Mariam Khayretdinova: Improving the Fight against Depression through AI

Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs.

Spiffy here, back with the scoop on the changemaking leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Mariam Khayretdinova, the founder and CEO of Brainify.AI. Let’s learn what’s happening there and how Mariam is making a positive impact in the world.

Spiffy: Thanks for joining me, Mariam! Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through Brainify.AI?

Mariam: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! Our work at Brainify.AI helps people suffering from depression by assisting pharmaceutical companies in developing effective antidepressants. We use AI technology to analyze brain signals, making it easier to identify patients who will respond well to new treatments. This leads to more successful clinical trials and ultimately brings better medications to those in need.

Spiffy: That sounds very cool! What motivates you to do it?

Mariam: I founded Brainify.AI after witnessing the devastating effects of depression and a suicide attempt in my family. I felt a strong desire to help people, particularly adolescents, who face these challenges. My personal motivation is to develop better treatments and support systems that improve the lives of those affected by depression, providing them with hope and a brighter future.

Spiffy: What a powerful motivator—thank you for sharing. What would you say is the impact of your work?

Mariam: Brainify.AI helps create better medicines for people who feel sad or down. We use smart computers to look at brain waves and find out which medicines will work best. This helps make new medicines faster and helps people feel better sooner.

Spiffy: Is there anything else you would love to tell our audience?

Mariam: It's important to remember that if you feel really sad or down, it's okay to ask for help. You can talk to your parents, teachers, or even a doctor. It's normal to feel sad sometimes. But, if it's too much, there are people who care about you and can help you. It's important to share your feelings, because getting help from a qualified doctor can make a big difference in your life. You're not alone, and together we can make things better.

Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Mariam—it’s been an honor!

Mariam Khayretdinova is the founder and CEO of Brainify.AI, a neurotech start-up that addresses depression research using a multidisciplinary approach. With a background in psychology, data science, and neuroscience, Mariam combines her expertise to create meaningful solutions for those affected by depression. (Nominated by Alex Parks of Harvard Innovation Labs. First published on the Ladderworks website on July 3, 2023.)

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.

© 2023 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by George Romar. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy's Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.