Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal is spearheading a new venture called “Temple,” an experimental health device that signifies a significant deep-tech pivot for Zomato’s parent company, Eternal. This initiative is entirely separate from Zomato’s food delivery services and focuses on advanced health technology.

What is “Temple”?

• Description: “Temple” is a small, experimental wearable device designed to be worn on the forehead. It functions as a brain-flow monitor.
• Functionality: The device is engineered to continuously and accurately measure blood flow inside the brain in real-time, providing insights into brain health.
• Origin: Deepinder Goyal personally developed this device as part of his research. He has reportedly been using a gold version of the device for approximately a year.
• Parent Company: “Temple” is not a direct Zomato product but an initiative under Eternal, Zomato’s revamped parent company, which is focused on longevity and deep tech.

The “Gravity Aging Hypothesis” and Device Utility

• Hypothesis: Goyal developed “Temple” while exploring his “Gravity Aging Hypothesis,” an unconventional theory suggesting that gravity might contribute to human aging by potentially reducing blood flow to critical brain areas like the hypothalamus and brainstem.
• Device Value: Goyal emphasizes that even if the “gravity aging” aspect of the hypothesis is disproven, the “Temple” device retains significant utility. This is because measuring brain blood flow is an established and powerful biomarker for understanding aging, longevity, and cognitive health.
• Experimental Nature: Goyal describes “Temple” as a “small, cute company, if at all,” and not comparable to Eternal. This indicates its experimental status, with no immediate plans for integration into the Zomato app or commercial marketing tied to the hypothesis.

Zomato’s Brand and Deep-Tech Strategy

• Deep-Tech Investment: Zomato, through Eternal, is investing heavily in AI and machine learning to optimize operations like delivery routes and personalized recommendations, supporting ventures like Blinkit and Hyperpure. “Temple” is another facet of this broader tech-forward ecosystem.
• Visionary Image: The CEO’s involvement in brain-monitoring technology positions Zomato and Eternal as visionary companies, enhancing their brand image of innovation and future-forward thinking.
• Past “Temple” Connotations: The blog post notes that the word “Temple” has previously been associated with sensitive religious matters for Zomato, referencing incidents like the “Food doesn’t have a religion” statement and delivery partners’ religious objections. The new “Temple” device’s purpose is entirely distinct.
• ESG Alignment: The focus on enhancing human health and longevity subtly aligns with Zomato’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, particularly the “Social” aspect, reinforcing their dedication to societal well-being.

Investor Perspective

• Funding: “Temple” is reportedly seeking a $50 million seed funding round, with reported interest from investors such as Steadview, Info Edge, and Peak XV Partners.
• Goyal’s Track Record: Investors are drawn to Goyal’s successful entrepreneurial history with Zomato, seeing potential for new, high-growth revenue streams and diversification for Eternal.
• Longevity Market: The device aims to tap into the rapidly growing health and longevity market.
• Diversification: This move signifies Eternal’s strategic pivot into high-value consumer hardware and deep medical research, diversifying its business model beyond food delivery.

Consumer Perspective

• Personal Health Insights: The device appeals to consumers’ growing interest in understanding their internal health, offering user-friendly, real-time data on cognitive markers like memory, focus, and stress.
• Early Adopter Appeal: Groundbreaking technology with potential health benefits is attractive to early adopters.
• Trust and Validation: Widespread adoption will depend on the device’s proven reliability and accuracy, moving beyond personal testing.
• Convenience: The promise of obtaining brain health insights from a comfortable forehead sensor, rather than frequent clinic visits, aligns with the demand for accessible health solutions.

Future Outlook

• “Coming Soon”: The official “Temple” website indicates its upcoming launch with the tagline: “The future of health starts where no one’s looking. Inside your brain.” Specific timelines, pricing, and regulatory approvals are pending.
• Eternal’s Strategy: Eternal is expected to continue its deep-tech experimentation, enhancing Zomato’s technological capabilities and exploring new frontiers in health hardware and longevity.
• Broader Impact: The “Temple” project demonstrates Zomato’s ecosystem’s expansion beyond food delivery, with leadership aiming to contribute to a healthier and more cognitively aware future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is “Temple” in the context of Zomato’s CEO? 
  “Temple” is an experimental wearable health device, developed by Deepinder Goyal, designed to continuously measure blood flow inside the brain in real-time. It has no connection to food delivery or religious sites.
  
• Is “Temple” a Zomato product?
   No, “Temple” is not a Zomato product. It’s an initiative under Eternal, Zomato’s parent company, which focuses on longevity and deep tech, separate from Zomato’s core food delivery business.
  
• What is the “Gravity Aging Hypothesis”? 
  This is an unconventional theory by Deepinder Goyal suggesting that gravity might contribute to human aging by reducing blood flow to crucial brain areas. “Temple” was developed while exploring this hypothesis, though the device’s utility for measuring brain blood flow remains even if the hypothesis is disproven.
  
• Why is Eternal, Zomato’s parent company, investing in health tech? 
  Eternal is strategically diversifying its portfolio beyond food delivery. By investing in deep tech and ventures like “Temple,” it aims to tap into the booming health and longevity market, reinforcing Zomato’s brand image as an innovative, future-forward company.
  
• When will “Temple” be available to the public? 
  While an official website teases its arrival, specific timelines, pricing, and regulatory approvals for “Temple” are yet to be announced. It is currently described as an experimental project rather than a full-blown commercial scheme.
  
• What is the primary function of the “Temple” device? 
  The primary function of the “Temple” device is to continuously and accurately measure blood flow inside the brain in real-time.
  
• Who is the primary developer behind the “Temple” device? 
  Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato, is the primary developer behind the “Temple” device.
  
• What is the reported funding amount “Temple” is seeking?
   “Temple” is reportedly seeking a substantial $50 million seed funding round.
  
• What is the relationship between “Temple” and Zomato’s parent company, Eternal? 
  “Temple” is an initiative under Eternal, Zomato’s parent company, which focuses on longevity and deep tech.
  
• Beyond food delivery, what other areas is Zomato, through Eternal, investing in? 
  Through Eternal, Zomato is investing in deep tech, AI, machine learning, and ventures like the “Temple” health device, focusing on longevity and consumer hardware.