19-YO Builds Wearable Electrolyte Analyzer and IoT Mask for Athletes

At an age when many are still figuring out their life goals and careers, 19-year-old Sai Smaran from Karnataka has developed two innovative products: an Electrolyte Analyzer and an IoT-powered mask.

Sai, a college dropout from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), has always been passionate about technology and innovation. He often immerses himself in research papers to quench his curiosity about recent tech innovations.

The First Innovation: IoT-Powered Mask

During the pandemic, Sai faced a common issue—his spectacles fogging up while wearing a mask. This was a widespread problem for anyone wearing glasses and a mask. Despite being a Class 10 student in Karnataka, his passion for technology prompted him to research and experiment. Within a few weeks, Sai developed an IoT-powered mask.

This innovative mask has a small fan attached to it, controlled by a device, which helps clear the fog from spectacles. Although the product wasn't launched in the market due to a lack of mentorship and incubation support, it garnered attention from government bodies, earning him recognition.

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The Second Innovation: Electrolyte Analyzer

Sai didn't stop there. His next invention was the "Electrolyte Analyzer," a wearable device that helps users maintain electrolyte balance in their bodies. The analyzer identifies the sodium concentration in sweat and, using AI, recommends the right foods to consume to maintain balance. The device achieves an accuracy rate of 87-88%.

Sai explained, "There are a few sweat sensors, such as Gatorade GX, available in the U.S., but their availability in India is limited due to high pricing," in an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia.

Currently, no device in India offers real-time electrolyte level analysis and food suggestions like the Electrolyte Analyzer. Medical tests exist but are time-consuming and expensive. "This device allows individuals to monitor their electrolyte levels in real-time, making it both cost-effective and time-saving," Sai added.

It took him about 5-6 months to develop this innovative device. Sai also credited Ph.D. professors Jyoti Ranjan Pradhan and Kausik Lakshmi Raman from IISc for helping him with the development.

Relevance of the Electrolyte Analyzer Device

Electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate—are essential for regulating nerve and muscle function, maintaining water levels, and ensuring the body's acid-base balance. Imbalances can lead to serious health issues.

According to research from the NCBI website, about 44% of adults in India have electrolyte disorders like hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and hypocalcemia. Diabetics and children with severe acute malnutrition are especially prone to these imbalances.

Sai emphasized that his wearable device would be most beneficial for athletes and health enthusiasts who need precise electrolyte balance for hydration and performance. With the prototype ready, Sai is now reaching out to incubators to mass-produce the Electrolyte Analyzer.

Making the Device Affordable

While similar devices in the U.S. cost around Rs 15,000, Sai aims to price his Electrolyte Analyzer at Rs 5,000, making it affordable for everyone.

When asked about finding investors and incubators, Sai mentioned, "India's startup ecosystem is quite different from that of the U.S. or U.K. People here are more job-oriented and less willing to take the risk of building a startup," in his interview with Startup Pedia.

Despite these challenges, Sai remains optimistic and determined to turn his innovative wearable device into a successful startup.

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