In a world increasingly recognising the critical importance of mental health, access to quality care remains a significant challenge, particularly in underserved communities. The vital gap in Kenya is being addressed by Train Your Brain, a revolutionary healthcare company led by CEO Ross Alwala. Through a unique blend of technology, community engagement, and a deep commitment to affordability, they are transforming how mental wellness is perceived and accessed, making it a compelling candidate for the Verto award.
Mental health issues are a sensitive and heavy task, exacerbated by the scarcity of affordable services, limited specialised personnel, and persistent societal stigma. Traditional care models often prove inaccessible due to geographical barriers, high costs, and prevailing perceptions. This leaves a vast portion of the population, especially youth, without the essential support they need and the critical unmet need is precisely what Train Your Brain was founded to solve.
The multi-faceted problem is approached with a comprehensive, tech-driven ecosystem designed for broad impact. Their innovative approach provides 24/7 support through an AI-powered chatbot, ensuring immediate and confidential guidance is always available. They also offer an affordable therapy matching service, connecting users with licensed professionals based on their specific needs and preferences, thereby significantly reducing the cost and complexity of finding quality care. Beyond these core services, Train Your Brain integrates immersive mental wellness experiences, utilizing cutting-edge tools like Virtual Reality (VR) to offer engaging and unique therapeutic environments that promote self-care in innovative ways. The platform is designed with inclusivity at its core, offering features like sign language and voice assistance to ensure accessibility for diverse communities.
The holistic, tech-first approach that truly sets them apart, distinguishing it from traditional models and making vital services accessible to underserved youth and communities. The company's sustainable model, generating revenue from therapy subscriptions, mental health-themed merchandise, workshops, and crucial donor partnerships, further ensures its long-term impact.
Since its inception, the initiative has made remarkable strides, demonstrating tangible influence and inspiring growth. Here are their recent achievements:
The organisation has successfully reached over 2,500 young people with vital mental health education, fostering greater understanding and actively working to reduce stigma.
They have helped over 100 individuals access affordable therapy, directly translating into improved well-being for those in need.
Built a robust mental health website with AI-powered support, laying a scalable foundation for their services.
Expanded its team, launched powerful awareness films, and notably, contributed significantly to the repeal of Section 266 of the Kenyan constitution in January 2025. This landmark achievement decriminalised suicide, affirming mental health as a fundamental right and showcasing organisation's profound impact on policy and societal perception.
These achievements highlight not just growth in numbers, but a profound shift in how mental healthcare is perceived and delivered in Kenya. The company's vision extends far beyond Kenya, encompassing a truly global ambition for universal wellness. The company's business model is inherently scalable, aiming to bring its innovative, affordable, and accessible mental healthcare solutions across Africa and eventually worldwide. By integrating multilingual support and continually enhancing their tech capabilities, they are building a platform designed to reach diverse populations on a global scale. Their expansion plans for the next 1-3 years are ambitious yet clear: to scale across Kenya and East Africa, aiming to reach over 20,000 youth, onboard 100 licensed therapists, launch a dedicated mobile app, and establish school and community-based mental health hubs.
As a Verto award participant, they recognise a clear alignment of missions and the crucial role Verto could play in Train Your Brain's international aspirations. "Verto's commitment to empowering startups in emerging markets resonates deeply with my goals," Ross explains. "This award presents an exciting opportunity to gain the support and tools needed for my future cross-border initiatives. Verto’s focus on secure and seamless international transactions is exactly what I need as I prepare to scale beyond Kenya."
Winning the prize money would be a significant catalyst, allowing Train Your Brain to invest in critical infrastructure for international expansion – establishing multi-currency capabilities, improving transaction speeds, and building the robust financial backbone necessary for their global reach. This investment would directly reduce the cost and complexity of global transactions, ultimately benefiting the communities and individuals they serve.
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