Savonix

About Savonix

Savonix developed a digital neuropsychology platform to assess and monitor cognitive health, founded in 2014 by Dr. Mylea Charvat. The company's creation was deeply rooted in Dr. Charvat's personal experiences; her interest in neuroscience began at age 13 when her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, and was later solidified when her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury. As a clinical neuropsychologist with a fellowship in clinical neuroscience at Stanford, she experienced firsthand the prohibitive costs and long waiting times for traditional pen-and-paper cognitive tests, which inspired her to leave a career in academic medicine to democratize cognitive assessment.

The company operated on a B2B2C model, serving a diverse client base that included healthcare providers, payers, pharmaceutical companies, and corporations for employee wellness programs. Its primary market focus was in the United States and Asia, with a significant presence in Japan, where it partnered with major companies like Fujitsu and Mitani Sangyo. Revenue was generated by providing access to its digital assessment platform, which allowed for large-scale, cost-effective cognitive screening. The company has been reported as 'deadpooled' after filing for bankruptcy liquidation in October 2022.

Savonix's core product was a mobile application that digitized standard neuropsychological tests, making them accessible on any smartphone or tablet. The platform, built on the Unity gaming engine, was designed to be engaging and user-friendly, especially for seniors, featuring 3D technology to mimic traditional test interactions like drawing and tapping. A comprehensive assessment evaluating 13 cognitive domains could be completed in about 30 minutes, with shorter, three-minute micro-tests also available. Beyond test scores, the platform incorporated lifestyle and medical history to provide a holistic view of a person's brain health, identifying risks for cognitive impairment and supporting early detection of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.