistant'. Drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of Lord Krishna, this therapy aims to bridge the mental health treatment gap, which currently stands at over 80% in India, and democratize access to quality mental healthcare.

In January 2024, IWill GITA embarked on its pilot phase, targeting the vast Hindi-speaking community, encompassing 615 million individuals across rural and urban areas.

Shipra Dawar, founder & CEO of IWill and ePsyClinic, expressed her gratitude for Microsoft's unwavering support, underscoring its crucial role in the inception of IWill GITA. 

Dawar remarked, "We are deeply grateful for Microsoft's continued support. Their initial backing was instrumental in shaping IWill GITA. We feel privileged that based on its achievements and future potential, Microsoft AI4A has extended further funding and support."