Deepinder Goyal defends Temple wearable amid scientific scrutiny

Deepinder Goyal, the founder of Zomato and current head of the health-tech venture Temple, has responded to criticism from medical professionals regarding the scientific validity of Temple’s brain-monitoring wearable. Critics on social media have questioned whether the device, priced at ₹85,000, can reliably measure cerebral blood flow, noting that it may only track facial blood flow via the superficial temporal artery. Additionally, experts pointed out that studies published on the company website were not peer-reviewed and were conducted by the company itself.

Goyal defended the research and development, stating that the company has invested $30 million in the project, including $20 million of his personal funds. He addressed critics by asserting that Temple is a fitness tracker and wellness device rather than a medical device, noting that it has not been clinically validated. To address concerns of fraud, Goyal cited the company’s 14-day, no-questions-asked return policy.

The company plans to release pre-prints before pursuing peer-reviewed publications and expects independent studies to emerge as the device becomes more widely available. Pre-orders for the wearable opened on November 1, with shipping expected to begin in early 2027.