BNRG Update for December 2023
This month we start with the good news that EMR’s brain-based approach has been approved by the government for use with SkillsFuture Funding. It took quite a few months, but the news arrived at the start of November.
Below you will also see updates about completing the MVP, dev team meeting in Singapore, launching the new course (i.e., SkillsFuture), media interviews in response to the launch, and initiating discussions around VC/PE fundraising.
SkillsFuture Approval for BrainHealth Course in Singapore
SkilsFuture, the Singaporean body providing credit to citizens and employers to drive upskilling, has approved EMR’s brain-based approach. Learners can now apply their SkillsFuture credits to our new course hosted by SMU Academy.
You can register for or read about the course Train Your Brain: How to Improve Brain Health and Thrive After 45.
Approved eligibility for using SkillsFuture credits is a huge step forward that gives learners affordable access to the science and our brain training methods. Government credits reduce the fee to $199 SGD for participants over the age of 40 (compared to a full fee rate of $1728 SGD).
The first cohort runs in January, 2024.
Upcoming Media Interviews Following the Course Announcement
Two media interviews are scheduled, radio in Singapore and France, following the announcement and launch of the SMU Academy course.
The first is with Money FM and the recording takes place on Monday, December 4. The second is a French radio station and that recording is scheduled for Thursday, December 7.
We will update you on both once the recordings go live.
Similarly, video footage ahead of the SMY Academy course has already been shot and should be posted online relatively soon.
AI MVP Nears Completion — Nudging Better Brain Performance and Health
The final work order for completing the narrow AI MVP has been sent and final data security checks are underway with the anchor client. We have 228 people scheduled for the first digital nudging test here in Singapore.
The launch and testing will effectively deliver the full working MVP and provide a user feedback loop that informs our work on version 3 (see below, investor update).
Upon registering, users will receive a daily nudge tailored to their unique characteristics. They can then choose to listen to a one-minute audio cafe, read previous nudges, take a survey to further drive personalization, set their own goal, and more.
Here is an earlier version of the interface before it was tailored to the specs of our client.
We did have the opportunity to meet as a team this past November in Singapore. Being moe a network than a classic headquartered business in a single country, opportunities such as this are too few but truly appreciated.
Investor Discussions and Capital Raise
This fall we brought on board an experienced VC/PE advisor to guide us through the traditional investment process. While not much can be disclosed as conversations are ongoing, EMR is pursuing conversations and leads on two fronts.
With the MVP nearly in hand and new client conversations initiated, we are aiming for January/February in order to build and deliver version 3 of the technology. The next version will most likely focus on workspace integrations, enhanced feedback loops, and A/B testing the ML to ensure market fit.
The small increases in ADA prices haven't changed our stance toward taking the utility token (i.e., a presale of services) to an exchange. There is no value in locking in a massive loss.
As the right investor emerges, EMR will proceed with a BNRG buyback or, emerging from one of the conversations, build on the Cardano blockchain as part of our data verification methodology (as originally intended). The answer will emerge from the investor conversations and in 2024.
And Wishing Everyone a Happy Holiday Season!
We wish all readers, clients and researchers a happy holiday season!
