Deepinder Goyal hits back at critics of his ₹85,000 Temple wearable: 'We didn't make any medical claim'

What the criticism was

Temple, the wearable from Deepinder Goyal's startup, has drawn questions over its ₹85,000 price, its science and the way it is positioned as a fitness and AI device. Medical professionals have asked for evidence, especially for its claim to track changes in blood flow to the brain.

What Goyal said back

On 8 November Goyal replied point by point. On medical claims he said, 'We didn't make any medical claim,' and described Temple as a fitness and AI product that is not proven to diagnose or prevent disease. On proof, he said products are sold at different levels of evidence, from whitepaper to pre-print to peer-reviewed study, and buyers can simply wait for peer-reviewed results.

On price, he apologised if buyers find it too expensive and suggested waiting for user reviews. He also asked people not to back Temple only because it is an Indian startup, saying the company wants to compete globally and expects no more than 1% of sales from India.

What is still pending

Goyal called 'Entropy', Temple's own measure of physiological strain, the device's main feature, but it has not been published and independent validation is pending. 'Brain Flow', the blood-flow feature, is not the main purpose, he said, and he promised a detailed note on how it is calculated, what it can be used for and its limits. He added that the company will get any regulatory clearances before making claims that need them.

Who owns Temple

Business Today's ownership breakdown, based on data from February 2026 when Temple raised $54 million at a post-money valuation of about $190 million, puts Goyal's stake at 28.59%, followed by Steadview Capital at 5.28% and Peak XV Partners at 3.17%. Employee stock options account for about 10%.